The MOT testing guide has been updated to present as a series of web pages rather than the PDF document that preceded this new format. The information itself has not changed and now looks like the MOT testing manuals.
This change may be welcome for the 50,000 testers* yet to sit their annual assessment. The old PDF document could be difficult to navigate and to remember the keyboard shortcuts to quickly find phrases. The search challenge was exasperated by the need for perfect spelling and terminology whereas the new web page format will allow for the use of metadata (data about data) – in real terms if “tie rod” is entered, the web pages will understand this can also mean “track rod” as well as ignoring any missed keystrokes of spelling errors. Welcome relief for those who hate typing!
Those testers who leave the assessment to the last minute are likely to get plenty of practice with MOT testing forecast to be a busy month for March. The April drop off thanks to the 2020 MOT extension uptake from motorists will continue to provide a dead spot in the MOT work throughput and there are no plans at all to offer an extension to MOT annual assessment that happened last year.
Those who have not completed the training and assessment will be unable to test following the deadline of Thursday 31 March 2022
Anyone concerned about this year’s training and assessment, there is an event hosted by the IMI on February 10th at 3pm with DVSA’s head of policy Chris Price to give more information on this year’s MOT training and assessment requirement. “MOT Made Manageable” is a support webinar focused on training and assessment but will also cover discussion about the challenges and impact of the pandemic, how MOTs are a vital part of a garage business model, and where is the MOT headed with regards to people, training, and equipment.
A brief summary of what needs to be in place for testers to legally continue to test post deadline
- Complete annual training according to the syllabus
- Record your training, these records need to be kept for 5 years and be available for inspection.
- Sit the assessment. The pass mark this year is 80%, keep your certificate with your training record and ensure your MOT tester account is updated on completion (this should happen automatically, it is a good idea to check all is in order)
MOT stations can carry out their own training if it is to a satisfactory standard. This means that there are no formal qualifications or accreditations required in order to deliver MOT annual training and there are many organisations that offer solutions to choose from. There is much variance in price depending on what format the training is delivered in
You must stop carrying out MOT tests if you have not passed by the end of the training year. Your MOT testing account will be suspended.
If you do not pass your assessment in the training year
You’ll need to do the training and pass the annual assessment on the next year’s topics. For example, if you did not pass the 2020 to 2021 assessment you will need to pass the 2021 to 2022 assessment.
Once you’ve passed, you need to request and pass an MOT demonstration test. Your account will then be unsuspended.
Call DVSA to request your demonstration test. You’ll need:
- your MOT testing service user ID
- the MOT centre number of where you want to take the test
DVSA customer services
Telephone: 0300 123 9000 (option 2, then 4)
Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6pm (charges apply)
*Data correct as of 01/02/2022 source IMI