Appendix 6: Tester training and demonstration tests
Training requirements for testers, initial MOT testing training, demonstration tests, MOT annual training for testers, keeping a training record, assessment of new and returning testers, assessment of continuing competence, arranging a demonstration test.
In addition to meeting the criteria given in Section E2. Eligibility for becoming a tester prospective testers must successfully complete:
- an initial training course that explains the processes of MOT testing and reinforces the standards set out in the relevant inspection manual
- an observed demonstration test for an officer of DVSA
Testers may be required to complete additional training and observed demonstration tests before being allowed to test vehicles in classes that they have not previously been testing.
The following indicates the circumstances in which testers and potential testers are required to attend training courses, annual or additional training and to provide practical demonstrations of their testing competence to DVSA.
Candidates to become a tester
Anyone wanting to become a tester will need to do:
- initial tester training
- a demo test
From the date of issue of a Level 2 Award in MOT testing, a demonstration test must be successfully completed on a vehicle of testable age, within 6 months.
If the request for a demonstration test is over 6 months and up to 5 years from that date, the current years MOT annual training and MOT annual assessment and any additional training must be completed prior to the demonstration. Should this time period exceed 5 years they will need to re-attend initial training.
To continue testing following a formal warning or short term cessation
To continue testing following the issue of a formal warning, disciplinary period of 28 days (short term cessation), or when requested by DVSA, the tester will need to do:
- current year annual training and assessment
- additional training
- a demo test
If the current years training and assessment have already been completed, the tester will not need to redo them. However, if directed, they must take the appropriate additional training where requested within the disciplinary decision letter issued by DVSA and ensure all areas of weakness have been covered. All training must be complete prior to conducting the demonstration test.
Becoming a tester after a disciplinary period of either 2 or 5 years
To become a tester following a disciplinary period of either 2 or 5 years a tester will need to do:
- initial tester training
- a demo test
Testers wishing to add additional test classes
If a tester wants to add an additional test classes 3 and/or 5 to their test group they will need to do:
- additional training
- a demo test
See training requirements for class 3 and 5 vehicles.
Resuming testing following a lapse of 6 months to 5 years
To maintain their testing status, a tester must complete a full MOT test within a 6 month period for each test group they test. If a full test is not completed for either test group, the testers status becomes lapsed for that test group.
Before resuming testing following a lapse of over 6 months and up to 5 years, a tester will need to do:
- current year annual training and assessment
- additional training
- a demo test
Testers who wish to resume testing following a lapse of over 6 months and up to 5 years must complete the current years MOT annual training and MOT annual assessment and any additional training prior to the demonstration test.
Resuming testing following a lapse of 5 years
Before resuming testing following a lapse of 5 years a tester will need to do:
- initial tester training
- a demo test
If a candidate fails the demonstration test
If a tester candidate fails the demonstration test, they cannot reapply for another demonstration test for at least 10 working days to allow them time for further training and practice.
If a tester candidate fails the demonstration test on the second attempt, they cannot apply for a further assessment for 6 months. In addition, they are required to successfully complete the current year’s annual assessment and training prior to phoning the contact centre to arrange their demonstration test.
Any further failures would repeat the 6-month cycle, as such successfully complete the current year’s annual assessment and training. Should this cycle exceed 5 years they will need to re-attend initial training.
Monitoring test standards
To monitor test standards a tester will need to do a demo test when required to do so by DVSA.
Annual training
For annual training, a tester will need to do the current year annual training and assessment for each Group (A and/or B) they test. It is the testers responsibility to ensure that the annual assessment has been uploaded against their MOT Testing Service (MTS) profile
Testers who do not successfully complete the annual assessment and have it recorded against their MTS profile by the 31st of March will have their testing status switched to suspended. If they wish to resume testing, they must complete the current years MOT annual training and MOT annual assessment and any additional training prior to the demonstration test.
See MOT annual training for testers.
New testers are not required to complete the annual assessment or record annual training within the current year (1 April to 31 March) of a successful demonstration test unless they become lapsed.
For the purpose of demonstration tests, vehicles are grouped as:
- group A - for all vehicles in class 1 and 2
- group B - for all vehicles in classes 3, 4, 4A, 5, 5A and 7
With group B classes, a demonstration test may be required for each vehicle class within the test group. In some cases, a demonstration test may be observed on one class and the tester questioned about class variation to assess their competency on the other vehicles in this test group.
MOT Tester training is delivered by third party training providers and is paid for by tester candidates.
These qualifications are Level 2 Award in MOT testing in either:
- class 1 and 2 vehicles (group A)
- class 4 and 7 vehicles (group B)
Before testing class 3 or 5 vehicles, testers will be required to carry out:
- additional training
- a further demonstration test with DVSA
Contact the IMI or ABC Awards for details of where you can take class 3 and 5 training.
There is a charge for training. Each course provider sets their own price so the costs can vary.
Testers must complete at least three hours training annually and successfully complete the annual assessment. The annual assessment must be carried out solely by the tester.
If a tester fails the annual assessment, they should not re-sit the annual assessment for 7 calendar days to allow them time to study and review areas that may have caused them concern, this must be recorded on their training log. If that assessment is failed the tester should wait another 7 calendar days before they re-sit the annual assessment again, allowing further time for study.
The 7 calendar days cycle would be repeated if there were continued failures.
How MOT annual training is completed is purely at the discretion of the tester and authorised examiner (AE), which best suits the individual or organisational needs and requirements.
For further information please refer to MOT tester training and annual assessments.
The annual assessment is available from awarding organisations and is a pay per assessment approach. On successful completion of an assessment, the candidate will be provided with a certificate and a record of this assessment is recorded on MOT testing service by the awarding organisation.
When it can be proven that a tester did not complete their annual assessment themselves then DVSA will revoke the result and the tester is required to complete a further annual assessment and demo test before being allowed to return to testing.
Testers are responsible for recording their training log on the MOT testing service (user’s profile page). Entries can only be made in the current training year (1 April to 31 March). These will be available to DVSA to review remotely.
The training record must include:
- the date of the training
- how long the training session lasted
- what topics you covered during the session
- notes on what you did, how you did it and what you learned
AEs must ensure that their testers’ training is up to date. Where a tester is assigned to more than one site, the AE cannot assume that other AEs have ensured the tester training records have been kept up to date.
You have to keep previous paper and electronic records (prior to those recorded on the MOT testing service) for 5 years. These must be made available to DVSA on request.
The training record must include:
- the tester name and user ID
- which groups the training covered
- the date of the training
- how long the training session lasted
- what topics were covered during the session
- notes on what you did, how you did and what you learned
If the work of a tester reveals shortcomings in the required standards, DVSA may recommend that they carry out additional appropriate training. This may range from reading inspection manuals to sourcing external training support.
This recommendation does not prevent the tester from continuing to test, but failure to act upon it could decrease the value of anything put to DVSA in mitigation should formal disciplinary action against the tester be considered by DVSA within the following five years.
At various times, testers and prospective testers will be required to carry out an observed demonstration test to show that they are capable of testing in the required manner and applying the required standards.
Assessment of new and returning testers
The assessment of new testers, testers seeking to test additional classes and returning testers following a lapse in testing (see table above) will be scored using a major and minor error approach. Up to ten questions will also be asked, incorrect answers will be marked as minors. If the demonstration is not completely satisfactory, counselling and advice may be given and written appropriate to the assessment result which will either be pass or fail as set out in Appendix 8.9: Major and minor errors demonstration test table.
Group A (class 1 and 2)
To pass the assessment the tester requires:
- no major errors
- no more than 4 minor errors in total across all sections
- not to exceed the total minors allowed as noted in any one section
Group B (Class 3, 4, 5 and 7)
To pass the assessment the tester requires:
- no major errors
- no more than 6 minor errors in total across all sections
- not to exceed the total minors allowed as noted in any one section
Assessment of continuing competence
A current tester may be requested by DVSA to carry out a demonstration test to monitor test standards and ensure continuing competence. Should this assessment not be completed satisfactorily, counselling may be given and written or disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with the disciplinary procedures (see Section I. Discipline).
Such demonstration tests will be scored using the points system set out in Appendix 8.3: Incorrect test methods.
If the candidate scores no more than 9 points
The assessment is considered to be satisfactory. However, counselling on any shortcomings should be noted.
If the candidate scores 10 to 29 points
The assessment is considered to have displayed minor shortcomings. However, counselling on any shortcomings should be noted and the tester should revise their knowledge and overcome the weaknesses noted. The tester may be required to carry out a further demonstration test for DVSA.
If the candidate scores 30 points or more
The assessment is considered to be unsatisfactory and this may result in disciplinary action.
A demonstration test is arranged by filling in a demonstration test request form. This is for new or returning testers and testers that need a demo test following a training module to add an additional test class.
Before arranging the demonstration test, the candidate must be satisfied that they can competently test appropriate vehicles, can use the MOT testing service to obtain information, record and confirm test results both directly and indirectly using contingency testing.
Before requesting a demo test a candidate must record their MOT tester qualification certificate details onto the MOT testing service.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks
A basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check must be submitted for each:
- new tester (or an existing tester adding an additional test group, A or B)
- tester returning after a disciplinary period of 28 days (short term cessation) or a 2 or 5 year cessation
- tester returning after being lapsed or suspended
The DBS check must be dated within the 3 months leading up to the demonstration test.
Submit your DBS consent check code when you apply to book a demonstration test.
If your DBS check shows unspent convictions or you do not have a consent code
You can still book a test if:
- you believe your unspent convictions do not constitute as serious offence as detailed in the convictions and repute section of the MOT testing guide
- you do not have a consent code because you have a basic disclosure certificate in Scotland
After you apply to book your demonstration test, you’ll need to post all pages of your original DBS. Please attach a covering letter with your MOT user id, your full name, the Test Group you are requesting a demonstration test on (Group A classes 1 & 2 Group B 4 & 7) and the date you made the online request. Include a stamped addressed envelope for its return.
Original certificates will be sent back using your stamped address envelope. If you wish to have your documents returned by any other service, such as Royal Mail Special Delivery, you must provide a pre-paid envelope that can be purchased from a Post Office.
DVSA
MOT Hub
Broadway Business Park
Broadgate
Chadderton
Oldham
OL9 9XA
The request will be processed and the candidate will be later contacted by a DVSA examiner to arrange the demonstration test.
Ideally, the demonstration test should be carried out within one month of the training course to which it is linked.
At VTSs equipped with an automated test lane (ATL) or one person test lane (OPTL) the demonstration test must be conducted using an assistant with the equipment in the manual mode with additional questioning and/or demonstration to ensure the tester can test with and without an assistant as well as demonstrating competence in equipment operation.
As part of (or in addition to) the demonstration test testers and prospective testers will be required to demonstrate satisfactorily that they can use the MOT testing service. In order to become a tester or continue to test a tester will be assessed using the criteria in Section E3. Ongoing requirements and on their ability to use the MOT testing service.
Where the satisfactory use of the MOT testing service has not been demonstrated the following action may be taken.
In the case of a prospective tester
Prospective testers will not be allowed to test until they have demonstrated satisfactory use of the MOT testing service.
In the case of an existing tester
Existing testers who have not demonstrated satisfactory use of the MOT testing service will be advised of their shortcoming and recommended that they carry out additional training in the use of the system in order to become proficient.
Testers who have difficulty in using the MOT testing service due to reading difficulties such as dyslexia should contact the DVSA customer service centre.
Contact DVSA
DVSA Customer Service Centre
enquiries@dvsa.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 123 9000
Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6pm
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