Annual MOT training pass mark to be increased, DVSA announce

Agency reveals 2017/18 training syllabus and say all MOT testers must achieve a higher assessment pass mark

Annual MOT training pass mark to be increased, DVSA announce
Technicians can lose their MOT tester status if they fail to take training and pass an assessment.

The new annual assessment for 2017/18 is available from May 1st, 2017 and will require a 60 per cent pass mark, up from 50 per cent in the first year of the new training program.

The topics covered in the new syllabus for class 3, 4, 5 and 7 vehicles includes corrosion assessment and the assessment of tyres and wheels.

A number of GW readers had previously expressed concern about the low pass-mark.

Responding to a recent GW survey, one reader commented: “I could not believe how easy it was to pass.

“I was expecting a bit of a challenge but completed the first attempt in seven minutes, completely unaided, and my score was 83 per cent.”

Speaking to GW, Stuart James, director of the Independent Garage Association (IGA) said: “The majority of technicians passed the assessment with ease last year, so it’s right that the DVSA will be increasing the pass mark to 60 per cent.

“I would urge test stations, to get in contact with the RMI Academy of Skills as soon as possible, particularly if they wish to complete their training on-site because we saw a huge demand for this last year.”

Minimum standard

The introduction of the annual assessment ensures all MOT testers regularly meet a minimum benchmark set by the DVSA.

It involves a minimum three hours of training each year and candidates must achieve a pass mark in the assessment, during which they are asked 30 multiple-choice questions on the current year’s syllabus, MOT special notices and general testing knowledge.

New training topics are set each year, based on the latest tester error rates.

GW understands that the DVSA may continue to raise the pass mark in the coming years with suggestions made by the DVSA that the 2019/20 assessment could be raised to 70 per cent and then raised again to 80 per cent for the 2021/22 assessment.

For further information about MOT training and assessment at the RMI Academy of Automotive Skills, follow the ‘more details’ link below.

Do you welcome the increased pass mark? Share your comments and any concerns below.

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