MOT update: what the latest changes mean for you

Testers are now required to complete new training and annual assessment before March 2017

MOT update: what the latest changes mean for you
The new training follows a continuing professional development model to increase professionalism, choice and flexibility, according to the DVSA.

A new annual assessment has replaced the old MOT tester refresher course and is expected to cost between £25 and £75.

Testers must now complete at least three hours of training each year and complete 30 multiple-choice questions during the annual 45-minute assessment to maintain their testing status.

Each year’s training syllabus will cover subject areas selected by the DVSA to tackle known testing issues in a bid to improve overall MOT test error rates.

Testers are now responsible for planning, completing, recording and passing the assessment between the start of April and the following March each year – assessments for the first year will be available to book from June 2016.

The DVSA has said that individuals can choose to complete the training in-house or with the help of a training provider.

Sample assessment questions
  • A motorcycle you’re testing has a headlamp but no front position lamp. What is your decision?

A. Select a reason for rejection.
B. Issue a pass with advisory.
C. Issue a pass.
D. Abandon the test.

  • When inspecting the obligatory mirrors or indirect vision devices, you must check which of the following:

A. Their size is correct.
B. Their methods of adjustment.
C. There are no more than three.
D. For an adequate view to the rear.

  • Under what circumstances would you as a tester abort a test?

A. If a vehicle is in unsafe condition.
B. If a vehicle has so many minor faults it would not pass.
C. If there’s a problem with your VTS equipment.
D. If incorrect paperwork is presented.

 What happens if you fail?

The pass mark is 50 per cent but testers who fail will be given time to sit further assessments before any action is taken.

The DVSA said: “This mark has been set to help us initially understand how testers across the MOT trade are performing and if we’ve set the pass mark at the right level.

“However, you can sit the assessment as many times as you want for that year’s annual training syllabus but you’ll have to pay each time you sit an assessment.”The news sparked a mixed reaction among MOT testers, with many questioning how the extra costs will be funded.

MOT tester, Robert Higgins said: “I’ve been an MOT tester for over 30 years and how things have changed but unfortunately, that’s life.

“Although I am not happy about the new assessment fees, there is nothing we can do about it.

‘Nothing we can do about it’

“I have said for years that it won’t be long before there are cameras in all MOT bays.

“Believe me guys, it’s coming, but as long as we have nothing to hide then there is nothing to worry about.”

William Morgan told GW that he was surprised that the assessment pass mark is only 50 per cent and drew a link to last year’s MOT modernisation switch-over.

He said: “We were initially told computerisation would cost the stations zero.

“Then we had to supply the paper, then we had to supply our own computers, printers, paper and internet.

“They have cut their costs, reduced the training and services they supply, and we the stations have to pay them more.

“They deceive and misinform, but never back down.”

The agency says the move will help improve vehicle safety and is part of the overall aim to ‘modernise’ the MOT scheme.

What are your thoughts on the latest MOT update? Do you have any concerns or are you pleased that the DVSA is introducing annual training and assessment? Please share your comments below or email [email protected].

8 Comments

  1. Personally I can’t see the new scheme being anywhere near as useful as the old refresher courses. They gave you the chance to brush up on your skills and, most importantly, the opportunity to ask questions about anything you weren’t sure of.

    Reply
  2. Personally I can’t see the new scheme being anywhere near as useful as the old refresher courses. They gave you the chance to brush up on your skills and, most importantly, the opportunity to ask questions about anything you weren’t sure of.

    Reply
  3. This is typical, DVSA cut their cost and pass the cost of computers, paper, printers, on to the Mot station, and do nothing about the test fee. Now we have to pay for training too. This will never be as good or as useful as the old refesher course. I cannot say this is progress at all.

    Reply
  4. This is typical, DVSA cut their cost and pass the cost of computers, paper, printers, on to the Mot station, and do nothing about the test fee. Now we have to pay for training too. This will never be as good or as useful as the old refesher course. I cannot say this is progress at all.

    Reply
  5. How do they expect testing standards to improve if they leave training to the testers themselves? We are still testing to standards that were clarified during refresher courses and the testers manual suggests otherwise. There are far too many disparities and now there’s nobody to clarify them. With the way dvsa are heading it appears to me the decisions made are based on costs, meeting required statistics and not on vehicle safety.

    Reply
  6. How do they expect testing standards to improve if they leave training to the testers themselves? We are still testing to standards that were clarified during refresher courses and the testers manual suggests otherwise. There are far too many disparities and now there’s nobody to clarify them. With the way dvsa are heading it appears to me the decisions made are based on costs, meeting required statistics and not on vehicle safety.

    Reply
  7. Question 3 there is 2 correct answers this new exam is going to be a nightmare

    Reply
  8. Question 3 there is 2 correct answers this new exam is going to be a nightmare

    Reply

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