Become an MOT tester

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Returning to MOT testing

You need to do more training and take a test if you’re returning to MOT testing.

What you have to do depends on:

• why you stopped testing
• how long you stopped testing for

After a formal warning or disciplinary period

You must complete all the steps before you can test again.

Formal warning or disciplinary period of 28 days

1. Take the current year’s annual training and assessment.

2. Take extra training about the subjects you were disqualified for. For example, read the inspection manuals or take a training course. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) can ask you for evidence you’ve done it.

3. Get a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

4. Take a DVSA MOT demonstration test.

Disciplinary period of 2 or 5 years

1. Take an MOT tester qualification course.

2. Get a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

3. Take a DVSA MOT demonstration test.

If you stopped testing voluntarily

You must complete all the steps before you can test again.

Stopped for between 6 months and 5 years

1. Take the current year’s annual training and assessment.

2. Take extra training. For example, read the inspection manuals or take a training course. DVSA can ask you for evidence you’ve done it.

3. Get a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

4. Take a ‘returning to MOT testing’ demonstration test. Request a test online.

You can also call DVSA to book your test if you cannot use the online service.

MOT, vehicle testing and approval
Telephone: 0300 123 9000
Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6pm
Find out about call charges

You’ll need to give:

• your MOT testing service user ID
• the number of the vehicle test station where you want to do the test
• the class of vehicle you want to test

Stopped for more than 5 years

1. Take an MOT tester qualification course.

2. Get a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

3. Take a DVSA MOT demonstration test.

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