Guidance

MOT special notice 03-22: DBS checks for new and returning MOT testers

Published 1 March 2022

This guidance was withdrawn on

This guidance has been withdrawn because it is out of date. You can find the latest up to date information in the MOT testing guide for test stations.

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

© Crown copyright 2022

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mot-special-notice-03-22-dbs-checks-for-new-and-returning-mot-testers/mot-special-notice-03-22-dbs-checks-for-new-and-returning-mot-testers

From 1 April 2022, some MOT testers will need to provide a basic disclosure certificate (also known as a DBS check) before they can carry out a demonstration test.

This change will apply to:

  • newly qualified MOT testers
  • suspended MOT testers (2 or 5 years) who want to return to testing
  • MOT testers who have not carried out an MOT test in the last 5 years

The disclosure check must be dated within 3 months of your DVSA demonstration test. For example, a certificate dated 21 February 2022 would not be acceptable for a demonstration test booked for 30 May 2022.

Getting a disclosure check

The purpose of the basic check is to confirm a person’s identity and that they do not have any unspent convictions. This helps us to protect the integrity of the MOT scheme.

You can find out about how DVSA handles convictions and repute by reading Appendix 7: Convictions and repute of the MOT testing guide.

In England and Wales, disclosure checks are carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). New and returning MOT testers can request a basic DBS check.

In Scotland, disclosures checks are provided by Disclosure Scotland. New and returning MOT testers can apply for basic disclosure in Scotland.

The information we need

Prior to or at the demonstration test, the Vehicle Examiner will accept:

  • a digital image or scanned copy of the disclosure check certificate
  • the certificate number and the check code (only available via the DBS check service for England and Wales)

Section E. Tester of the MOT testing guide for test stations will be updated on 2 March 2022.

Back to top