How the MOT scheme is administered and the rules for authorised examiners, testers and testing different types of vehicles.

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

This guide sets out the rules you have to follow to run an MOT test station.

The MOT inspection manuals for cars and passenger vehicles and motorcycles set out the processes and standards for the MOT test itself.

  • Abbreviations and definitions

    Abbreviations and definitions

  • A. Introduction

    The purpose of the MOT test, what it includes, which vehicles are tested and which are exempt, who carries out the test.

  • B. Authorised examiners

    How to become an authorised examiner, what training you'll need, why your authorisation might cease, the facilities, equipment and security you need to carry out MOT tests, your responsibilities as a tester.

  • C. Designated councils, taxis and private hire vehicles

    MOT testing by local authorities (designated councils), which taxis and private hire vehicles do not need an MOT certificate.

  • D. Requirements for authorisation

    Who is eligible to become an authorised examiner, their responsibilities, how to apply, what happens when DVSA receives an application, site requirements, mandatory roles, required training, testing requirements for all vehicle classes.

  • E. Tester

    Who is eligible to become a tester, when applications might be refused, training and keeping up to date.

  • F. Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency

    The role of the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), how to make a complaint about DVSA.

  • G. Vehicle presenters

    How to appeal against a decision to refuse to pass a test, and how to complain against the decision to pass a test.

  • H. Documentation

    Inspection manuals and the MOT testing guide, special notices, leaflets and customer information, forms, test certificates, how to get a replacement test document, how documentation should be retained.

  • I. Discipline

    What happens when shortcomings are found in MOT testing or operations, why disciplinary action may be taken against authorised examiners and testers, disciplinary points and how they're evaluated, when formal disciplinary action will be taken, making an appeal against cessation of authorisation.

  • J. Vehicle prohibitions

    Who can issue prohibition notices, how a prohibition notice can be lifted, how to test vehicles with prohibition notices.

  • K. Police vehicle defect rectification scheme (VDRS)

    What the vehicle defect rectification scheme is, when police may issue a vehicle defect rectification form, the role of the VTS in the VDRS scheme, what fees the VTS can set for VDRS.

  • L. Accounts and fees

    Fees for tests, retests, duplicate certificates, replacement certificates, VAT, credit card payments, test slots, paying for MOTs with an account.

  • M. System rules and user roles

    MOT testing service user roles, what they can do, what their responsibilities are, which roles are mandatory, authorised examiner's responsibility for security of the MOT testing service.

  • N. MOT contingency testing procedures

    Contingency procedures for MOT testing, completing contingency test certificates, contingency testing catch ups, issuing duplicate and replacement contingency testing certificates.

  • Appendix 1: MOT management training

    The training you'll need to be an MOT manager, when you'll need to complete the training, why you may need to retrain, how to apply for MOT manager training, what is covered in the course and how it's assessed, what happens if an MOT manager leaves an their role.

  • Appendix 2: Facilities and security

    The facilities and security needed to carry out MOT testing, signs and notices, maintaining and calibrating testing equipment, documentation, IT and associated equipment, the MOT security code.

  • Appendix 3: Grounds for refusal

    Reasons why a tester can refuse to carry out a test.

  • Appendix 4: Liability for loss or damage

    Authorised examiner's liability for loss or damage that occurs as a result of testing.

  • Appendix 5: Tester qualifications

    Information on acceptable qualifications to become a tester

  • 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.

  • Appendix 7: Convictions and repute

    Notifying DVSA of any convictions for individuals involved in the MOT scheme, how DVSA defines convictions and repute, what happens when DVSA are notified about convictions, what happens if you fail to notify DVSA of any convictions.

  • Appendix 8: Disciplinary procedures

    Reasons for cessation of authorisation for authorised examiners and testers, informal appeal hearings, notice of cessations.