With the MOT Annual Assessment deadline fast approaching, more technicians have completed the mandatory training at this point than last year. However, there are still thousands of testers that need to be assessed.
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has applauded those who have got ahead of the curve, before the MOT Annual Assessment cut-off date of 31 March. But with nearly 11,000 technicians still yet to complete the programme, there are risks ahead, for both them and the industry.
The IMI says that technicians yet to complete the assessment must act now, or risk suspension from testing and potential loss of income.
Meanwhile, the Independent Garage Association (IGA) has pointed out that if a tester is suspended, it can have a serious impact on your garage’s operations. This could lead to reduced MOT capacity, financial losses, and inconvenience for customers.
Keeping on top of training ensures that vehicles remain roadworthy and compliant with safety standards, helping to protect both your business and the wider public.
Delays cause delays
To regain testing status, suspended testers must complete the current year’s training and assessment and then pass a demonstration test with a DVSA representative. Additionally, any testers returning after a lapse or suspension are required to submit a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, adding further delays to the reinstatement process.
Discussing the requirement to complete the MOT Annual Assessment ahead of the deadline, Lee Chapman, Head of Support an LKQ Academy, said: “This year brings more stringent requirements for testers, meaning that it is more important than ever that they are on top of their training. Many independent workshops have just the one tester, without whom they risk loyal customers having to take their vehicles elsewhere, so it is better to be safe than sorry.
“And when 1st April arrives and the new CPD year begins, our advice is not to wait until this time next year before completing it again. The training is updated every year for good reason, and undertaking it as early as possible can help you to improve your testing accuracy and thus ensure the safety of the vehicles you service.”
Requirements of the MOT Annual Assessment
The MOT Annual Assessment is a 30-question test that can be taken online, usually in around an hour. For this year, the pass requirement is 80%.
If technicians do not pass this year’s MOT Annual Assessment before the deadline, training will need to be undertaken, and the test will focus on the next cycle’s topics and questions.
