MOT equipment and certification information

Are you considering or in the process of setting up an MOT bay or MOT testing station, there are certain procedures and processes that must be adhered to firstly you must have must have in place an Authorised Examiner (AE).

The AE is the person or organisation nominated for overseeing the day to day running of an MOT testing station must have attended a two day (Managers training course) and achieved the relevant qualifications prior to the MOT station carrying out any MOT Tests.

An (AE) DVSA approved authorised MOT examiner can be either an individual, partnership or company who has gained direct authorisation from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency or (DVSA) to oversee the operations of an MOT testing station.

The authorised examiner is responsible for ensuring that:

• The MOT testing facilities and equipment are regularly inspected and maintained at all times.
• Nominated Testers are regularly assessed correctly trained and that they have completed the required training and passed a series of quality control checks.
• Members of DVSA staff have complete unimpeded access not only to the workshop/premises for unannounced inspections on staff qualifications and garage equipment but also full access to business records including training records and certificates as well as other relevant information.
• MOT documents are always stored in a correct and proper manner and that direct access to electronic MOT testing systems and records is only ever given to fully qualified individuals.
• That all MOT tests are conducted in a fair a proper manner, remember it is illegal to misinform either your customers or DVSA.
• That the vehicle and operator services agency or DVSA is informed about any significant changes to structure of the business within a maximum of seven working days.

If you require additional information on becoming an (AE) you can find a list of detailed information in DVSA’s guide to becoming an AE on this link

To download an application to become an authorised examiner click the link to form VT01 you can also use this form if you have already acquired (AE) status and want to open an MOT testing station.

If for any reason your application to become an (AE) is refused, DVSA will inform you in writing usually within fourteen working days, you can appeal the decision and request a hearing by writing to DVSA within fourteen days of receiving your letter of refusal.

Please note that AE status does not transfer with the ownership of a business, if you are in the process or have just purchased an MOT testing station you will be required to apply for AE status in your own right.

MOT testing manuals and guidelines direct from DVSA

The following links will provide you with up to date and accurate information on DVSA guidelines and practices concerning the provision of MOT testing on Class 1,2,3,4,5 and 7 vehicles.

MOT Testing guide
Inspection manual for class 1 and 2 vehicles

Inspection manual for class 3,4,5 and 7 vehicles

Also available for download is the DVSA guide to Vehicle exhaust emission standards and regulations.

Considering which premises to use.

When setting up an MOT testing station you will need to plan the placement of your testing equipment in your MOT testing station very carefully as plans have to be approved by DVSA prior to MOT testing taking place.

Garage Equipment Online can assist you with this, with our (CAD) computer aided design software we can create a virtual plan of your future workshop/MOT station for submission to DVSA allowing you to get your plans pre-approved prior to committing to an expensive MOT refit/installation.

Many factors come into play you will need to consider MOT test bays sizes, the garage equipment you intend to use must be suitable for the purpose for which it is intended, please find below a list of DVSA approved MOT testing equipment.

All of the MOT testing equipment supplied by Garage Equipment Online Conforms to all UK and European safety regulations, our 4 post lifts and other MOT testing equipment are fully approved by DVSA for use in the UK for the purpose of providing MOT Tests.
To see a full supply of High Quality DVSA Approved MOT Bays and Equipment, please visit www.garageequipmentonline.com.

The MOT testing of different classes of vehicle require a set of separate and individual specialist MOT testing garage equipment.

You must ensure that you have at least the minimum required level of MOT testing equipment for each individual vehicle class that you are approved to carry out MOT tests on.

All MOT testing Garage equipment must be regularly maintained and properly calibrated in line with the manufacturer’s instructions/guidelines at all times.

Here a list of helpful links of approved equipment for the provision of MOT testing.

Brake pedal application devices.

Decelerometers.

Exhaust Gas Analysers. (catalyst vehicles)

Exhaust Gas Analysers. (non-catalyst vehicles)

Floor/Pull along Brake Testers.

Hand Held Devices.

Diesel Smoke Meters.

Headlamp Aim Testers.

Approved Oil Temperature Devices.

Approved Brake Roller Testers.

DVSA Approved Tow bar Socket Testers.

DVSA Approved Play Detectors.

Vehicle MOT classes

When deciding which class or classes of vehicle you would like to carry out MOT testing on, you will need consider the following,

• The appropriate garage equipment required to perform mot tests on different classes of vehicles.
• The size and layout of your premises and MOT Bays.
• Whether or not the Nominated Tester is DVSA approved to perform MOT testing on the range of different vehicle classes you may want to MOT.
• Garage Equipment Online can provide advice and assistance on a wide range of MOT related issues we have been providing high quality MOT Bays in the United Kingdom and Europe for many years and as such have acquired significant expertise within this particular area.

Requirements to test different classes

The current requirements for the MOT testing of each individual vehicle class are clearly outlined in the the following document;

The MOT Inspection Manual

Requirements to MOT test all vehicle classes.

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