Raising the standard of MOT testing to improve road safety
Plans have been revealed to improve road safety and give road users a better service when they take their vehicle for its MOT.
The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) is introducing:
~A qualification for new MOT testers and managers (industry-recognised)
~And annual training and assessments for the existing 58,000 MOT testers
Carrying out MOTs to the right standard
Every year in Great Britain, around 27 million car MOTs are carried out.
While the vast majority are done to the right standard, DVSA have admitted that data shows some errors are made during the testing process. This is where the new qualification and training process will come in to place, to help reduce these errors.
MOT qualification
As of September 2016, new MOT testers will need a nationally-recognised qualification.
To be eligible for the qualification, they’ll already need to have:
~A technical qualification (For example, a Vehicle Technician, Vehicle Maintenance and Repair NVQ)
~At least 4 years of experience in the motor trade
They’ll then need to:
~successfully complete an MOT tester qualification course
~pass an MOT demonstration test with a DVSA examiner
The new qualification offers more people the opportunity to develop their skills and enter a career in MOT testing, which in turn will help to boost the industry.
Annual training and assessments
MOT testers will also have to take training and pass an assessment every year to continue carrying out MOTs.
The training will focus on topics which DVSA data shows testers are most likely to get wrong.
It means that drivers can be more confident that their MOT result is right, and that any vehicle faults are correctly identified. This helps protect everyone from unsafe vehicles.
Transport Minister, Lord Ahmad, said:
“MOT testers do an excellent and essential job ensuring that vehicles are fit to be driven on our roads.”
“We want all workers to be proud of their profession and drivers to be sure they are getting the right test result. We are introducing this new qualification and training and assessment regime to further boost the reputation of the profession.”
DVSA’s Chief Executive, Gareth Llewellyn, added:
“Checking your vehicle is safe to drive is one of our top priorities. Ensuring the quality of MOT testing will ensure customers can be confident their vehicle will be tested in a highly professional manner.”
“The new qualification as well as the annual training and assessment will continue to build on the professional reputation of the MOT industry. It will help DVSA to regularly assess the standard of the industry and quickly address any problems that arise.”
“By achieving this new qualification, garages or testers will enable their businesses to flourish, but where standards are not being met, DVSA has an obligation to protect the public by withdrawing authority to carry out MOT testing.”
Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) Director, Stuart James, said:
“The new qualification is something that technicians can genuinely be proud of and knowing that the assessment standards are so very high, this can only enhance the UK’s excellent road safety record.”
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