This is all you should learn about how garages is able to become an MOT accredited test center and how to become an MOT tester who is accredited.
VOSA is currently receiving around five thousand applications each year for training MOT testers who are new, and there are 22,500 accredited MOT garages in the UK.
What can a garage do to become an MOT testing centre?
It is the first thing to obtain first the Requirements for Authorisation 2009 from the VOSA website, which is accessible at https://www.gov.uk/. These specifications will provide the minimum dimensions needed to be able to design the various layouts required for the type of vehicles that the garage is planning to test. The plans for the test area must be drawn out and scaled. The plans should then be delivered in the area VOSA office, along with an complete VT01 Application Form.
At this point , no groundwork are to be initiated only after an agreement in Principle is reached with VOSA is it appropriate to begin excavations taking place. When the work is complete then VOSA will inspect the site to make sure it conforms to the drawings initially presented.
An Authorised Examiner (AE) will have to attend a statutory 2-day MOT training manager training course in one of the VOSA’s training locations across the nation. The course is for free to the designated AE. Any additional courses required by the site manager or any other employees will be paid for.
Do you make a visit to them prior to when they become an accredited center?
At least one inspection to make sure that the garage is in compliance with the agreed-upon site plans accepted in the agreement in Principle process. Based on the circumstances, there could be additional visits prior to the garage being signed off as fully functional MOT test facility.
How many applications are you getting and how many of them are accepted?
We get a number of applications each year, some of which go off the radar due to the size limitations and financial changes of the applicants or who are experiencing a change of heart. Since 2005, when MOT Computerisation was first introduced, the number of authorized garages has grown from 18,400 to approximately 22,500.
What exactly is the process of training to become an accredited MOT certified tester?
The first step is that the candidate must be endorsed by an existing garage that is authorised. The VT78 form must be completed by the person applying and signed by an Authorised Examiner of the nominating garage. The application must be backed by copies of the applicant’s qualifications.
If they are unable to or don’t have the required qualifications, then the applicant must first to take an NTTA test at the nearest VOSA site. It is an 1.5hr multiple choice test with a focus on vehicle technology. This test is designed to demonstrate that the knowledge of the candidate corresponds to an individual with the correct qualifications.
When the application is accepted through VOSA it is inspected for qualifications as well as driver’s license information, as well as the nomination of the AE. The absence of these details is one of the primary reason for the refusal.
The candidate then has to take and pass an intensive 3-day training course at the local VOSA training facility. Two tests are required which are based on MOT requirements, and the other using computers. Both tests must be completed before the candidate is admitted to the next stage.
The next step is to perform the procedure on their own premises before telling the local Area that they are now ready for their assessment. Once the test is successful, the tester will be permitted to begin testing correctly in his/her MOT garage.
Anyone can take part in tests at multiple test sites, as they are at each station, the AE has approved and they are listed as testers on the testing list at the particular station.
For everything needed to set up your MOT bay, visit our website.
If someone is looking to MOT examine a range of different types of vehicles, do they complete the required course for each class or is it all rolled up into one?
There are two courses for training that cover motorcycles; one of which and the other one covers the classes 3-4, and 7. The motorcycle training course lasts two days long and includes both motorbikes. The test taker must have the correct licence prior to being admitted into the training system. Classes 3, 4,, and 7 course is a 3- day training course. Again, the tester must show their license before the course begins or they will be denied entry.
What kind of changes do you think to see in relation to testing for MOT in the near future?
The changes will be based on the legislation of the EU and our own government.
The year 2015 will see the expiration of the current contract to MOT Computerisation and the introduction of a new contract. VOSA is in the process of developing MOT Comp2. As of now, it’s evident that MOT Comp2 will web connected and every Test Station will need to supply their own equipment as well as internet connection.
Additional information will be made available to testers and garages alike through this Matters of Testing on-line publication.
In the test fee page of the document, it states Class 4a and Class 5a that it is “N/A” in the first MOT required (years) column. Does this mean these vehicles do not require an MOT, or that they must be tested at the time of purchase?
Classes 4a/5a pertain solely to vehicles in the classes 4 and 5, which require a seat belt inspection. The purpose of this check is to examine the mountings of seat belts and belts that are installed over and above the ones required by law. The majority of it is for non type approved vehicles, so the vehicle may be of any old. The majority of passenger vehicles included in this class have already been approved by the type since 2001.
The feedback we receive from our customers who own classic cars is that they’re still getting their cars inspected because they are legally bound to obligation to keep their vehicle in roadworthy state and an MOT proves this. Are you seeing any effects of the decision to not MOT the classic car?
The companies that deal in classic cars have seen a drop in the number of cars being tested prior to 1960. The pre 1960 vehicles were exempted on November 18th, 2012. This was applicable to ALL kinds of vehicles, including motorbikes buses. Commercial vehicles have been granted this exemption for a while provided they’re not being employed for hire or as reward. However, we don’t have figures to prove their comments or any other.
While the vehicles built before 1960 do not have to be tested for MOT, the owner must ensure that their vehicle is in a roadworthy state at a minimum standard of the MOT requirements.