MOT Authorised Examiner responsibilities

What is an Authorised Examiner?

An Authorised Examiner (AE) is the legal entity — a company, partnership, or sole trader — that holds authorisation from DVSA to operate one or more Vehicle Testing Stations (VTSs). The AE is ultimately responsible in law for ensuring that MOT testing at their stations is carried out to the required standard.

The AE is not necessarily an individual person (except in sole-trader cases). It is the business entity that carries the legal responsibility.

Key roles under the AE

AE Designated Manager (AEDM)

Every AE must have an AEDM — a named individual who:

• Has completed a DVSA-approved MOT Managers course (Level 3 Award in MOT Test Centre Management)
• Is responsible for the day-to-day management of testing standards across the AE's sites
• Is the primary point of contact between the AE and DVSA
• Has full management access to the MOT Testing Service for the AE

An AE can only have one AEDM at a time.

Site Manager

For each VTS, there should be an identified person responsible for the day-to-day operation of that testing site. The Site Manager typically handles:

• Daily operational oversight
• Tester supervision
• Equipment maintenance coordination
• Booking management
• First-line quality checks

The AEDM and Site Manager may be the same person at a single-site operation.

MOT Testers

Nominated testers authorised to carry out MOT tests. The AE is responsible for:

• Ensuring testers are appropriately qualified and authorised
• Ensuring testers complete annual training and assessments
• Supervising and monitoring testing quality
• Ensuring testers are kept up to date with MOT scheme changes and special notices

AE Consultant (AEC)

An optional role — a read-only MTS role that allows a consultant to view site and tester data to provide advice and independent insight to the AEDM. The AEC:

• Has read-only access to MTS data
• Cannot conduct or submit tests
• Provides advisory support

The AEC role is separate from any managed-service arrangement.

Core AE responsibilities

Based on the current MOT Testing Guide, the AE must:

1. Quality of testing

• Ensure testing is carried out to the required standard
• Carry out quality control checks on each tester at a minimum frequency of every 2 months
• Have a quality management system in place
• Investigate and address concerns about testing quality

2. Premises and equipment

• Maintain premises, facilities, and testing equipment properly at all times
• Stop testing immediately if mandatory equipment malfunctions
• Notify the local DVSA office straight away if testing has to stop due to equipment failure
• Provide necessary IT equipment, internet connection, and printer

3. Tester management

• Ensure testers are adequately supervised and fully conversant with their duties
• Ensure testers complete annual training and annual assessments
• Keep staff up to date with special notices and MOT scheme changes
• Maintain training records

4. Records and evidence

• Keep appropriate records of quality management activities
• Retain evidence of QC checks, training, and any investigations
• Make records available for DVSA inspection

5. Notifications and administration

• Notify DVSA of significant business changes within 7 working days
• Maintain correct MTS roles and access for staff
• Cooperate with DVSA during site visits and assessments

6. DVSA access

• Allow DVSA staff access to premises for checks, assessments, and investigations

What the AE is NOT personally required to do

The AE is responsible for ensuring things happen — not necessarily for doing everything personally:

• QC checks can be carried out by a competent person (not necessarily the AEDM)
• Daily operational management can be delegated to a Site Manager
• Training delivery is done by approved providers
• Equipment maintenance can be contracted to specialists

The AE retains accountability regardless of who performs the work.

Common misunderstandings

| Belief | Reality | |--------|---------| | "The AEDM is responsible, not me" | The AE (legal entity) carries responsibility. The AEDM acts on the AE's behalf. | | "I only need to worry about QC if DVSA visit" | QC is an ongoing requirement, not something prepared for inspections | | "My testers manage themselves" | AEs must ensure adequate supervision and oversight | | "Equipment is the tester's problem" | The AE must ensure equipment is maintained and functional | | "I don't need records if nothing goes wrong" | Records demonstrate active management. Their absence suggests the opposite. |

DVSA site reviews

DVSA conducts site reviews of Vehicle Testing Stations. During a review, they may check:

• Evidence of quality management systems
• QC records
• TQI review evidence
• Training records
• Equipment maintenance/calibration records
• Tester competence evidence

A site review assesses whether the AE is meeting their responsibilities — not just whether individual tests are correct.

How MOT Lens supports AE responsibilities

MOT Lens brings together the operational evidence relevant to AE responsibilities in one workspace:

| Responsibility | MOT Lens support | |---------------|-----------------| | Test quality oversight | Test log import, attention signals, review trail | | TQI monitoring | Manager Report import, comparison views, historical snapshots | | Quality control | Quality work queue, QC records, tester-linked evidence | | Tester management | Tester profiles, training records, assessment tracking | | Equipment records | Equipment register, calibration tracking, status history | | Site reviews | Site review scheduling, corrective actions, follow-ups | | Multi-site oversight | Organisation structure, site-scoped access, central visibility |

MOT Lens does not certify DVSA compliance or make compliance decisions. It helps AEs organise and retain the evidence of their management activities.

FAQ

Can a company be an AE?

Yes — in fact, most AEs are companies or partnerships rather than individuals. The AE is the legal entity holding the authorisation.

What happens if the AEDM leaves?

The AE must nominate a replacement AEDM. This requires the new individual to hold the appropriate qualification (Level 3 Award in MOT Test Centre Management) and be approved by DVSA.

How often does DVSA visit?

DVSA aims to review each VTS at least once every 3 years, though visits can be more frequent based on risk or intelligence.

Can responsibilities be delegated?

Operational tasks can be delegated (e.g., to a Site Manager). Accountability cannot. The AE remains legally responsible regardless of who performs day-to-day management.

What is the penalty for failing AE responsibilities?

Consequences can range from advice and guidance through to conditions on authorisation, suspension, or withdrawal of AE status — depending on severity.

Does MOT Lens replace the AE's judgement?

No. MOT Lens organises evidence and highlights what may need attention. All review decisions, conclusions, and actions remain the AE's responsibility.