MOT tester annual training

Current requirements

Since 1 April 2023, the MOT tester annual training requirements are:

• Minimum 3 hours of training per year, per vehicle group tested
• If testing both Group A and Group B: minimum 6 hours total (3 per group) and two separate annual assessments
• Training year runs 1 April to 31 March

The previous "16 hours over 5 years" rolling requirement was removed on 1 April 2023 and replaced with the simpler annual minimum.

Training year

The MOT training year runs from 1 April to 31 March each year. For the 2026 to 2027 training year: 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.

Training and assessment must be completed within this window. There is no carry-over of hours from one year to the next.

What counts as training

Training must be relevant to MOT testing competence. This can include:

• Self-study materials
• Online courses
• Classroom-based training
• Manufacturer/equipment training relevant to MOT inspection
• DVSA-provided resources

The format is flexible — DVSA does not prescribe specific courses. However, the content must be relevant to maintaining MOT testing competence.

Annual assessment

Separately from the training hours, each tester must pass the annual assessment for the current training year (for example, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027) before 31 March. You can sit the assessment once you have completed your annual training.

• You take the assessment online (for example at home or at your provider)
• The test is 30 multiple-choice questions and usually takes around 1 hour
• The pass mark for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 is 80%
• Assessments are provided by DVSA-approved awarding organisations
• Assessments are pay-per-sitting
• The awarding organisation records the result on the MOT Testing Service
• Testers testing both vehicle groups need two assessments (one per group)

Required topics for 2026 to 2027

For the 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 training year, DVSA publishes the annual assessment topics you must study. The assessment covers high-level topic categories such as:

• Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment
• Information in the MOT testing guide
• Braking requirements
• The MOT inspection manual for your vehicle group (Group A or Group B)
• Topics from previous training years

For the most up-to-date topic list (and the detailed question breakdown), always check DVSA’s GOV.UK documents for that year under:

• MOT tester annual assessment: training topics and sample questions

What you’ll need to check after you sit it

• If you pass, you get a certificate
• Check your assessment provider has uploaded it to the ‘Annual assessment certificates’ section of your MOT testing service profile (or contact them if it is not shown)

Failed assessment

• Must wait 7 calendar days before resitting
• If failed again: another 7-day wait before a further attempt
• There is no limit on attempts within the training year, subject to the 7-day gap

Recording training

From 1 April 2024, training must be recorded directly on the MOT Testing Service.

Previously, paper or electronic records were acceptable. Stations should still retain any historical paper/electronic training records for 5 years.

Consequences of non-completion

Training not completed by 31 March

If a tester has not completed both the training hours and the annual assessment by 31 March:

• Their MOT testing account is suspended
• They cannot carry out MOT tests until requirements are met

To resume testing after suspension

The tester must:

1. Complete the current year's minimum training hours
2. Pass the annual assessment
3. Complete a demonstration test (observed by DVSA or their representative)

AE responsibilities for training

The AE is responsible for ensuring their testers complete training and assessments on time. This includes:

• Knowing each tester's training status
• Providing time/resources for training
• Monitoring progress through the training year
• Ensuring assessments are booked with enough time before 31 March
• Keeping records of training completed

Practical considerations

Timing

Don't leave training and assessment until the last week of March. Assessment re-sit requirements (7-day gaps) mean a failed first attempt in late March could result in suspension.

Recommended approach: plan training across the year, with assessment completed by February at the latest.

Multiple vehicle groups

Testers authorised for both Group A (cars, light vans) and Group B (heavy vehicles) need:

• 3 hours training for Group A
• 3 hours training for Group B (6 hours total)
• One assessment for Group A
• One assessment for Group B

New testers

Newly qualified testers who join mid-year may have reduced pro-rata requirements for their first partial year. Check current DVSA guidance for specific rules on mid-year starts.

Record keeping

Since training is now recorded on MTS, ensure:

• Testers log their training hours correctly
• Assessment bookings are made with approved providers
• Historical records (pre-MTS) are retained securely

Current training year information

Training requirements can change. For the 2026 to 2027 training year (1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027), always verify the annual assessment topic list against DVSA’s GOV.UK documents linked in “Sources and further reading” above.

Key things that may change year-to-year:

• Specific topic requirements (if DVSA mandates focus areas)
• Assessment format or provider list
• Recording requirements

How MOT Lens helps

MOT Lens helps stations manage tester training records:

• Tester profiles — see training status, hours completed, and assessment records for each tester
• Training records — log training years, hours, and topics
• Assessment tracking — record assessment dates and outcomes
• Attention signals — MOT Lens can highlight when assessment deadlines are approaching
• Historical records — retain training evidence linked to each tester over time

MOT Lens does not deliver training or conduct assessments. It helps the AE track and evidence their tester management responsibilities.

FAQ

How many hours of annual training do MOT testers need?

Minimum 3 hours per vehicle group tested, per training year (April to March). Testing both Group A and B requires 6 hours total.

When did the training requirements change?

1 April 2023 — the "16 hours over 5 years" rolling requirement was replaced with a simpler annual 3-hour minimum per group.

What happens if a tester fails their annual assessment?

They must wait 7 calendar days before resitting. There is no limit on attempts within the year, but each failed attempt requires a 7-day gap.

Can training hours be carried over to the next year?

No. The requirement resets each April. Excess hours in one year do not reduce the next year's requirement.

Who provides annual assessments?

DVSA-approved awarding organisations. The list of approved providers is available from DVSA/GOV.UK.

Does the AE have to provide training?

The AE must ensure training happens — they do not necessarily have to deliver it themselves. Testers may complete approved self-study, attend external courses, or use online resources.

Where should training be recorded?

From 1 April 2024, on the MOT Testing Service directly. Historical records (pre-2024) should be retained separately for 5 years.