MOT tester training hours

How many hours of training do you need?

DVSA says you must do at least 3 hours of MOT tester training each training year for each vehicle group you test.

For the 2026 to 2027 training year, that training window runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.

If you test both vehicle groups:

• you need at least 6 hours total (3 hours for Group A, 3 hours for Group B)
• you will also complete annual assessment steps for both groups

What counts as training?

DVSA does not require you to follow a single course format.

In general, training can include things like:

• self-study materials
• online or classroom-based courses
• manufacturer/equipment training relevant to MOT inspection
• DVSA-provided resources

The key is that the training is relevant to maintaining your MOT testing competence.

Planning training so it supports your annual assessment

DVSA publishes the annual assessment topic list for each training year.

To avoid working from outdated lists, use the current year topics published for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 and plan training across the topic categories you’ll be assessed on.

For example:

• If your station tests Group A only, your training should cover the current Group A topic categories
• If your station tests Group B only, your training should cover the current Group B topic categories
• If your station tests both, plan across all topic categories and keep separate training progress evidence for each group

Recording your training on MTS

DVSA guidance is that training must be recorded on the MOT Testing Service.

If your station keeps training evidence outside MTS (paper or electronic), store it in a way that you can quickly retrieve it when asked.

To keep deadlines and evidence connected, MOT Lens can help you organise tester training progress in one place (see MOT Lens Tester Management).

FAQ

What is the minimum training for Group A testers?

DVSA says you need at least 3 hours per training year for Group A (for the 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 window).

What is the minimum training for Group B testers?

DVSA says you need at least 3 hours per training year for Group B (for the 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 window).

If we test both groups, do we need 6 hours?

Yes. DVSA says testing both groups requires at least 6 hours total (3 hours for each group).

Does DVSA prescribe specific training providers?

DVSA describes the training requirement, but does not prescribe a single course provider format. Use training that is relevant to maintaining MOT testing competence, and keep evidence that matches the topic categories for the current year.

Where do we record training hours?

DVSA guidance is that training is recorded on the MOT Testing Service (MTS).