May 2019

BY Ian Gillgrass I n my last editorial in the March issue of Aftermarket, I discussed that the time was running out for MOT testers to complete their Annual Training and Annual Assessment. This needed to be completed by the deadline of 31 March this year (2019). The deadline has now passed and hopefully all MOT testers completed the training and Annual Assessment on time and are now ready for some down time to digest the topics that the DVSA have advised for the next 12 months. Many MOT testers left last year’s Annual Training and Annual Assessment until the last few weeks of March, or even the last few hours before the deadline. Those who didn’t complete will need to contact the DVSA, complete the Annual Assessment and also facing the DVSA Vehicle Inspector ‘observation test’ all of which could take considerable time away from MOT testing with the result being a reduced income. If it is necessary to request a demonstration MOT test, call the DVSA on 0300 123 9000. Requirements This year (1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020), why not complete the Annual Training and Assessment early, even though you might have just completed the previous year’s requirement. It could all been done by Christmas – yes will we be fast approaching that time of year soon – reducing the stress of the ordeal. An MOT tester is required to complete a minimum of 16 hours training in a five year period. Each year an MOT tester must complete at least three hours of training associated with the DVSA prescribed syllabus as indicated below. The DVSA MOT tester Annual Training can be delivered in various forms. These include, but are not limited to, in- house, book form, electronic (e-learning) or face-to-face. There are a number of training providers in the industry that provide such services. MOT tester Annual Training must be recorded as follows: The MOT annual training year (for example April 2018 to March 2019) The date of the training How long the training session lasted What topics you covered during the session Notes on what you did, how you did it and what you learned What vehicle groups your training covered MOT tester name and MOT Testing Service user ID The MOT tester training records will be asked for by the DVSA representative during a Vehicle Testing Station site review. The subjects in this year’s (2019/2020) MOT tester Group B (Vehicle Classes 4 & 7) Annual Training syllabus are: Updates to testing standards since 20 May 2018 Using the MOT testing service to check you’re carrying out tests correctly Updating your user profile details on the MOT testing service Vehicle identification Tyres, lighting, brakes and suspension The driver’s view of the road The introduction section of the MOT inspection manual for group B vehicles Assessment The MOT Annual Assessment pass mark remains at 70% this year and will include questions on the syllabus as detailed before, but will also include some elements of the Annual Training taken from previous years, namely those questions that MOT testers frequently got wrong, and some of the MOT General Standards/Procedures. It is a good idea to consult with professional training organisations who can provide in-depth information to help meet the training criteria as set by DVSA. All MOT testers have been using the vehicle inspection criteria since its implementation in May 2018. Some items in the MOT Inspection Manual have changed and will 24 AFTERMARKET MAY 2019 TECHNICAL www.aftermarketonline.net MOT TESTER ANNUAL TRAINING & ANNUAL ASSESSMENT: THE NEXT 12 MONTHS Ian Gillgrass examines what you can expect to be facing over the next 12 months when it comes to MOT Annual Training and Annual Assessment