Run an MOT testing station

As an Authorised Examiner (AE), you're responsible for maintaining the standards that led to your initial authorisation. DVSA conducts ongoing compliance inspections and operates a disciplinary points system. Understanding your obligations helps you avoid penalties ranging from disciplinary points to complete withdrawal of authorisation.

These are the ongoing requirements for running an MOT testing station. Setting up a new station is a separate process.

MOT test fees

Maximum fees are set by regulation. You can charge less than the maximum, but never more. Overcharging is a disciplinary matter.

DVSA fees

You pay DVSA a slot fee for each test pass. Slots must be purchased in advance - you cannot conduct tests without available slots.

Equipment calibration

Your testing equipment must be calibrated at the intervals specified in the MOT Testing Guide. Using uncalibrated equipment is a disciplinary offence. Keep calibration records for at least 2 years.

Connected equipment

Since May 2021, brake testers, decelerometers, exhaust analysers, and diesel smoke meters must transmit results directly to the MOT testing service. If your equipment cannot connect, you cannot record test results.

Managing your testers

As AE, you're responsible for ensuring your testers maintain their qualifications. The training year runs from 1 April to 31 March.

Quality control checks

You must conduct quality control (QC) checks on each tester at least once every 2 months. QC checks involve observing a test or reviewing recent tests for consistency with DVSA standards. Document each check and address any issues found.

If a tester fails their annual assessment, they cannot conduct MOT tests until they resit and pass. Plan ahead - the 7-day wait between attempts can disrupt your testing capacity.

DVSA compliance inspections

DVSA conducts risk-based inspections of testing stations. You may receive:

• announced inspections, usually for routine compliance checks
• unannounced inspections, often following complaints or analysis of your test data
• mystery shopper tests, where DVSA presents vehicles with known faults to check your standards

During inspections, the assessor will check equipment calibration, premises conditions, record keeping, and may observe tests in progress. Cooperate fully - obstruction is itself a disciplinary matter.

Disciplinary points system

DVSA operates a points-based system for non-compliance. Points accumulate and trigger increasingly serious consequences.

What triggers points

Common reasons for disciplinary points include:

• Equipment calibration overdue (2-5 points per item)
• Testing with uncalibrated equipment (higher points)
• Inadequate premises maintenance
• Testing defects missed (varies by severity)
• Incorrect test result recording
• QC checks not conducted or documented

Serious issues like fraud, bribery, or testing vehicles not presented for test result in immediate 500-point allocation and likely criminal prosecution.

Avoiding common problems

Most disciplinary issues stem from administrative lapses rather than deliberate wrongdoing:

• Set calendar reminders for calibration dates, tester training deadlines and QC checks.
• Check equipment every day before testing begins, including brake tester zero points, headlamp aim and emissions analyser warm-up.
• Record everything, because if it is not recorded, it did not happen as far as DVSA is concerned.
• Review test data for patterns that might point to tester issues before DVSA spots them.
• If a tester is unwell, do not let them test vehicles that need a physical inspection.

Responding to inspection findings

If DVSA identifies issues during an inspection:

1. Review the inspection report carefully within 7 days. Points are assigned immediately, but you can respond.
2. Submit a remedial action plan covering each issue within 28 days.
3. Fix equipment, retrain staff and update procedures as needed.
4. Keep evidence of the remedial action you have taken.

DVSA may conduct a follow-up inspection to verify corrections. If issues persist, further points or suspension may follow.

Workshop safety and insurance

You also have the general duties of any vehicle workshop and employer. These include employers' liability insurance if you employ anyone, and a thorough examination of vehicle lifts under LOLER every 6 months by a competent person, because people work beneath raised vehicles.