Types of MOT training

There are 2 types of MOT training you can provide:

• MOT tester and manager qualification courses
• MOT tester annual training courses

You must be approved by an awarding organisation to provide qualification courses.

You don’t need to be approved to provide annual training courses.

Provide qualification courses

You can get approval to provide these MOT qualifications:

• Level 2 Award in MOT Testing (classes 1 and 2 - motorcycles)
• Level 2 Award in MOT Testing (classes 4 and 7 - light vehicles)
• Level 3 Award in MOT Test Centre Management

Apply for approval

Contact an awarding organisation to find out:

• if you’re eligible to be a training provider
• how to register with them

You can register with more than one.

When you’re approved

You’ll be responsible for approving individual MOT trainers to run the qualification courses.

The awarding organisations you register with will give you more information about running the courses.

Provide annual training

MOT testers must complete training between April and March every year. You can provide training courses for them to take.

MOT testers have to study different topics depending on whether they test:

• class 1 and 2 vehicles (‘group A’)
• class 3, 4, 5, 7 vehicles (‘group B’)

Most of the questions will be about specific topics. Some of the questions could be about other topics from the MOT inspection manuals and MOT testing guide.

2025

2024 to 20262025 topics

These are the topics for 1 April 20252024 to 31 March 2026.2025.

Group A

Testers who test vehicles in group A need to know about:

• electric, hybrid and mild hybrid vehicles, disabled rider controls and vehicle modificationscorrosion
• informationclassification inof the MOT testing guide vehicles
• MOT test procedures
• the the MOT inspection manual for motorcycles and sidecars

Group B

Testers who test vehicles in group B need to know about:

• electric, hybrid and mild hybrid vehicles, disabled driver controls and vehicle modificationscorrosion
• informationclassification inof the MOT testing guide vehicles
• MOT test procedures
• the the MOT inspection manual for cars and passenger vehicles

Groups A and B

MOT testers who test vehicles in both group A and group B need to study all the topics. They will need to train for at least 6 hours a year (instead of 3) and take 2 annual assessments.

Questions on electric,corrosion hybrid and mildstandards hybridof vehicles, disabled rider and driver controls, and vehicle modificationsrepair

These are some examples of the subjects MOT testers will be asked questions about:

• identifying theseand vehiclesassessing (somecorrosion
• prescribed electricareas
• non-prescribed bicyclesareas
• load arearea
• load subjectbearing and supportive structures
• tow bar mountings
• suitable materials used in repair
• bonded repairs
• repairs to MOTalloy/steel test)wheels
• emissions,non-metallic smokestructures, andsuch visualas testscarbon onfibre
• brake hybridpipes
• cab vehiclesand body mountings (class 4 and 7 vehicles only)
• whatchassis totypes do(class if4 theand beam7 jackvehicles cannotonly)
• frame extendarrangements clearincluding ofsidecars the(class batteries1 inand 2 vehicles only)
• when the floorengine ofis ana electricstressed vehiclemember (class 41 and 72 vehicles only)
• identifying

Questions highon voltageclassification cablesof (notvehicles

These all are orange)

healthsome andexamples safety

of the subjects MOT testers will be asked questions about:

• testingnon-testable hybrid,items electricrelating andto hydrogenvehicles fuelidentified cellas systemsmopeds
• disabledEU driverclassification andof ridervehicles controls(goods (asvehicles, ancars, additionpickups, toquads, normalmotor vehiclecaravans, controlsmopeds, andsolo whenmotorcycles, replacingmotorcycle normaland vehicle controls)sidecars)
• roadwhat testingto vehiclesdo fittedwhen withthe disabledweight driveror andpower rideroutput controls
• fuelof capsvehicle andpresented flaps

Questionsfor onMOT informationtest inis thenot MOTknown testing(class guide

These4 areand some7 examplesvehicles ofonly)

seat thebelt subjectsrequirements MOTfor testersquadracycles will(class be4 askedand questions7 about:

• replacementvehicles certificatesonly)
• disciplinaryidentification procedures,of pointsquadracycles evaluation(class 4 and possible7 actionvehicles only)
• MOTthe contingencyclassification of a goods vehicle converted into a motor caravan (for example, seating capacity) and which brake test procedures
• whoshould tobe contactcarried inout situations(class like4 dealingand with7 anvehicles incorrectlyonly)
• which registeredbrake vehicle,test needingshould testingbe advice,carried appealingout againston disciplinarya action,dual purpose pickup (class 4 and replacing7 certificatesvehicles only)

Questions on test procedures applicable to all classes

These are some examples of the subjects MOT testers will be asked questions about:

• usingcorrect turninguse platesof correctlyadvisory items
• usingcorrect anuse assistantof inthe bothterm the‘excessive’
• calibration bikeof andequipment
• contingency cartesting
• what testto one-persondo testif laneyou’ve (OPTL)forgotten andyour automatedpassword testor laneuser (ATL)identification 
• suspensionwho checks,can suspensiontest bearingthree-wheeled seized on a carvehicles
• usingwhat theto decelerometer
• smokedo test,when temperature
• smokethe testdistance pre-checks
• smokebetween testthe platedcentres values
• noise
• soundof deadeningthe material,areas noiseof suppression
• fuelcontact systembetween (gasthe poweredwheels vehiclesand leakthe check)road heatsurface shields,is leaks
• headlampless alignmentthan 460mm
• brakewhat testto procedures

Questionsdo onwhen testthe proceduresdistance applicablebetween tothe classcentres 4of andthe 7areas vehiclesof only

MOTcontact testersbetween willthe bewheels askedand questionsthe aboutroad itemssurface tois consider460mm inor emissionsmore

what testingto andcheck smokeduring testing. This includes:

• the ageretest of thea vehicle
• seatingwhat capacity
• Lto categorydo vehiclesduring the pre-check
• modifiedwhat engineto ordo emissionwhen controlthe equipment
• goodsvehicle vehicles
• conversions

Questionsdoes onnot testhave proceduresa applicablecurrent toMOT motorcycleand classthe 1customer andis 2trying vehiclesto only

Thesearrange arean someappointment

what examplesto ofdo if the subjectsvehicle MOTyou’re testersabout willto betest askedstill questionshas about:

• suspension2 movementmonths (acceptable or notmore acceptable)remaining on the MOT
• wheel misalignmentalignment (shaftof drive)
• beltthree-wheeled drive
• brokenvehicles or(class modified1 leversand 2 vehicles only)
• footrestswho (missingcan ortest notclass required,5 singlevehicles seat(class conversion)
• reflectors4 (position,and size,7 shape)
• exhausttesters modifiedonly)
• fuel leak
• battery security

Questions on the MOT inspection manuals and MOT testing guide

Please be aware that the content of the inspection manuals and testing guide may change. The topics will be listed below.

These are some examples of the subjects all MOT testers will be asked questions about:

• numbermajor platesfail (includingitems vehicleidentified registrationduring dates for grey characters or 3D effects)pre-check
• usingwhat anto assistantdo inif botha thevehicle bikerequires anda cardecelerometer testcheck one-personand testdangerous lanedefect (OPTL)has andbeen automatedidentified testduring lanethe (ATL)test
• lighting
• whenequipment thefailures interactionduring betweena lampstest
• local isIT acceptableissues orduring not acceptable (for example, a daytimetest
• national runningIT lampissues (DRL)with is permitted to switch off when the sameMOT sidetesting indicatorservice isduring operating)a test
• lockingtraining deviceslogs

These

what areyou somemust examplesdo ofif subjectsyou MOTget testersa mightcriminal beconviction

cessation asked about for group A:

periods
• frontaction andor rearpoints positionawarded lampsif canyou beapply incorporatedincorrect withstandards thefor directionpass, indicatormajor lampsand –dangerous
• what theaction positionDVSA lampmay ontake theif sameyou sidedeliberately ofcarry theout directionMOT indicatortesting mayincorrectly or maydo not switchfollow offthe whenprocedure in the indicatorMOT istesting switchedguide on
• theand DRLinspection canmanual function(this asinformation ais frontavailable positionin lampAppendix –8 itof maythe orMOT maytesting notguide)

These switchare offsome orexamples dimof whensubjects theMOT headlampstesters aremight switchedbe onasked andabout thefor enginegroup is running

A:

• clutchwhat andto throttledo controlsif (frictiona device,steering doesdamper notis return to idle)fitted
• numberwhat plateto lamps
• indicatordo lamps,if positionABS (moped,is solo,fitted sidebut car)
• testingnot a motorbike with linked brakesworking
• checkingwhat steeringto linkage
• checkingdo steeringif headthere bearings
• checkingis asignificant soloparallel machinemisalignment withoutof athe centreroad standwheels

These are some examples of subjects MOT testers might be asked about for group B:

• anti-theftchecking devicesseat (M1belt notfitment N1and after 2001)condition
• correctchild useseats ofheld turningby platesisofix, (allratchet checks)
• speedometerstraps, operation
• warningcarabiners, lampsnuts (electronicand stabilitybolts controland (ESC),also anti-lockthe brakingvehicle’s systemown (ABS), seat belt
• emission supplementaryand restraintsmoke systemtesting (SRS),temperatures, tyrebasic pressureemissions monitoringtest systemnot (TPMS),passed, enginediesel malfunctionvehicle indicatorplate lamplimits
• brake (MIL)testing orfor engineclass management4 lightthree-wheelers (EML))and quadracycles
• mirrors

2026

2025 to 20272026 topics

These are the topics for 1 April 20262025 to 31 March 2027.2026.

Group A

Testers who test vehicles in group A need to know about:

• lamps,electric, reflectorshybrid and electricalmild equipmenthybrid vehicles, disabled rider controls and vehicle modifications
• information in the MOT testing guide
• brakingtest procedures
• the MOT inspection manual for motorcycles and sidecars

Group B

Testers who test vehicles in group B need to know about:

• lamps,electric, reflectorshybrid and electricalmild equipmenthybrid vehicles, disabled driver controls and vehicle modifications
• information in the MOT testing guide
• brakingtest procedures
• the  MOT inspection manual for cars and passenger vehicles

Groups A and B

MOT testers who test vehicles in both group A and group B need to study all the topics. They will need to train for at least 6 hours a year (instead of 3) and take 2 annual assessments.

Questions on lamps,electric, reflectorshybrid and electricalmild equipmenthybrid vehicles, disabled rider and driver controls, and vehicle modifications

These are some examples of the subjects MOT testers will be asked questions about:

• headlampidentifying aim
• headlampthese conversionsvehicles (some electric bicycles are subject to MOT test)
• lightingemissions, requirementssmoke (dates,and position,visual colour,tests type,on separationhybrid distance)vehicles (class 4 and 7 vehicles only)
• settingwhat upto headlampdo testif equipmentthe beam jack cannot extend clear of the batteries in the floor of an electric vehicle (class 4 and 7 vehicles only)
• identifying thehigh beamvoltage imagecables (not all are orange)
• multi-functionhealth lampsand (forsafety
• testing examplehybrid, aelectric positionand lamphydrogen orfuel daytimecell runningsystems
• disabled lampdriver (DRL)and combinedrider withcontrols (as an indicatoraddition orto stopnormal lamp)vehicle controls and when replacing normal vehicle controls)
• halogenroad lampstesting convertedvehicles tofitted LEDwith ordisabled HIDdriver and rider controls
• compliancefuel withcaps requirementsand flaps

Questions on information in the MOT testing guide

These are some examples of the subjects MOT testers will be asked questions about:

• trainingreplacement logscertificates
• disciplinary –procedures, includingpoints whatevaluation actionand DVSApossible canaction
• MOT takecontingency iftest youprocedures
• who doto notcontact completein yoursituations traininglike log
• drivingdealing licenceswith –an includingincorrectly drivingregistered licencevehicle, requirementsneeding fortesting MOTadvice, testers,appealing restrictedagainst licencesdisciplinary action, and namereplacing changescertificates

Questions (sectionon Etest ofprocedures theapplicable MOTto testingall guide)

convictionsclasses

These –are includingsome whatexamples happensof ifthe yousubjects failMOT totesters notifywill DVSAbe aboutasked convictionsquestions about:

• reputeusing turning plates correctly
• whatusing happensan ifassistant prospectivein orboth existingthe testersbike makeand falsecar declarationstest orone-person statementstest orlane give(OPTL) falseand documentsautomated totest DVSAlane or MOT training providers(ATL)
• abortingsuspension orchecks, abandoningsuspension bearing seized on a testcar
• becomingusing mentallythe ordecelerometer
• smoke physicallytest, unfittemperature
• smoke to test pre-checks
• replacementsmoke certificatestest plated values
• duplicate certificatesnoise
• changesound ofdeadening vehiclematerial, classificationnoise suppression
• changefuel ofsystem vehicle(gas detailspowered vehicles leak check) heat shields, leaks
• groundsheadlamp toalignment
• brake refusetest anprocedures

Questions MOTon test

grounds procedures applicable to declineclass an4 and 7 vehicles only

MOT test

disciplinetesters (sectionwill Ibe ofasked thequestions MOTabout items to consider in emissions testing guide)

and smoke testing. This includes:

• whatthe happensage ifof athe vehicle
• seating iscapacity
• L damagedcategory duringvehicles
• modified anengine MOTor testemission control equipment
• goods vehicles
• conversions

Questions on braketest requirementsprocedures applicable to motorcycle class 1 and 2 vehicles only

These are some examples of the subjects MOT testers will be asked questions about:

• mechanicalsuspension componentsmovement (discs,(acceptable drums,or brakenot pads and linings)acceptable)
• cables,wheel rods,misalignment levers(shaft and linkagesdrive)
• brakebelt pipes, rigid and flexible hosesdrive
• hydraulicbroken systemsor modified levers
• brakefootrests performance(missing andor proceduresnot –required, linkedsingle brakeseat systemsconversion)
• reflectors (group(position, A),size, electricalshape)
• exhaust mechanicalmodified
• fuel brakes and 4x4 vehicle testing (group B)leak
• identifyingbattery dual purpose vehicles and the appropriate brake test (class 4 only)security

Questions on the MOT inspection manuals and MOT testing guide

These are some examples of the subjects all MOT testers will be asked questions about:

• tyresnumber plates (including treadvehicle depth,registration condition,dates valvefor stem,grey size,characters type)or 3D effects)
• suspensionusing (includingan suspensionassistant components,in fasteningboth devices,the linkages,bike wearand incar components,test bushes)one-person test lane (OPTL) and automated test lane (ATL)

Group

lighting

when A

Thesethe areinteraction somebetween exampleslamps ofis subjectsacceptable MOTor testersnot mightacceptable be(for askedexample, abouta fordaytime grouprunning A:

• sidecars
• handlebarlamp condition
• forks(DRL) andis yokespermitted to switch off when the same side indicator is operating)
• structurelocking and attachmentsdevices

Group B

These are some examples of subjects MOT testers might be asked about for group B:A:

• suspensionfront componentsand (includingrear pinsposition andlamps bushes,can suspensionbe arms,incorporated ballwith jointsthe anddirection ballindicator jointlamps dust– covers)the position lamp on the same side of the direction indicator may or may not switch off when the indicator is switched on
• anti-rollthe barsDRL (includingcan ballfunction joints,as linkagea ballfront joints,position dustlamp covers,– pinsit andmay bushes,or may not switch off or dim when the headlamps are switched on and attachmentthe bracketengine is running
• clutch and mounting)throttle controls (friction device, does not return to idle)
• subframesnumber (includingplate prescribedlamps
• indicator mountinglamps, areas,position attachment(moped, brackets,solo, ballside joints,car)
• testing balla jointmotorbike dustwith covers,linked andbrakes
• checking pinssteering andlinkage
• checking bushes)steering head bearings
• emissionschecking testinga andsolo smokemachine testingwithout (includinga kitcentre cars,stand

These differentare engine,some vehicleexamples conversions,of andsubjects whenMOT thetesters informationmight isbe asked about for group B:

• anti-theft devices (M1 not availableN1 onafter equipment2001)
• correct use of turning plates (all checks)
• speedometer operation
• warning lamps (electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock braking system (ABS), seat belt supplementary restraint system (SRS), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or emissionengine booklet)management light (EML))
• mirrors