MOT tests are carried out by vehicle test examiners employed by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) who are fully qualified mechanics.  They must have obtained relevant qualifications (or their equivalent) prior to their appointment:

Vehicle Examiner Qualifications

• City and Guilds Motor Vehicle Craft Certificate 381 Part III
• City and Guilds Repair and Servicing of Road Vehicles Certificates 383 Level 3
• BTEC (A8) Certificate in Motor Vehicle Engineering Level 3
• Scottish Qualifications Authority – SNVQ Level 3 in Vehicle Mechanical & Electronic Systems Maintenance and Repair (Light Vehicle or Heavy Vehicle)
• City and Guilds – 330 NVQ in Vehicle Mechanical and Electronic Systems
• National Council for Vocational Qualifications – Level 3 in Vehicle Mechanical & Electronic Systems (Heavy Vehicles – Maintenance and Repair)
• BTEC – Vehicle Mechanical and Electronic Systems – Maintenance and Repair Light Vehicles (Schedule No 125) or Vehicle Mechanical and Electronic Systems – Maintenance (Level 3, Schedule No 126) Heavy Vehicles

In addition, they must have served an apprenticeship of at least three years pre-qualification and have two years post-qualification experience.

After recruitment and before carrying out tests in the “live” environment, they must successfully complete an intensive four week training programme  which includes both practical and written examinations.  This programme is accredited by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).