The Essential Training Needed
To become an MOT Test Centre, first, you will need to make sure that you have the correct MOT training and qualifications to become an MOT tester. Without the correct qualifications, you will not be approved by the Drivers and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). This training includes the vital MOT annual training (or CPD Training and Assessment) where each year all MOT Testers must now complete an annual MOT CPD assessment training which must be passed to retain your MOT tester status.
You will also need to decide who should become the AEDM (Authorised Examiner Designated Manager). If you have one site, then this would need to be a director or sole trader of the business. This person would also need additional training to carry out the role of AEDM. Concept offers AEDM MOT training courses to help your business manage your MOT operation correctly and legally within the DVSA guidelines.
Always keep up to date with the latest instructions and guidance from the DVSA too, they are the authority on the latest standards and requirements for MOT testing stations, for example “How to apply to open, run or change an MOT test station“.
DVSA VT01 Form
You will also require premises that comply with the Drivers and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) regulations. For example, you will need the height, length and width required for the classes of vehicles you would be testing. You need to have completed the DVSA VT01 form to apply to set up or change an MOT test station, including becoming an Authorised Examiner (the person or business that runs it).
You need to ensure you select the correct MOT bay equipment supplier. Will your supplier carry out your DVSA application for you? Will they supply DVSA-accredited CAD drawings for you? The application is called the VT-01 document. This is what’s submitted to DVSA along with your supporting documents to allow DVSA to authorise you to become an approved MOT testing facility.
You can additionally read our blog on how to complete the VT01 document for further information on this.
MOT Bay Dimensions
You need to ensure the door and any openings to the MOT bay in and out meet the minimum width and height required, as well as the overall width, height and length of the MOT bay and surrounding areas. Read our blog about ‘How long is an MOT Bay?‘ to find out lengths and dimensions of MOT Bays.
There is a lot to think about before taking on any commitment with premises. You are strongly advised to have these important dimensions checked by a qualified competent person before deciding on any premises.
MOT Equipment Selection
Once you have decided on both the AEDM training and MOT tester training as well as ensuring that the premises meet the required dimensions you will need to think about the range of MOT equipment or MOT Bay Package you would like to purchase to become an approved MOT test Centre.
The range of MOT equipment can include:
- Vehicle lift/ramp/pit – Vehicle lifts are the most common way to raise a vehicle to allow the mechanic to work underneath the vehicle, however of there is a height restriction that will not allow a lift install, then a recessed inspection pit is always an option.
- Headlamp Beam Tester – Specialised instruments used by vehicle headlights and taillights manufacturers, as well as by garages during MOT tests, to test the intensity, quality and angle of the light produced by vehicle headlights.
- Roller Brake Tester – Used to test the performance of brakes on vehicles.
- Emissions Tester – Machines responsible for ensuring that vehicles meet emissions standards.
- Decelerometer – Handheld electronic devices that can be taken in a vehicle during a test drive and brake test, and they will test the braking efficiency by calculating the rate of deceleration.
- Various hand-held tools – MOT tools and ancillary essentials that you need for your MOT testing bay.
- Tool board, mirrors and signage – Helps to keep your garage safe and organised.
Note: DVSA in conjunction with GEA is rolling out MOT Connected Equipment which automates some of the MOT test results back to the DVSA MTS system, so you need to be aware of the latest regulations around connected equipment and ensure that your circumstances and MOT equipment meet the required standards.
Contact Concept to help Supply and Install your MOT Bay
At Concept Garage Equipment we are experts in the design, supply and installation of MOT Bays for MOT Test Centres and can help you every step of the way.
Call us today for some free no obligation advice on your journey to building your MOT test centre on 0113 469 0572.
