If you’re an MOT Tester, you’ll already know that qualifying is only the beginning. To keep your authorisation active and to stay compliant with DVSA expectations, you must complete Annual Training and pass an online assessment every year.
At Pro-Tech MOT & Automotive Academy, we speak to testers and VTS managers all year round about annual training. The most common issues we see aren’t people refusing to do it – they’re people leaving it too late or treating it as a tick-box exercise.
This guide explains what’s involved, when it needs to be completed, and how Pro-Tech helps you stay compliant without the last-minute panic.
When Is Annual Training Due?
The MOT Annual Training and Assessment must be completed between 1 April and 31 March each year.
If you miss the deadline:
- You’ll be immediately suspended from testing
- You’ll be removed from the MOT Testing Service (MTS)
- You’ll need to complete the training and re-pass the assessment before you can test again
There are no extensions or grace periods, which is why planning ahead is so important.
What Does the Annual Training Involve?
Each year, DVSA publishes a new training syllabus based on:
- Common testing errors
- Technical updates
- Changes to legislation or guidance
- Emerging risks identified through data and inspections
Your annual training must include:
- At least 3 hours of CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- Study of DVSA’s official training topics for that year
- Evidence of learning (such as certificates or training logs)
Topics often cover areas like:
- Updates to the MOT Inspection Manual
- Emissions testing procedures
- Record-keeping and use of MTS
- Changes in road safety legislation
Training can be completed:
- In a classroom (through a provider like Pro-Tech)
- Online via flexible, structured self-study – you can book directly with Pro-Tech here
- As part of organised group CPD within a VTS
A Key Point on CPD and DVSA Expectations
While CPD is not currently included as a direct suspension trigger, it would be prudent for both testers and VTSs to work on the assumption that this may change in the future.
More importantly, DVSA guidance during site reviews now encourages examiners to mark a VTS as “Improvement Needed” where testers are leaving their annual assessment until the final quarter of the year.
Annual training is released in April. If assessments are left until the following March, testers may be working for months without exposure to the latest testing information, updates or clarifications.
👉 At Pro-Tech, we strongly recommend completing annual assessments by December, protecting both the tester and the VTS.
What Is the Annual Assessment Like?
The annual assessment is an online, multiple-choice test, typically made up of 30 questions based on that year’s syllabus.
Key things to know:
- It is open book – you can refer to the Inspection Manual and Testing Guide
- The pass mark is 80% (24 correct answers)
- You’ll receive a certificate of completion, which must be retained as proof of compliance
At Pro-Tech, we focus on helping testers understand the content, not just scrape a pass. long-term health implications of dermal exposure.
How Pro-Tech Can Help
At Pro-Tech MOT & Automotive Academy, we make annual training straightforward, timely and genuinely useful for both individual testers and entire VTS teams.
We support you with:
- Classroom training delivered at Pro-Tech by experienced MOT professionals
- Online annual training packages with flexible access
- Support for managers organising group training for their testers
- Clear advice on logging CPD hours and maintaining accurate records
- The option to combine annual training with QC checks to keep your site audit-ready
Our approach isn’t about rushing people through in March, it’s about helping you stay confident, compliant and prepared all year round.
Ready to Get Your Annual Training Sorted?
If you want to take a proactive approach to annual training, rather than leaving it until the deadline, we’re here to help.
📞 Call 01283 734427
🌐 Visit www.pro-techacademy.co.uk
From annual assessments to long-term compliance support, Pro-Tech is here to support you every step of the way.
