JourneyCareersMOT Tester
Global Career Guide (EN)From Transport & Logistics β†’

MOT Tester

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An MOT tester checks whether vehicles meet the legal safety and emissions standards needed to be on the road. It suits careful, honest, methodical people who like detailed checking work and want a recognised, in-demand role within the motor trade.

The role

What a mot tester actually does, day to day.

The work is carrying out the official MOT inspection - checking brakes, lights, tyres, emissions, steering and more - recording results accurately and explaining any fails to customers. Thoroughness, honesty and good knowledge of the standards matter, since the test is a legal safety check and you must apply the rules exactly and fairly.

The work is hands-on in a garage, can be physical and grubby, usually with regular weekday hours plus some Saturdays, and pay is generally a steady wage, often more than a basic mechanic. Most testers work in MOT-approved garages.

You must already be a qualified vehicle mechanic with the right experience, then complete official MOT tester training and approval from the DVSA. You must keep your certification up to date with regular refresher training to keep testing.

A typical week

Day to day

1Carry out official MOT inspections
2Check brakes, lights, tyres and steering
3Test emissions and exhaust
4Record results accurately on the system
5Explain passes, fails and advisories
6Follow the MOT standards exactly
7Keep certification and training up to date