The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has worked with the UK’s leading rescue organizations to launch the automotive technician accreditation (ATA) for roadside assistance.

ATA tests the practical skills of patrols across a range of technical disciplines and also tests theoretical knowledge to ensure all-round competence.

The AA, Mondial UK and RAC worked with the IMI, governors of the scheme.

Steve Dewey, road operations director at the AA, says: “The ATA scheme will be of mutual benefit by benchmarking standards across the industry.”

Patrol technicians will need to renew their accreditation every five years, with two levels, diagnostic technician and master technician, available.

So far 100 patrols have achieved accreditation in a pilot programme, which will now be available to all 5,000 patrols throughout the three organizations.