MOT testers and managers will be able to take a new qualification which aims to achieve new professional standards and improve the skills operating within the industry.

The new qualification and training regime is intended to improve standards and consistency across the industry and eliminate mistakes from the 42 million MOT tests carried out each year.

From September, all new testers will have to get the nationally-recognised qualification and the industries 58,000 testers will also be encouraged to take up the scheme.

Transport Minister, Lord Ahmad said: “MOT testers do an excellent and essential job ensuring that vehicles are fit to be driven on our roads.

“We want all workers to be proud of their profession and drivers to be sure they are getting the right test result. We are introducing this new qualification and training and assessment regime to further boost the reputation of the profession.”

Driver and Vehicle and Standards Agency (DVSA) chief executive, Gareth Llewellyn, said: “The new qualification as well as the annual training and assessment will continue to build on the professional reputation of the MOT industry. It will help DVSA to regularly assess the standard of the industry and quickly address any problems that arise.

“By achieving this new qualification, garages or testers will enable their businesses to flourish, but where standards are not being met, DVSA has an obligation to protect the public by withdrawing authority to carry out MOT testing.”

This follows the introduction of the annual training and assessment in April 2016 for the 58,000 existing MOT testers.

Under the old system, MOT testers had to complete two days of refresher training every five years, but now they will have to pass an assessment during a three hour session each year.

Anyone who has the relevant technical qualification and at least 4 years’ experience in the motor trade can take this the qualification – either before or after they have employment with an MOT garage.

Once they start carrying out MOT tests, workers will need to pass an annual assessment to retain their authorisation to test.