Before you book the test
From 1 April 2022, you’ll need to bring a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check certificate with you to your demonstration test. It usually takes up to 14 days to receive a certificate.
Before you book the test, you need to:
- read the MOT testing manuals and special notices
- practise your inspection routine
- practise using the test equipment with different vehicles
- watch an experienced tester test different vehicles
How to book the test
You can book your demonstration test once you can carry out an MOT test without any help.
- Sign in to the MOT testing service – your account should have been created when you did your qualification course.
- Go to the your profile section and select qualifications.
- Add your level 2 MOT testing certificate number, and choose where you want to do the demonstration test – you’ll need the ID number of the training centre or testing station.
- Request a test by calling the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). You’ll need your user ID from the MOT testing service and the name and ID number of the test location you chose in step 3.
- DVSA will call you to set a test date – this can take several weeks.
If DVSA has not called you within 4 weeks, you can call them to get an update.
DVSA
Telephone: 0300 123 9000 (choose option 2, then option 4)
Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6pm
What to bring to the test
When you take your test, make sure you bring:
- a vehicle that’s at least 3 years old, in the vehicle class you’re being tested on
- your UK driving licence (if you do not have a photocard licence you also need to take photo ID, such as your passport)
- your level 2 MOT testing award certificate
If you’re taking your test on or after 1 April 2022 you’ll also need to bring a basic DBS certificate.
Your test will be cancelled if you do not bring these things with you.
If your DBS certificate shows a criminal record
You will not be able to take the MOT demonstration test if your DBS certificate shows you’ve had any of the following:
- a prison sentence of 3 months or more (including suspended sentences)
- a fine of more than £2,500
- an order to do unpaid work for more than 60 hours
- any equivalent sentence or fine outside the UK
What happens at the test
The DVSA examiner will explain what you’ll have to do. They’ll ask you to:
- carry out a demonstration test
- record the result in a practice version of the MOT testing service
- answer some questions about the MOT
Test result
If you pass the demonstration test you can start doing MOT tests at the testing stations where you’re a registered tester. These are listed in the MOT testing service.
If you fail the demonstration test, the examiner will give you feedback and tell you what to do next.