MOT Matters

The MOT Tester Annual Training topics for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 have been released, below is a list of topics the questions in the annual exam will be focused on, you must complete the 3 hours training on these topics and pass the annual exam.

Testers who test vehicles in group A and B need to know about:

  • Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment.
  • Brake requirements.
  • Information in the MOT Testing Guide.
  • MOT test procedures.
  • The MOT inspection manual for cars and passenger vehicles.

Groups A and B Tester

MOT testers who test vehicles in both group A and group B need to study all the topics. They will need to train for at least 6 hours a year (instead of 3) and take 2 annual assessments.

Questions on Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment

These are some examples of the subjects MOT testers will be asked questions about:

  • Headlamp aim.
  • Headlamp conversions such as, halogen lamps converted to LED or HID.
  • Compliance with requirements and lighting requirements to include:
    • Dates, position, colour, type and separation distance.
  • Setting up of headlamp test equipment and identifying the beam image.
  • Multi-function lamps, for example, a position lamp/DRL incorporated with indicator and/or stop lamp.

Questions on Information in the MOT Testing Guide

These are some examples of the subjects MOT testers will be asked questions about:

  • non completion of training logs and action that may be taken.
  • driving licences including restricted and name change.
  • convictions.
  • repute.
  • failure to notify about convictions.
  • the implications of a false declarations.
  • production of false documents and/or false statements to DVSA or MOT training providers.
  • aborting and abandoning a test.
  • being unfit to test (mentally and/or physically).

Questions on test procedures

These are some examples of the subjects MOT testers will be asked questions about:

  • assessment of mechanical components, to include: discs, drums, brake pads/linings.
  • cables, rods, levers and linkages.
  • assessment of brake pipes, rigid and flexible hoses.
  • hydraulic systems.
  • brake performance/efficiency.
  • brake performance and procedures.
  • identifying dual purpose vehicles and the appropriate brake test.
  • group A: checking of linked brake systems.
  • group B: checking of electrical and mechanical parking brakes, including 4×4 vehicles.

Questions on the MOT inspection manuals and MOT testing guide

These are some examples of the subjects all MOT testers will be asked questions about:

Tyres:

  • tread depth
  • condition
  • valve stem
  • size/type

Suspension:

  • suspension components
  • fastening devices
  • linkages
  • wear in components
  • bushes

Group A only:

  • sidecars
  • handlebar condition
  • forks and yokes
  • structure and attachments

Group B only:

  • pins and bushes
  • ball joint dust covers
  • suspension arm
  • ball joint

Anti-Roll Bars:

  • linkage ball joint dust cover
  • linkage ball joints
  • pins and bushes
  • linkage pins and bushes
  • ball joint
  • linkage
  • anti-roll bar
  • attachment bracket and mounting

Subframes:

  • sub-frame
  • sub-frame mounting prescribed areas
  • pins and bushes
  • ball joint
  • attachment bracket and mounting
  • ball joint dust cover

Emissions/Smoke Test:

  • kit cars
  • different engines
  • information not available on equipment or emis
  • vehicle conversions

MOT Guide:

  • replacement certificates
  • duplicate certificates
  • changing vehicle classification
  • changing vehicle details
  • grounds to refuse a MOT Test
  • grounds to decline a MOT Test
  • what can lead to disciplinary action and sanctions which may include:
    • where a test has been refused for an item that would warrant failure and a tester which is not fit to test
  • vehicle damaged during MOT Test

The MOT Club eLearning

The MOT Club’s 2026-2027 eLearning course will be available from the 1st April 2026, you can order here.