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D. Requirements for authorisation

Driver Vehicle Standards Agency

January 8
08:43 2024

An authorised examiner (AE) is the organisation that operates and manages one or more vehicle testing stations (VTSs) and is responsible for controlling the quality of testing carried out. Except in the case of a sole trader the AE is not a person but a legal entity, for example a company, partnership or a local authority.

A designated council (DC) is a local authority authorised to carry out MOT tests.

Unless stated DCs are treated the same as AEs within this document.

This document sets out the requirements to be met when applying to become an AE or DC. Its intended to assist with the application process by providing the information required on how to start a new application or to apply for a variation to an existing authorisation.

Normally an application to become an AE is made in conjunction with an application for a VTS. However, DVSA will accept an application to become an AE without a link to a tester or an approved VTS.

In all cases applicants should be conversant with their responsibilities. Before final authorisation to test is granted an AE must demonstrate compliance with all requirements.

All applicants should be fully aware of the requirements before completing and returning an Application for MOT Authorisation Form (VT01).

The application must be made by the legal entity that holds full control and responsibility for MOT testing functions. Authorisations are granted in accordance with the conditions applicable to the authorisation.

These conditions include compliance with the requirements set out in the MOT testing guide and appropriate inspection manuals (as amended) together with any additional specific conditions contained within the written authorisation notice.

AEs are in law fully responsible for ensuring that statutory MOT testing at all their VTSs is carried out to the required standard and in the manner instructed by DVSA. Failure to comply with the authorisation requirements for the MOT service may lead to your application being rejected.

An AE entity may be authorised without access to approved facilities however, before authorisation to test is granted an AE must have an approved testing facility. Authorisation of an AE and approval of a vehicle test station (VTS) may be done using a single application form; the specific requirements for a VTSs approval are set out in common to all classes.

Who is eligible to become an authorised examiner

Authorisation to carry out MOT testing will be granted only to applicants who can satisfy DVSA that they are of good repute, as defined in Appendix 7: Convictions and repute, and where applicable that their premises, equipment and personnel meet the required standards.

An application for appointment as an AE can be made by a:

  • sole trader
  • partnership
  • company
  • designated council

Any authorisation by DVSA allows only the legal entity authorised to provide the testing service. If a company is reconstituted in a way that leads to a new company registration and number being issued, then it will be regarded as a new entity and a new authorisation is needed. If, in a partnership, a partner leaves or joins the partnership this becomes a new entity and a new authorisation is needed. The same is true in the case of a sole trader who either takes on a partner or forms a company.

Sole trader

If the application is made by a sole trader, the AE would be the person making the application, and who must sign it.

Partnership

If the application is made by a partnership, the AE would be the partnership itself (for example, the partnership of F Bloggs and A N Other) and the application is to be signed by a person duly authorised by the partnership to do so. Confirmation that the person is duly authorised in a form of a statement to that effect signed by each of the partners will normally be required together with a copy of the current partnership agreement

Company

If the application is made by a company, the AE would be the company itself, not the directors or company management staff regardless of who owns the company and who the directors are. The application is to be signed by any person duly authorised by the company to do so. Written confirmation that the person is duly authorised signed by an officer of the company is required. The directors must be recorded on the companys register at Companies House.

Designated council

A designated council is:

  • the council of a county, district or London borough
  • a unitary authority or island council of a region or Islands area (in Scotland)
  • the City of London

Authorised examiners (AEs) responsibilities

Its important that you understand all that is required to be an AE before signing the application.

General

AEs are held fully responsible for the actions of their staff and others acting on their behalf or with their agreement, all such staff must be adequately supervised and fully conversant with their testing duties. For a partnership or company, all partners or directors and officers of the company are equally responsible. Each authorised entity is required to have an authorised examiner designated manager (AEDM) (see Mandatory roles). The responsibilities of testers are set out in Section E. Tester.

Every new AE is required to have at least one person, who is an AEP, plus the AEDM, who has attended a DVSA approved MOT Managers Course.

AEs must notify DVSA immediately in writing of any conviction of an individual involved in the MOT scheme under their authorisation. This includes:

  • AE principals (AEPs)
  • AEDMs
  • AE delegates (AEDs)
  • site managers
  • site admin
  • testers

For conviction definitions see Appendix 7:Convictions and repute.

The extent of an AEs liability for vehicle damage is set out in Regulation 14 (1) of the Motor Vehicles (Tests) Regulations 1981 (SI 1981 No 1694) as amended. AEs must not display disclaimers against liability for loss, damage or injury caused while vehicles are in their custody for MOT tests and must ensure that no vehicle presenter is asked to sign any such disclaimer. Appendix 4: Liability for loss or damage describes fully the scope of AEs liabilities.

AEs are advised to be members, or become members, of a Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) approved code of practice. Details of approved codes can be found on the TSI website.

Premises and equipment

After approval of the site, every AE must, at all times, properly maintain the premises, facilities and testing equipment at all the VTSs for which they are responsible. This includes:

  • all facilities and equipment that were present at the time of the VTSs approval and any additions or alternatives that were agreed with DVSA by prior notification

  • all facilities and equipment required by any mandatory upgrade introduced by DVSA

All testing equipment must be kept in good working order and measuring apparatus must be kept calibrated in accordance with DVSAs requirements.

Testing must stop on any class or type of vehicle, if any mandatory item of equipment falls out of calibration, is missing a mandatory upgrade or in

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