MOT Tester Annual Training 2026: Hours, Assessment & Deadline
If you manage an MOT centre, keeping every tester's 2026/27 annual training and assessment up to date is an important part of maintaining tester status and demonstrating that the centre actively manages MOT compliance. This guide explains the DVSA requirements for the 2026/27 training year, the records worth retaining, and the dates a garage manager should keep under review.
1. The 2026/27 MOT training year
The MOT tester annual training year for 2026/27 runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. Every authorised MOT tester must complete the required annual training and pass the annual assessment for each vehicle group they test within that window.
DVSA sets the training topics, the assessment and the pass mark each year. The training and assessment are designed to keep testers up to date with current testing standards and procedures.
2. Minimum training hours
Minimum training required for the 2026/27 training year:
Group A testers (Classes 1 and 2 — motorcycles): at least 3 hours Group B testers (Classes 3, 4, 5 and 7 — cars and light vans): at least 3 hours Testers covering both Group A and Group B: at least 6 hours (3 hours for each group)
Training must cover the DVSA topic areas for each group the tester is authorised to test. A tester authorised to test both groups needs the relevant training for each group separately.
3. The annual assessment
As well as completing training, every tester must pass the annual MOT tester assessment. The pass mark for the 2026/27 assessment is 80%.
A tester covering both Group A and Group B must complete and pass a separate assessment for each group — two assessments in total.
If a tester has not passed the assessment by 31 March, DVSA may suspend that tester's MOT testing status until the assessment is completed and recorded. The suspension applies to that individual tester, not the whole MOT station, so other authorised testers at the same site can continue testing. Booking and completing the assessment early in the training year avoids a March rush and keeps each tester's status secure.
4. 2026/27 training topics
DVSA publishes the specific annual training topics for each vehicle group on GOV.UK each training year. Testers should complete training that covers the DVSA topic list for every group they test, and keep evidence of the topics covered.
Because DVSA updates the topic list each year, confirm the current 2026/27 topics on the official guidance linked below rather than relying on older notes. The two MOT tester groups are:
Group A — Classes 1 and 2 (motorcycles)
MOT testers authorised to test Class 1 and Class 2 vehicles complete Group A annual training covering the DVSA topics published for the current year, and pass the Group A annual assessment.
Group B — Classes 3, 4, 5 and 7 (cars and light vans)
MOT testers authorised to test Class 3, 4, 5 or 7 vehicles complete Group B annual training covering the DVSA topics published for the current year, and pass the Group B annual assessment.
5. Training records
Recording each tester's training and assessment is part of running an MOT station and demonstrating that the work has been done.
Current recording (MOT Testing Service): DVSA expects each tester's annual training and assessment result for the current training year to be recorded through the MOT Testing Service. This is the live, in-date record that shows the tester is meeting the annual requirement for 2026/27.
Older record retention: Historical evidence — such as past certificates, training-provider records, topic lists and earlier assessment results — should still be retained for the periods DVSA specifies so a tester's history can be evidenced if asked. Retaining older records is separate from, and does not replace, keeping the current year's record up to date in the MOT Testing Service.
6. Garage manager checklist
An AE (Authorised Examiner) or site manager responsible for testers can use the checklist below to keep tester status secure through to 31 March.
- Identify every active MOT tester at the site
- Record the vehicle group(s) each tester is authorised to test (Group A, Group B, or both)
- Confirm each tester's training progress against the required hours
- Record each tester's assessment status (booked, completed, passed)
- Record the completion date for each tester's training and assessment
- Retain appropriate historical evidence (certificates, provider records, topic lists)
- Review the full list before 31 March so nothing is left to the last minute
Keep MOT tester training dates and evidence organised
Log each tester's training hours, assessment results, certificates and the 31 March deadline in one place — alongside your other garage compliance records.
Put this into practice
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of MOT tester training are needed for 2026/27?
Group A testers need at least 3 hours; Group B testers need at least 3 hours; testers covering both groups need at least 6 hours (3 hours for each group). Training must cover the DVSA topic areas for every group the tester is authorised to test.
Do I need more than one MOT annual assessment?
If you are authorised to test both Group A and Group B, you must complete and pass a separate assessment for each group — two assessments in total. Testers authorised for a single group complete one assessment.
What is the pass mark for the MOT annual assessment?
The pass mark for the 2026/27 MOT annual assessment is 80%.
When does MOT annual training need to be completed?
The 2026/27 training year runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. Training and the annual assessment should be completed within that window.
What happens if a tester does not pass by 31 March?
DVSA may suspend that tester's MOT testing status until the assessment is completed and recorded. The suspension applies to the individual tester, not the whole MOT station, so other authorised testers at the site can continue testing. Completing the assessment early in the year avoids this position entirely.
What training records should a garage keep?
Keep the current year's training and assessment record up to date in the MOT Testing Service, and retain historical evidence — certificates, training-provider records, topic lists and earlier results — for the periods DVSA specifies. Current recording and older record retention are separate tasks.
Related garage compliance guidance
- MOT centre compliance requirementsSee the wider AE, tester, equipment, quality-control and site-management requirements.
- MOT centre quality control and site reviewsManage tester oversight, quality checks and site-review evidence.
- UK garage compliance checklistSee the wider compliance areas that may apply to an MOT centre.
Official guidance
Motor Trade Ready provides general guidance and administrative tools. It does not provide legal advice, formal certification or a guarantee of compliance.