MOT Training Providers Form New Association to Work with DVSA on MOT Tester Training
A group of the UK’s leading MOT training organisations has formed a new industry body - the MOT Training Providers Association (MTPA) - to work collaboratively with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) on improving and standardising MOT tester training across the country.
The founding members represent some of the most experienced and well-established MOT training providers in the sector, collectively delivering training to tens of thousands of MOT testers nationwide. The group includes MOT Juice, The Test Centre, MOT Learning Services, Protech Academy, VOCS, MOT Group, and further respected providers expected to join imminently.
The formation of MTPA follows recent discussions between the association’s founder, Barry Babister of MOT Juice, and senior representatives within the DVSA. Both parties recognised the need for clearer, more detailed and more consistent training guidance for the MOT industry.
A more consistent approach to MOT training
Every year, DVSA issues an annual MOT training curriculum that all MOT testers must complete. Historically, the wording of this curriculum has been intentionally broad, leading to varying interpretations among training providers. As a result, testers completing their mandatory training have not always been up-skilled on the same topics or to the same depth.
MTPA has been created specifically to address this gap.
Barry Babister, Chair of MTPA, said:
“For the industry to maintain credibility and safety standards, MOT testers must receive consistent, accurate training. MTPA will work with DVSA to help shape clearer annual curriculum guidance so that every training provider teaches the same material to the same standard.
This collaboration benefits everyone - training providers, MOT testers, and ultimately the motorists who rely on the MOT system.”
A sector supporting 80,000 MOT testers
The MOT industry remains one of the most heavily regulated in the UK. There are around 24,000 MOT testing stations (VTSs) nationwide, supported by approximately 80,000 MOT testers.
Each year:
4,000–5,000 new candidates train to become authorised MOT testers
Around 5,000 testers leave the industry or allow their authorisation to lapse
In addition, regulatory discussions suggest that Authorised Examiners (AEs), AEDs and AEDMs - the individuals responsible for managing MOT testing operations - may soon be required to complete annual MOT compliance training and pass an associated assessment. If confirmed, this would represent one of the most significant changes to MOT training in a decade.
MTPA will act as an industry forum to ensure training providers can prepare for these changes in a consistent and structured way.
Formal engagement with DVSA
MTPA will meet annually with DVSA to:
Review the upcoming year’s MOT training curriculum
Provide structured, industry-wide feedback
Ensure consistency and clarity in training expectations
Support DVSA in improving the quality and confidence of training delivery across the UK
The first formal DVSA–MTPA Curriculum Review Meeting is scheduled for later this year.
About the MOT Training Providers Association (MTPA)
MTPA is an independent industry association representing the UK’s leading MOT training organisations. Its mission is to:
Improve the quality and consistency of MOT tester training
Support DVSA in delivering clear and effective guidance
Promote best practice and professionalism across the sector
Strengthen the skills and competence of the MOT workforce