Why MOT Assessment preparation is going digital

Every year huge numbers of MOT testers struggle to complete their annual assessment before the deadline. It’s problematic for the industry and individual businesses, with big repercussions for those who miss the cut-off date.

The cut-off date is the 31st March 2025 and just as in previous years, anyone who doesn’t complete the continuous professional development (CPD) and annual assessment isn’t allowed to continue testing. There’s also the additional headache of needing to complete a DBS check after you have met the CPD and annual assessment requirements if you want to be reinstated as a tester.

Meeting the requirements

All testers must also complete at least three hours of CPD per vehicle group they test, (group A covers class 1 and 2 and group B will cover classes 3, 4, 5 and 7), so if you are qualified for both group A and B you will need to do six hours CPD and complete two annual assessments.

Even though the requirements are well known, in busy working environments it can slip dangerously close to the cut-off point before people start thinking about completing their assessment. And that’s why there are a lot of digital resources to help out, but while they’re easily accessible, they may not always be user friendly.

The IMI has revamped its approach to streamline the process. It’s new online learning platform is designed to refresh tester’s knowledge and help them navigate the DVSA manuals more effectively. It offers an immersive learning experience, simulating real-world vehicle inspections with narration instead of text for a more intuitive approach.

Eight steps to success

The IMI says that it’s MOT Training eLearning platform delivers eight key benefits:

1. Convenient learning: Study at your own pace from the comfort of your home, office, or any preferred location.
2. User friendly navigation: Simple to use menu interface with navigation tutorial.      
3. Seamless integration: Purchase the eLearning module with the IMI annual assessment, allowing you to complete the assessment immediately after training. Print/download your certificate upon passing the assessment.
4. Flexible learning: Designed to be completed within 3 hours, with features that allow you to pause, rewind, and resume at your convenience.
5. Interactive activities: Multiple choice questions and interactive diagrams for more  intuitive learning and better retention of information.
6. Earn CPD credits: Receive 3 CPD credits upon completion
7. Accessible support: Resources and support are easily accessible from the course menu.
8. Full transcript included: All of the text from the training can be downloaded to aid your professional development.

Getting ahead

Making the MOT Assessment and CPD as stress-free as possible is critical to a smooth build up to the deadline. Last year, with just three months to go until the deadline 73% of MOT testers were yet to take their annual assessment. It’s a trend that needs to improve otherwise it can lead to big issues.

It could have a serious impact on garages’ ability to complete MOT testing, and ultimately their customer satisfaction and profitability, and is why garages need to support their technicians in their training and assessments to avoid any impact on the business.

The IMI hopes that its new eLearning platform will streamline the process, making it easier for businesses and testers to complete the assessment and CPD, and encourage more people to get it done sooner.