Inspection Technician Large Commercial Vehicle

UPDATE: Irtec Inspection Technician

Irtec Inspection Technician routes have been recently reviewed and redeveloped with expert working groups.

Centres must use the new assessment materials and documentation from 31-01-2026.

Summary of changes:

•             Naming convention changes for:

• Large Commercial Vehicle to: Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) (exceeding 12,000kg)
• Light Goods Vehicle to: Medium Goods Vehicle (MGV) (3,500 kg - 7,500 kg)
• Bus and Coach to: Public Service Vehicle (PSV)

•             Assessor and Technician instructions: Updated documentation

•             Online Test:

• 1 x online test containing 40 MCQs and Pass score 70%, relating to legislation and roadworthiness
• Now open book, Technician will have access to DVSA ‘HGV/PSV Inspection Manual’ and ‘Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness’ documentation.

The minimum entry requirement is 3 years' industrial experience or a Level 3 S/NVQ (or equivalent qualification) plus at least one year's experience in a relevant industrial environment.

In order to achieve an irtec licence, a technician must first pass an Under Pinning Knowledge (theory) test consisting of 50 questions at an IMI approved assessment centre; 35 questions will be of a technical content whilst 15 questions will be legislation related. Once you have completed the Under Pinning Knowledge test you have 12 months in which to successfully complete all the practical assessments.

The practical assessments in the Inspection Technician Licence are as follows:

Inspection of Vehicles

Once accredited, irtec technicians agree to abide by the irtec code of conduct, receive a licence card, certificate and are placed on the irtec technicians register. As an additional benefit, irtec licence holders are eligible to apply for a free Halfords Trade Card.