What to Do if DVSA Visit Your MOT Test Centre

For MOT Test Centres, an unexpected visit from the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) can feel stressful. Whether it’s a routine site review, a compliance check, or an investigation, how you respond can make all the difference.

At MOT Assist, we support garages across the UK with MOT QC Checks, site reviews, and MOT management support. Here’s your step-by-step guide to handling a DVSA visit with confidence.

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Why DVSA Might Visit Your MOT Test Centre

DVSA examiners (Vehicle Examiners) may attend your site for:

• Routine MOT compliance surveys

• Reviewing your MOT test logs and quality information reports

• Investigating complaints or irregularities

• Following up on Quality Control (QC) issues

• Assessing your site’s risk rating

  
  

And yes, they can arrive without notice, so being prepared is essential.

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DVSA Visit Checklist

When DVSA turn up at your MOT Test Centre, follow these key steps:

✅ Stay professional and cooperative

Greet the examiner respectfully, remain calm, and avoid being defensive. Professionalism sets the tone for the entire visit.

✅ Verify credentials

Ask to see their DVSA warrant card and record their details in your visitor log.

✅ Provide access to MOT records

Allow access to your MOT testing bay, MOT test logs, and equipment calibration certificates. Make sure these are easy to find.

✅ Keep MOT QC Checks up to date

Have the following available for inspection:

• MOT site records

• QC check records

• Tester annual training evidence

• AEDM / MOT Manager documentation

  
  

✅ Record the visit yourself

Note the examiner’s name, what was checked, and any actions required. This creates your own audit trail in case of disputes.

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The Role of MOT QC Checks in Compliance

MOT QC Checks are one of the first things DVSA look at. They want to see that:

• QC checks are carried out regularly

• Issues identified are acted upon and corrected

• Testers are confident with one-person testing routines

  
  

Many new testers complete their initial training on a two-person MOT routine, but DVSA expect full competence with one-person testing. Failure to adapt often leads to QC shortfalls and compliance concerns.

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Common Shortfalls DVSA Find

During MOT site reviews, DVSA often raise issues such as:

• Missing or incomplete QC records

• MOT test logs that don’t meet DVSA standards

• Poor one-person test routines

• Gaps in annual training

• Weak site management and record-keeping

  
  

If serious shortcomings are found, DVSA can issue warnings, points, or even suspend your MOT testing approval.

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How MOT Assist Helps You Prepare

At MOT Assist, we help MOT Test Centres reduce risk and stay ready for DVSA by providing:

• Regular MOT QC Checks

• MOT site review preparation and support

• MOT test log analysis and guidance

• Ongoing MOT Manager and AEDM support

  
  

With MOT Assist, you’ll always be prepared, compliant, and confident when DVSA arrive.

📞 Call us today on 01283 734427 or visit 🌐 www.pro-techacademy.co.uk to find out how MOT Assist can protect your garage.