9:00 am, October 10, 2019
SECURITY checks for MOT garage owners and managers are being brought in.
From November 1, anyone applying to be an authorised examiner or authorised examiner designated manager will need to have a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This verifies the applicant’s identity and checks for unspent convictions.
The DVSA said it was introducing DBS checks to prevent people who might damage the integrity of the MOT scheme from holding positions of authority at test centres.
DVSA head of MOT policy Chris Price said: ‘DVSA’s priority is helping everyone keep their car safe to drive.
‘We’re always looking for ways to make our processes less complicated and more secure. Bringing in DBS checks for MOT managers and owners helps us do this.
‘For the DVSA, it means we can protect the integrity of the MOT, and it makes the process simpler for applicants. That’s a win-win.’
The new process replaces the countersigning of driving licences or passports to check credentials and will be carried out solely via the gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record webpage.
The DVSA said the current process took longer and was complicated for applicants. It added that the new DBS check will not only streamline and simplify the process, it will also help ensure MOT test centres are managed by fit and proper people.
Additionally from November 1, MOT testing staff, managers and administrative staff will have to tell DVSA immediately if they get a conviction where one of the following is imposed:
a prison sentence (or suspended sentence) of three months or more
a fine exceeding level 4 on the standard scale (currently £2,500)
a community service order (or equivalent) requiring unpaid work for more than 60 hours
any punishment outside the UK equivalent to the above
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