NT’s are those persons employed by Authorised Examiners (AE) to carry out and personally supervise MOT Tests and to sign test certificates. Personal supervision means supervision which is close enough for the NT to make all decisions on passing or failing every testable item on a test. This will involve not only closely observing every part of the test, but in some cases this may also involve handling components to determine for example, the degree of wear in a component or the amount of 'give' due to corrosion.

2.What is an NT’s role?

Before a person is to be permitted to carry out NT duties (tests, sign test certificates, sign notices of refusal of test certificates, or return to these duties following a period during which he was not nominated to carry out tests), he must have satisfied VI that he met the relevant criteria, detailed below, and has successfully completed the relevant training plus demonstration tests also detailed below.

Once VI has confirmed to the AE in writing that it is satisfied, the person's name can be added to the List of Nominated Testers (VT26) at the sponsoring VTS.

3. I’m an Authorised Examiner how do I add an NT to my list of testers (VT26)?

An NT's name may be included on the VT26 at more than one VTS.

An AE wishing to add the name of an NT to their VT26 must follow the procedure set out below. Even if the NT is still testing at another VTS, an AE cannot rely on another AE to ensure continuing competence and familiarity with equipment and to keep the NT up to date.

The AE of each VTS is responsible for any breach of the standards for tests at their own VTS, regardless of the contractual arrangements with their NTs. An NT must not carry out tests at the new VTS until his name has been added to the VT26 in the manner explained. The AE of the VTS that the NT has left, must delete his name from the VT26 at the VTS and tell the local office that this has been done.

If an NT wishes to move to another VTS, the AE of that VTS can, subject to obtaining confirmation for local VI offices that the NT is still acceptable, enter their name onto the VT26 for that station. Subject to written permission from the NT, VI will also advise the AE if the NT to be added has any formal warnings that would be taken into consideration if a disciplinary case arose at the time of enquiry.

We cannot, however, advise of any cases pending that have not yet been resolved. It is the AE's responsibility to ensure that all NTs on their VT26 remain competent, familiar with the equipment at the particular test station and up to date with changes - they cannot assume that a previous AE has done this.

If an NT ceases to be actively involved in MOT testing (whether due to change of duties, employment or location or for any other reason) his name must immediately, be removed from the VT26 and the local VI office informed in writing. A person carrying out Quality Control checks is considered to be actively involved.

4. What is the criteria to become an NT?

To qualify to become an NT for any class of vehicle, an applicant must;

be sponsored by the AE of a VTS - in sponsoring a prospective NT the AE is not only stating that to the nest of the AEs belief the candidate has the necessary background, experience and integrity to carry out MOT testing but is also willing to provide the necessary facilities for the candidate to practice testing to be able to demonstrate to VI that they are competent before they are allowed to carry out actual MOT Tests;
be at least 20 years old;
have a full unrestricted UK driving licence for the vehicle class(es) they wish to test. Motor bicycles this means a full licence for all types and sizes of machine;
be a skilled mechanic with at least four years experience repairing the types of vehicle that they wish to test;
have no 'unspent' convictions, as defined in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, for criminal offences connected with the vehicle testing scheme or the motor trade, or involving acts of violence or intimidation; and,
be otherwise of good repute.
In addition, anyone wishing to become an NT for classes III, IV, V or VII must either possess an acceptable vocational qualification or, in the absence of such qualification, they must pass VI's Nominated Tester Assessment examination NTT(a). This requirement does not apply to NTs who have previously tested vehicles of these classes at any time unless they are returning to testing following suspension for disciplinary reasons.

5. As an NT, what happens if I get disqualified from driving?

An NT is automatically disqualified from MOT testing on loss of his driving licence.

A disqualified driver will not be allowed to attend any required training course during the period that he has no valid driving licence. If during the period of disqualification from driving, the NT is required to undertake training as detailed below, they may have to stop testing pending the restoration of their driving licence and completion of the appropriate course.

Clearly a disqualified NT must not carry out road tests where these are necessary. This requirement can pose major problems for motorcycle test stations where a road test may be necessary for a number of reasons, but is less troublesome for other classes were a road test is only normally necessary if a decelerometer brake test is needed.

An NT without a valid driving licence should not start a MOT Test if a road test is required; however, if that need becomes apparent during a test, the test must be terminated and repeated in full by an NT with a valid driving licence.

Should the VTS be unable to provide a suitable NT at the time, it must refund any test fee paid, or, if the customer agrees, make an alternative appointment when a suitable NT will be available.

6. Can I carry out a class V road test without an appropriate driving licence?

Anyone wishing to drive a vehicle with more than 16 passenger seats, in addition to the driver, needs an appropriate category D driving licence. Any NT not possessing such a licence cannot therefore carry out road tests on some class V vehicles.

An NT without a valid category D driving licence should not start an MOT test on a vehicle with more than 16 passenger seats if a road test is likely to be needed; however, if that need becomes apparent during a test, the test must be terminated and repeated IN FULL by an NT with a valid driving licence. Should the VTS be unable to provide a suitable NT at the time, it must refund any test fee paid, or, if the customer agrees, make an alternative appointment when a suitable NT will be available.

7. What if I don’t have a UK Licence?

Under current law, holders of non UK driving licences are only permitted to drive under these licences from 12 months from entry into the UK. In the case of an NT or prospective NT who holds only a non UK licence this will be treated as equivalent to a UK licence if evidence is produced to show that the person has been a UK resident for less than 12 months.

If the non UK licence is neither to the European Communities model nor in English it must be accompanied by a certified translation. An International Driving Permit issued on the basis of a non UK licence will be treated similarly if produced along with the national licence on which its issue was based and certified translation if required.

8.What qualifications do I need and what training will I receive?

Acceptable Qualifications
Vocational educational qualifications acceptable to VI are listed below. As proof of passing VI will require to see the originals of the final certificate (or originals of duplicates issued by the examining authority). 'Records of Achievement', unit credits towards the final certificate, or other similar documentation are not acceptable.

Periodically, extra qualifications are added to the list. This can only be done by VI after consulting the awarding body and satisfying ourselves that the qualification represents an appropriate level of achievement.

If you have qualifications not on the list but which you believe to be equivalent please do not send evidence of the qualification but phone Vehicle Inspectorate Training Services on 0117 9543434, to find out if the particular qualification is about to be added to the list.

National Craft Certificate
Specialism of Vehicle Maintenance and Electronic Systems;

City and Guilds
Repair and Servicing of Road Vehicles, 383 - full level 2 or 3
Motor Vehicle Craft Studies, Modular - part 3 (requires 3 modules)
Motor Vehicle Craft Studies, 381 - full part 2 or 3
Motor Vehicle Craft Studies, (pre 381 syllabus) - full part 2
Light Vehicle Mechanics Craft Studies, full part 2 or 3
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics Craft Studies - full part 2 or 3
Motor Vehicle Technician's Certificates - full part 1

Business and Technical Education Council
Motor Vehicle Engineering Studies, National Certificate or ONC

Scottish Vocational Education Council
National Certificate in Vehicle Mechanics and Systems, Part 3.

National Vocational Qualifications or Scottish Vocational Qualifications
Vehicle Mechanical and Electronic Systems - Maintenance and Repair (LV) or (HV) Level 3.

General
In addition to meeting the criteria given in E2, those seeking to become NTs must successfully complete a VI training course that explains the processes of MOT testing and reinforces the standards set out in the relevant Inspection Manuals. They must also satisfactorily complete a demonstration test.

Qualified NTs must keep up to date with current practices and standards by:

Studying all relevant Special Notices, amendments to this guide and amendments to the appropriate inspection manual;
Attending and successfully completing any refresher training required by VI;
Training on the use of any new or modified equipment installed at their VTS; and,
Studying or training on the significance and correct functioning of any new features that are introduced on vehicle types that are likely to be submitted for test.
Qualified NTs must also carry out MOT tests, QC checks or both on a regular basis, and will be required to carry out demonstration tests for officers of VI.

NTs may be required to undertake additional training or carry out demonstration tests before being allowed to test vehicles in classes that they have not previously been testing.

Any test carried out by a person who has not attended a training course or satisfactorily carried out a demonstration test, will be regarded as having been carried out by an unauthorised person. Disciplinary action may therefore be taken against the AE concerned.

In addition, the unauthorised tester may not be allowed to become an NT for a period of two years following the offence.

Further detail on required training and demonstration tests can be found in the MOT Testing Guide 5th Edition and will be included on line with MOT Training Course Details over the coming months.