The way MOT testers are being trained is changing, with the role soon to become a National Occupational Standard (NOS).

This will be a recognised qualification for testers, creating a professional standard for both the role and the MOT industry.

The Retail Motor Industry Federation’s training centre, the RMI Academy of Automotive Skills, will be running a pilot for the new MOT tester training from April 2016.

The RMI, which oversees the National Franchised Dealers Association and Independent Garage Association, has worked with awarding bodies including the IMI and City & Guilds to help develop the standard alongside DVSA, and will continue to support DVSA throughout the changes and beyond, it said.

RMI director Stuart James said: “As the UK’s leading automotive trade body, we will support MOT stations in all sectors of the industry. With this major change to the way MOT testers are trained, the RMI is first off the mark to support garage businesses.”

The training centre opening this spring will be available to all workshops in the motor trade.