MoT Fears In Tester Crisis

The cost of the MoT test could be about to rise dramatically due to a shortage of mechanics skilled enough to carry out the work.

Auto Express Car Reviews

27th October 2004

Figures from the Vehicle and Operator Standards Agency (VOSA) show more than half of UK testers are over 50 - and that there aren't enough younger mechanics learning how to do the job when these testers retire. This has led to fears that the cost of the annual roadworthiness exam could double in the coming years.

The crisis is partly due to the lack of financial reward for garages to carry out testing. MoT station owner John Sharpe, from Whittlesey, Cambs, said: "The maximum fee is ΂£42.10, and the test lasts an hour or so. The money we take is small; you can earn more from other work."

As part of plans to attract younger people, particularly female engineers, into the job, VOSA is considering introducing 'roving' assessors - self-employed engineers who visit sites independently to conduct tests.