Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department takes to ensure that MOT tests are being conducted to a satisfactory standard.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) supervises the MOT scheme on behalf of the Department. The DVSA authorises testers to conduct MOTs. All testers undergo strict training to become an authorised tester, and must pass an annual assessment to retain that authorised status.

The DVSA uses data analysis, intelligence and inspection visits to carry out targeted checks on garages and testers to ensure testing is conducted in accordance with the MOT inspection manual.

The DVSA ensures that MOT tests are conducted to a satisfactory standard by observing MOT tests, mystery shopper exercises, re-inspecting recently tested vehicles and surveillance operations.