At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspect heavy vehicles for safety and compliance, ensuring they meet road standards.
- Company: Join the DVSA, dedicated to keeping Britain's roads safe and sustainable.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and a fully insured lease car for personal use.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on road safety while enjoying extensive training and career growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: 3 years of vehicle maintenance experience and a full UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Part-time options available; travel to various testing facilities is part of the role.
A maximum weight Heavy Goods Vehicle is presented to you for its annual test. Your ability to spot a defect is crucial. Your understanding of road-worthiness standards is essential. You determine if the vehicle is legally compliant. You protect the public from unsafe vehicles.
As a Vehicle Standards Assessor, you will:
- Conduct annual test inspections.
- Record results digitally and issue documentation.
- Offer advice on vehicle safety and maintenance.
- Ensure larger vehicles are safe to be on Britain’s roads.
- Contribute to the safety of all road users.
- Be deployed from home and travel to a number of 3rd party testing facilities.
- Work flexibly in-line with the operating model.
To be successful in this role, you must have a minimum of 3 years hands-on experience in the repair, maintenance or inspection of at least one type of road vehicle, e.g. car, HGV, PSV. You must hold a full and current car driving licence. You will need good customer service skills.
You should already hold, or be willing to work towards relevant qualifications in motor vehicle repair i.e. iRTEC or IMI.
Vehicle Standards Assessors work an average of 37 hours per week, and conduct tests out of 3rd party Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs). You must be willing to travel a wide geographical area on specific DVSA business, where there may be the occasional overnight stay. You will be provided with a fully insured and taxed lease car, which is for both work and personal use. Other running costs are also covered.
This role doesn’t require physical repair work, but there is a physical nature to the role which involves climbing up into larger vehicles to inspect the inside, and also a need to climb in and out of a pit to inspect the underside. There will be extensive training on all aspects of the role, which includes the use of a laptop and smartphone. The training will last around 16 weeks, with the majority of it taking place at ATFs and online using Microsoft Teams.
Some of the locations advertised will not have posts available immediately. However, we will hold a Reserve List for up to 12 months and will be in touch with the successful candidates when they become available. During your application, you should indicate which location you wish to be considered for and, if successful, you will be placed on an individual list of candidates for each location.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) helps keep Britain moving, safely and sustainably. We do this by helping people through a lifetime of safe and sustainable journeys, helping them keep their vehicles safe to drive, and protecting them from unsafe drivers and vehicles.
Alongside your salary of £30,149, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency contributes £8,734 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits.
Closing date: 28 April 2025.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £30,149.00 per year
Work Location: On the road
HGV/PSV MOT Tester employer: Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Contact Detail:
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HGV/PSV MOT Tester
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to attend the virtual events or open days hosted by DVSA. This is a great opportunity to meet current employees, ask questions about the role, and gain insights that can help you stand out during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest road-worthiness standards and regulations. Being knowledgeable about these will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to safety and compliance during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who have experience as Vehicle Standards Assessors. They can provide valuable advice and may even refer you for the position, increasing your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider your travel options carefully. Since the role requires travelling to various testing facilities, being within a reasonable distance from your preferred location will show your readiness and flexibility, which are key traits for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace HGV/PSV MOT Tester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in vehicle repair, maintenance, or inspection. Emphasise any specific qualifications you hold, such as iRTEC or IMI, and detail your customer service skills.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for vehicle safety and compliance. Mention your hands-on experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities of a Vehicle Standards Assessor. Be sure to convey your understanding of road-worthiness standards.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on roles that involved inspecting or maintaining heavy goods vehicles or public service vehicles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to spot defects and ensure compliance.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about questions you might be asked during the selection process, particularly around decision-making and quality service management. Prepare examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills in these areas.
How to prepare for a job interview at Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience in vehicle repair, maintenance, or inspection. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of vehicles you've worked on and any relevant qualifications you hold, such as iRTEC or IMI.
✨Understand Road-Worthiness Standards
Familiarise yourself with the road-worthiness standards and regulations that apply to Heavy Goods Vehicles and Public Service Vehicles. Being able to discuss these standards confidently will demonstrate your knowledge and suitability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Since the role involves advising on vehicle safety and maintenance, be ready to showcase your customer service skills. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated with clients or provided excellent service in a previous role.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to encounter practical scenarios during the interview. Brush up on your ability to spot defects and assess vehicle compliance. You might be asked to explain how you would handle specific inspection situations, so practice articulating your thought process.