Apprentice HGV Mechanic/MOT Tester

£29,007 per year, fully insured and taxed lease car.

Do you want to build a career making a difference to road safety in Great Britain? Would you like to gain an industry recognised qualification and earn while you learn? If so, we’d love to hear from you! We are looking for people who have an interest in vehicle mechanics and want to build a career with us. Once you have completed your apprenticeship we will look to offer you a permanent role as an HGV MOT tester. This role comes with great career opportunities – promotion into specialist approvals, working roadside as a vehicle examiner or into a management role. Your career in DVSA is up to you, but we will support you through training and further opportunities.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency helps keep Britain moving safely and sustainably. You will complete the Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship – a three‑year apprenticeship. Enrollment starts in November 2026 and applicants must be available to start then. This is a fixed‑term appointment for a maximum length of three years; after the apprenticeship you may become a permanent Vehicle Standards Assessor/MOT Tester. This role involves a physical element: climbing into larger vehicles to inspect the inside and climbing in/out of a pit to inspect the underside.

Benefits

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of salary
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to 30 days) plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday
• Flexible working options to encourage a work‑life balance
• Access to the staff discount portal
• Excellent career development opportunities, including professional qualifications paid for by the department (e.g., CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships)
• 24‑hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice
• Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with staff communities to support all colleagues

Responsibilities

• Gain practical experience repairing and maintaining heavy goods vehicles at a third‑party workshop (some workshops may be an hour away).
• Attend college for eight blocks per year, each lasting one week, to pursue a qualification in heavy goods vehicle repair and maintenance (mandatory).
• Shadow a Vehicle Standards Assessor mentor at third‑party testing facilities for one to two days a week; this will become the full‑time role upon completion of the apprenticeship.

Person Specification

• Hold a full UK driving licence at the time of application.
• If under 19, possess GCSE grade C/4+ in Maths and English (or equivalent) or be willing to take these subjects as functional skills during the apprenticeship.
• Interest in road safety, mechanics and an eye for detail.
• Excellent communication skills, able to adapt delivery to a wide variety of audiences.
• Highly organised with strong analytical skills.

Additional Information

• Be aged 18 or over (required for driving on business and overnight stays).
• Have the right to work in the UK and be resident in the UK for at least 3 years before the apprenticeship begins.
• Not in full‑time education or receiving funding for other learning programmes at enrolment.
• If you already hold or are pursuing a similar qualification of the same level or higher, you are not eligible to apply.

Working Hours, Office Attendance and Travel Requirements

This role is full time only: 37 hours per week. It is not suitable for hybrid working; you will work solely from your designated workplace or other offices as required. The role requires driving on DVSA business with a fully insured lease car, which can also be used personally. Travel may cover a wide geographical area; travel to third‑party sites and other offices may involve overnight stays. A minimum of 37 hours per week is required.

Behaviours

• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service