Importing vehicles into the UK

How to import a vehicle

You must complete certain steps as soon as you bring a vehicle into the UK permanently.

You can pay an importer or shipping company to do them (certain steps) for you.

Tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) within 14 days that the vehicle (a vehicle) has arrived in the UK.

Pay VAT and duty if HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)) tells you to.

Get vehicle approval to show your vehicle meets safety and environmental standards.

Register and tax the vehicle (a vehicle) with DVLA - they’ll give you a registration number so you can get number plates made up.

You must also insure your vehicle before you drive it on UK roads.

You can be prosecuted if you use your vehicle on a public road before you complete these steps (certain steps), unless you’re driving it to a pre-booked MOT or vehicle approval test.

Commercial importers of new vehicles that use a secure registration scheme do not have to follow these steps (certain steps).

Importing a damaged or modified vehicle

If your vehicle has been damaged or modified in another country, DVLA may:

give your vehicle a Q registration number

put a marker on your vehicle log book (V5C) - to show that your vehicle has been altered or assembled using different parts

Bringing your vehicle in or out of Northern Ireland

If you are a UK resident you can move your vehicle freely between Great Britain and Northern Ireland if all of the following apply:

it (your vehicle)’s registered in either country

you’re not moving it (your vehicle) to sell it (your vehicle), or for any other commercial purpose (for example, using the car (your vehicle) as a taxi or hiring it (your vehicle) to someone)

the car (your vehicle) is for your own or your household’s personal use

Find out what to do if someone else is bringing your vehicle to Northern Ireland.

Tell DVLA about the change of address.

Visiting the UK (UK) with a vehicle

Follow the rules for temporary imports instead if both of the following apply:

you do not usually live in the UK (UK)

you’re bringing a vehicle to the UK (UK) for less than 6 months

Telling HMRC (DVLA)

You have 14 days to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) after you bring a vehicle into the UK (UK) permanently. You cannot register the vehicle until you’ve done this.

How you tell HMRC (DVLA) will depend on:

if you’re importing it (a vehicle) to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) (Great Britain) or to Northern Ireland

where you’re importing it (a vehicle) from

You may be fined if you’re late telling HMRC (DVLA).

If your vehicle has an engine of 48cc or less (7.2kw or less if it (a vehicle)’s electric), you can register it (a vehicle) without telling HMRC (DVLA) first.

If you import a vehicle to England, Scotland or Wales

How you tell HMRC (DVLA) depends on whether you’re VAT-registered.

If you’re a VAT-registered company

You need to make an import declaration. You can use either the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system or the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) system. You can also get an agent such as a freight forwarder to do this (bring) for you.

You may be able to delay making an import declaration for 6 months  if you import a vehicle from the EU. This is called a delayed declaration.

You must tell HMRC (DVLA) about the imported vehicle (a vehicle) by using the NOVA service within 14 days. You can use a spreadsheet if you need to use NOVA for lots of vehicles.

If you’re unable to use the NOVA online service (the NOVA service), ask the Imports and exports helpline for a VAT NOVA1 form.

If you’re a non-VAT registered company or private individual

You need to make an import declaration using form C384. Send the completed form to HMRC (DVLA) by email.

Currently you cannot send an import declaration to HMRC (DVLA) by post because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

You can also get an agent such as a freight forwarder to make the declaration (an import declaration) for you.

You might qualify for relief from VAT and duty if you’re:

moving to Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales) (sometimes known as ‘transfer of residence’ or TOR) - if you qualify, apply for transfer of residence relief

returning an exported vehicle to the UK - if you qualify, declare the vehicle to claim relief

Contact the VAT helpline (the Imports and exports helpline) for a form if you’re unable to use online services.

If you import a vehicle to Northern Ireland from the EU

Tell HMRC (DVLA) by using the Notification of Vehicle Arrivals (NOVA) service (the NOVA service).

You can use a spreadsheet if you’re a VAT-registered business and you need to use NOVA (the NOVA service) for lots of vehicles.

If you import a vehicle to Northern Ireland from outside the EU

How you tell HMRC (DVLA) depends on whether you’re VAT-registered.

If you’re a VAT-registered company

You need to make an import declaration. You can use either the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system or the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) system. You can also get an agent such as a freight forwarder to do this for you.

You must then tell HMRC (DVLA) about the imported vehicle (a vehicle) by using the NOVA service within 14 days. You can use a spreadsheet if you need to use NOVA (the NOVA service) for lots of vehicles.

moving to Northern Ireland (sometimes known as ‘transfer of residence’ or TOR) - if you qualify, apply for transfer of residence relief

After you tell HMRC (DVLA)

HMRC (DVLA) will tell you:

if you have to pay VAT and duty

when your NOVA (the NOVA service) application has been processed - you cannot register your vehicle with DVLA until it (an exported vehicle) is

If you’re a non-VAT registered company or private individual, HMRC (DVLA) will make a NOVA (the NOVA service) application for you.

Paying VAT and duty

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) (DVLA) will tell you if you have to pay VAT or duty (VAT and duty) after you tell them (DVLA) you imported a vehicle.

VAT is charged on the total cost of the vehicle (a vehicle), plus any:

accessories you bought with it (a vehicle)

delivery and extra charges

duty

Duty is charged on vehicles imported to:

England, Wales and Scotland from outside the UK

Northern Ireland from outside the UK or EU

HMRC (DVLA) will tell you how much you have to pay.

The rates you’re charged depend on the type of vehicle and where you imported it (a vehicle) from. You can call the helpline (the Imports and exports helpline) to check rates.

How you pay depends on where you’re importing the vehicle (a vehicle) from.

If you imported the vehicle (a vehicle) to England, Scotland or Wales from outside the UK

Why you imported it (a vehicle) | What and how you pay

You’re moving to the UK with your vehicle | No VAT or duty if you qualify for relief

You’re returning an exported vehicle to the UK | No VAT or duty if you qualify for relief

You’re visiting the UK or the EU (EU) with your vehicle | No VAT or duty if it (a vehicle) qualifies as a temporary import

Any other reason - if you’re not VAT-registered | VAT and duty - pay HMRC (DVLA) at the UK border (your shipping company may do this for you)

Any other reason - if you’re VAT-registered | VAT and duty - pay HMRC (DVLA) at the UK border (your shipping company may do this for you) and claim the VAT on your next VAT Return

You must pay any VAT and duty before you can release the vehicle (a vehicle) from customs or register it (a vehicle).

If you imported the vehicle (a vehicle) to Northern Ireland from the EU (EU)

VAT is usually only charged on vehicles that are new. A vehicle is new if either:

it (A vehicle)’s been driven less than 6,000km (about 3,728 miles)

it (A vehicle)’s been in use for no more than 6 months

If you’re VAT registered, you need to account for any VAT you’ve paid on your next VAT return.

If you’re not registered for VAT or you’re a private individual, you need to pay HMRC (DVLA) directly before you can register your vehicle.

Paying HMRC (DVLA) directly

Use online or telephone banking to pay HMRC (DVLA) by Faster Payments, CHAPS or Bacs.

Sort code | Account number | Account name

08 32 00 | 12000903 | HMRC (DVLA) Indirect Miscellaneous

Use these details to pay from an overseas account.

Account number (IBAN) | Bank identifier code (BIC) | Account name

GB20 BARC 2005 1730 3364 91 | BARCGB22 | HMRC Indirect Miscellaneous

Use your 13-character NOVA notification reference number when you pay. You can find it on the:

email HMRC (DVLA) sent you if you used the NOVA service

payment notice HMRC (DVLA) sent you

Do not put any spaces between the characters in your reference number.

Read more about paying VAT on a car you’ve imported.

Reclaiming VAT

If you have to declare VAT to HMRC (DVLA), you can reclaim any VAT you paid in the EU (EU). Send the Certificate of VAT you get from HMRC (DVLA) to the person who sold you the vehicle (A vehicle).

If you imported the vehicle (A vehicle) to Northern Ireland from outside the UK and EU

Why you imported it (A vehicle) | What and how you pay

You’re moving to the UK (UK) with your vehicle | No VAT or duty if you qualify for relief

You’re returning an exported vehicle to the UK (UK) | No VAT or duty if you qualify for relief

You’re visiting the UK (UK) or the EU (EU) with your vehicle (A vehicle) | No VAT or duty if it (A vehicle) qualifies as a temporary import

Any other reason - if you’re not VAT-registered | VAT and duty - pay HMRC at the UK border (your shipping company may do this for you)

Getting vehicle approval

Get vehicle approval to show that your imported vehicle (A vehicle) meets environmental and safety regulations. You’ll need proof of approval to register the vehicle (A vehicle).

You might not need approval for a vehicle that was first registered or manufactured more than 10 years ago - check the exemptions.

If the vehicle’s not registered in the EU (EU)

To get approval for a vehicle that’s not registered in the EU (EU), apply for either:

Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA)

Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) if it (a vehicle that’s not registered in the EU (EU))’s a 2, 3 or smaller 4-wheeled vehicle

If the vehicle (a vehicle that’s not registered in the EU (EU))’s registered in the EU (EU)

Get a European Certificate of Conformity from the manufacturer to show you have approval for an EU-registered vehicle.

You also have to get a certificate of Mutual Recognition if it (a vehicle that’s not registered in the EU (EU))’s a left hand drive vehicle.

Getting a certificate of Mutual Recognition

Use the application form for your:

motorcycle

car

van or light goods vehicle

motorhome

Apply for IVA instead for a lorry or goods vehicle over 3,500kg.

There’s a £100 fee. Send your application to the address on the form. Attach receipts to prove you’ve made any required alterations, for example fitting a speedometer to display miles per hour.

Get help with Mutual Recognition

Contact the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) if you’re unsure whether your vehicle qualifies for Mutual Recognition.

Registering an imported vehicle

You must register any vehicle you bring into the UK permanently. You cannot register before you do all of the following:

tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) you imported the vehicle (a vehicle that’s not registered in the EU (EU)) and get confirmation that your NOVA application is processed

pay VAT and duty if HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)) tells you to

get proof of vehicle approval

You also tax the vehicle (a vehicle that’s not registered in the EU (EU)) when you register it (a vehicle that’s not registered in the EU (EU)) with DVLA - there’s a £55 fee.

How to register

Follow the instructions for registering a vehicle to fill in your forms and send supporting documents.

You must also send extra supporting documents for an imported vehicle.

DVLA might ask to inspect the vehicle (an imported vehicle).

Extra supporting documents for imported vehicles (extra supporting documents)

You must send the following original documents:

proof of vehicle approval

form V267 (sometimes called the ‘declaration of newness’) if you’re registering a new vehicle

evidence showing the date the vehicle (a new vehicle) was collected, for example the invoice from the supplier

the original foreign registration certificate to show when the vehicle (a vehicle that’s not registered in the EU (EU)) was manufactured (you will not get this back)

If you do not have the original foreign registration certificate, DVLA might accept other proof of the manufacture date, for example a letter from the manufacturer or a vehicle enthusiast club.

Do not send photocopies or faxed copies.

How long it takes

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19) it will take longer than usual for your registration certificate (V5C) to arrive.

You need the V5C (your registration certificate (V5C)) to get number plates made up.

Temporary imports

You can usually use a vehicle with foreign number plates without registering or taxing it in the UK if all of the following apply:

you’re visiting and do not plan to live here

the vehicle is registered and taxed in its home country

you only use the vehicle for up to 6 months in total - this can be a single visit, or several shorter visits over 12 months

You will need to register your vehicle if you want to move it between Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and Northern Ireland.

If you become a resident or stay for longer than 6 months you must register and tax your vehicle in the UK – follow the steps for importing a vehicle.

If you bring a vehicle to England, Scotland or Wales (England, Scotland and Wales)

You do not pay VAT or duty on a vehicle if you temporarily import it and all of the following apply:

it (a vehicle)’s for your own private use

you’re not a UK resident

you do not sell, lend or hire it (a vehicle) within the UK

you re-export it (a vehicle) from the UK within 6 months - or longer if you’re eligible to use foreign number plates for longer

Claim relief by filling in form C110 and taking your vehicle through the ‘nothing to declare’ channel when you arrive in the UK.

Using foreign number plates for longer than 6 months

You might be able to use a vehicle with foreign number plates for longer than 6 months if all of the following apply:

you normally live outside the UK

you’re in the UK for a set period as a student or worker

you claim relief from VAT and duty

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will give you a customs relief form when you claim relief – show it to police if you’re stopped when driving the vehicle.

If you stay after your customs relief expires you must register and tax your vehicle in the UK – follow the steps for importing a vehicle.

If you do not qualify for relief

If HMRC says your vehicle must be registered and taxed in the UK, contact the imports and exports helpline.

If you bring a vehicle to Northern Ireland from the EU

You will not have to pay VAT or duty if you bring your own vehicle from the EU.

Call the imports and exports helpline if you have questions about bringing a vehicle from the EU for less than 6 months.

If you bring a vehicle to Northern Ireland from outside the EU

you’re not a UK resident

you normally live outside the UK

you claim relief from VAT and duty

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will give you a customs relief form when you claim relief – show it to police if you’re stopped when driving the vehicle (a vehicle).

If you do not qualify for relief

If you’re stopped by the police

You must show police that you can use the vehicle (a vehicle) in the UK without taxing and registering it (a vehicle) here, for example proof:

of the time you’ve been in the UK (such as a ferry ticket)

that your vehicle’s eligible for relief from VAT and duty (such as a customs relief form)

When you need Q number plates

You must get temporary Q number plates from DVLA if you visit the UK for up to 6 months and either:

your number plates display numbers or letters that are not identifiable in the UK, for example Arabic script

your vehicle is not registered in its home country

Contact DVLA if you have to get temporary Q number plates.

Before you get Q number plates

You must claim relief from VAT and duty before you can get temporary Q number plates.

To claim relief, fill in form C110 (a customs relief form) after the car arrives in the UK and send it (a customs relief form) to the NTAS team to have it (a customs relief form) stamped.


Become a qualified lorry or bus driver

Getting qualified

To become a lorry, bus or coach driver you need to:

have a full car licence

be over 18 - but there are some exceptions

get a professional driving qualification called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)

Who needs the full Driver CPC

You must have the full Driver CPC if you drive a lorry, bus or coach as the main part of your job.

You usually need to pass 4 tests to get it (the full Driver CPC), unless you have ‘acquired rights’ because of your existing driving experience.

Who does not need the full Driver CPC

You do not need the full Driver CPC if you:

do not want to drive for a living, for example you want to drive for a hobby or carry passengers or goods non-commercially for personal use

drive in certain other situations, such as taking your vehicle for a pre-booked annual test (MOT)

You still need to pass the part 1 (theory) and part 3 (driving ability) tests of the qualification.

How to get and keep the full Driver CPC

Apply for a provisional lorry or bus licence.

Pass the 4 tests that make up Driver CPC to qualify.

Take 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to stay qualified.

You need to renew your bus or lorry licence every 5 years, and every year when you reach 65.

If you’re taking an NVT course

If you’re taking an approved National Vocational Training (NVT) course you can drive professionally for up to 12 months without taking the Driver CPC part 2 and part 4 tests.

Applying for a provisional lorry or bus licence

The category of provisional licence you need depends on the type of vehicle you want to drive.

How to apply

To apply, order forms D2 and D4 from DVLA.

The D4 form has to be filled in by a doctor. This could be either:

your GP - but an optician might need to fill in the section about your eyesight

a private firm specialising in drivers’ medical exams

Your doctor, optician or a private firm can charge you.

You can only apply for a provisional trailer (+E) licence when you’ve got the full licence for the vehicle you’ll be driving.

Order the forms (forms D2 and D4) online

Order now

Send the forms (forms D2 and D4)

Send both forms (forms D2 and D4) and your photocard driving licence to DVLA. There’s no application fee.

You only need to include a passport-style colour photo and original identity documents if you have a paper driving licence.

How long it takes

You should get your driving licence within 3 weeks of DVLA getting your application. It can take longer if your health or personal details need to be checked.

You automatically lose your lorry or bus licence if you lose your car licence.

When you do not need the full Driver CPC

You do not need the full Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification if you’re using the vehicle for:

non-commercial carriage of passengers or goods

carrying material or equipment you use for your job, as long as driving is less than 30% of your rolling monthly working time

driving lessons for anyone who wants to get a driving licence or a Driver CPC

driving to or from pre-booked appointments at official vehicle testing centres

driving within 62 miles (100 kilometres) of your base - but the vehicle cannot be carrying passengers or goods, and driving a lorry, bus or coach cannot be your main job

maintaining public order - and the vehicle (a lorry, bus or coach) is being used or controlled by a local authority

rescue missions or in states of emergency

driving for an agriculture, horticulture, forestry, farming or fisheries business, as long as driving is less than 30% of your rolling monthly working time

You also do not need the full Driver CPC if the vehicle is:

limited to a top speed of 28mph

being used or controlled by the armed forces, police, fire and rescue service, emergency ambulance service, prison service or people running a prison or young offender institution

You can read detailed examples of Driver CPC exemptions.

If you are not sure if you need the Driver CPC, you should seek legal advice.

What you need to do

If you want to become a lorry, bus or coach driver in these situations you need to:

Apply for a provisional lorry or bus licence.

Pass the part 1 (theory) and part 3 (driving ability) tests.

You need to renew your bus or lorry licence every 5 years when you reach 45 and every year when you reach 65.

Driver CPC part 1 test: theory

You can book the part 1 theory test of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) as soon as you’ve got your provisional licence.

The test (Driver CPC part 1 test: theory) is made up of 2 parts - multiple choice and hazard perception. You have to book both parts separately, but you can take them on the same day.

It does not matter which one you take first but you need to pass both (2 parts - multiple choice and hazard perception) within 2 years of each other to get your theory test certificate.

What to take to your test

You must bring one of the following:

a Great Britain photocard driving licence

a Northern Ireland photocard driving licence and paper counterpart

an EU photocard driving licence (and paper counterpart, if you have one)

If you do not have a photocard driving licence, bring your paper licence and a valid passport.

Your test will be cancelled and you’ll lose your fee if you do not bring the right documents.

Wearing a face covering at your test

You must wear a face covering at your test. If you do not wear one, you must have a good reason, for example:

you have a physical or mental illness, impairment or disability

wearing it would cause you severe distress

Wearing glasses does not count as a good reason.

You need to say why you cannot wear a face covering when you book your test. If you do not, and you come to your test without a face covering, your test will be cancelled.

If you’ve already booked your test and did not say that you cannot wear a face covering, contact DVSA.

When you must not go to your test

You must stay at home (self-isolate) if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms

you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with a person who has COVID-19

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

Change your theory test appointment for free if you need to self-isolate on the day of your test.

How the test works

Multiple-choice questions part

You can take a practice test to find out how the test works.

The multiple-choice questions part (Multiple-choice questions part) lasts for 1 hour and 55 minutes, and the pass mark is 85 out of 100 questions.

Hazard perception part

Watch a video about how the hazard perception part (Hazard perception part) works.

You’ll watch 19 videos, and there are 20 developing hazards to spot.

The pass mark is 67 out of 100. You cannot review your answers.

Your test result

You’ll be given a letter at the test centre with the results for the part of the theory test (the test) you’ve just taken.

When you’ve passed both parts, your theory test certificate will be posted to you. You need this when you book your Driver CPC part 3 driving test.

Your theory test certificate is valid for 2 years from when you passed the first part of the test.

You need to pass the Driver CPC part 3 driving test (your Driver CPC part 3 driving test) within 2 years, otherwise you’ll have to pass the part 1 theory test again.

If you fail the theory tests

You’ll get a results letter with feedback telling you why you’ve failed.

You can book another theory test straight away, but you cannot take it for another 3 clear working days.

Cancelled tests

You can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expenses if the DVSA cancels your test at short notice.

Driver CPC part 2 test: case studies

You can book the part 2 case studies test of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) as soon as you’ve got your provisional licence. You do not need to have passed the Driver CPC part 1 theory test (the part 1 theory test).

What to take to your test (Driver CPC part 2 test: case studies)

You must bring one of the following:

a Great Britain photocard driving licence

a Northern Ireland photocard driving licence and paper counterpart

an EU photocard driving licence (and paper counterpart, if you have one)

If you do not have a photocard driving licence, bring your paper licence and a valid passport.

Your test (Driver CPC part 2 test: case studies) will be cancelled and you’ll lose your fee if you do not bring the right documents.

Wearing a face covering at your test

you have a physical or mental illness, impairment or disability

wearing it (a physical or mental illness, impairment or disability) would cause you severe distress

Wearing glasses does not count as a good reason.

When you must not go to your test

You must stay at home (self-isolate) if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

Change your theory test appointment for free if you need to self-isolate on the day of your test.

How the test works

The test is made up of 7 case studies you work through on a computer. The case studies are short stories based on situations that you’re likely to come across in your working life.

You’ll be asked between 6 and 8 multiple-choice questions on each case study.

The test lasts for 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the pass mark is 40 out of 50.

Your test result

You’ll get a letter with the results at the test centre.

You need the test pass reference number when you book your Driver CPC part 4 practical demonstration test.

The pass letter (the test pass reference number) is valid for 2 years.

You need to pass the Driver CPC part 4 practical demonstration test (your Driver CPC part 4 practical demonstration test) within 2 years, otherwise you’ll have to pass the part 2 case studies test again.

If you fail the test (your Driver CPC part 4 practical demonstration test)

You’ll get a result letter with feedback telling you why you’ve failed.

You can book another case studies test straight away, but you cannot take it for another 3 clear working days.

Cancelled tests

You can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expenses if DVSA cancels your test at short notice.

Driver CPC part 3 test: driving ability

You must have passed the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) part 1 theory test before you can book the Driver CPC part 3 test (your Driver CPC part 4 practical demonstration test).

What to take to your test

You must bring a lorry or a bus or coach that meets the rules.

You must bring a face covering, unless you have a good reason not to wear one.

You must also bring one of the following:

a Great Britain photocard driving licence

a Northern Ireland photocard driving licence and paper counterpart

an EU photocard driving licence (and paper counterpart, if you have one)

If you do not have a photocard driving licence, bring your paper licence and a valid passport.

Your test will be cancelled and you’ll lose your fee if you do not bring these (your paper licence and a valid passport).

Wearing a face covering

You must wear a face covering for your test, unless you have a good reason not to. Good reasons are things like:

having a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability

wearing it (a face covering) would cause you severe distress

You need to say if you have a good reason not to wear a face covering when you book your test.

You can take it (a face covering) off during your test if you need to avoid harm or injury.

Your test will be cancelled if you come for your test without a face covering and you did not say that you could not wear one when you booked it (your test).

When you must not go to your test

You must not come for your driving test if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

How the test works

Your practical test will last about 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes:

vehicle safety questions

practical road driving

off-road exercises

Vehicle safety questions

During your test (Your practical test) you’ll be asked vehicle safety questions on either:

lorries, buses and coaches

lorries, buses and coaches towing trailers

Practical road driving

During your practical road driving, the examiner will see how you:

use the vehicle controls

move away at an angle, uphill and downhill

do a controlled stop

use the mirrors

give appropriate signals

show awareness and anticipation of other road users’ intentions

manage your progress and control your vehicle speed

deal with hazards

select a safe place to stop

There will also be 10 minutes of independent driving, designed to test your ability to drive safely while making independent decisions.

Off-road exercises

The off-road exercises (Off-road exercises) will include:

an ‘S’ shaped reverse into a bay

showing the uncoupling and recoupling procedure if you’re taking a test with a trailer

During the test

You can carry on if you make a mistake during your driving test.

If you make a mistake which means you’ve failed, your driving examiner will direct you back to the driving test centre. The test will end early.

Test result

After you’ve taken the practical test (the test) your examiner (the examiner) will tell you if you’ve passed and explain how you did.

You’ll pass your test (Your practical test) if you make:

15 or fewer driving faults

no serious or dangerous faults

If you fail, you can book another driving test straight away, but you cannot take it for another 3 clear working days.

Cancelled tests

You can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expenses if DVSA cancels your test at short notice.

Driver CPC part 4 test: practical demonstration

You must have passed the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) part 2 test before you can book the Driver CPC part 4 test (Driver CPC part 4 test: practical demonstration).

Book your test (Driver CPC part 4 test: practical demonstration)

You can either:

arrange a test with your trainer

book a test yourself

What to take to your test

You must bring a lorry or a bus or coach that meets the rules.

You must bring a face covering, unless you have a good reason not to wear one.

You must also bring one of the following:

a Great Britain photocard driving licence

a Northern Ireland photocard driving licence and paper counterpart

an EU photocard driving licence (and paper counterpart, if you have one)

If you do not have a photocard driving licence, bring your paper licence and a valid passport.

When you must not go to your test

You must not go to your driving test if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

Wearing a face covering

having a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability

wearing it would cause you severe distress

You need to say if you have a good reason not to wear a face covering when you book your test.

You can take it (a face covering) off during your test if you need to avoid harm or injury.

Your test will be cancelled if you go to your test without a face covering and you did not say that you could not wear one when you booked it (your test).

How the test works

You’re tested on being able to:

load the vehicle following safety rules and to keep it secure

stop trafficking in illegal immigrants

assess emergency situations

reduce physical risks to yourself or others

do a walkaround vehicle safety check

The test is made up of 5 topics from the Driver CPC syllabus. You can score up to 20 points for each topic.

To pass you have to score at least 15 out of 20 in each topic area and have an overall score of at least 80 out of 100.

Test result

At the end of your test the examiner will tell you if you’ve passed.

Cancelled tests

You can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expenses if DVSA cancels your test at short notice.

After you’ve qualified

After you’ve passed all 4 of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) tests, you’ll be sent a Driver CPC card. This is sometimes called a ‘driver qualification card’ or ‘DQC’.

You must carry your Driver CPC card while driving a lorry, bus or coach professionally. If you drive a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) outside the UK, check what documents you need to carry.

You can get a £50 fixed penalty for driving professionally without your Driver CPC card.

Getting your Driver CPC card

The card (your Driver CPC card) will be sent to the address on your driving licence. You need to change this address first if it’s wrong.

The photograph and signature on your photocard licence will be used on your Driver CPC card.

Waiting for your card

You can drive professionally if you’ve passed all the tests and you’re waiting for your Driver CPC card to arrive.

If your card (your Driver CPC card) does not arrive

You should get your Driver CPC card within 20 days of passing the final test. Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) (DVSA) if you do not receive it (your Driver CPC card).

You have to pay £25 if:

you take longer than 3 months to tell DVSA it (your Driver CPC card) has not arrived

it (a Driver CPC card)’s sent to an old address because you have not updated your licence

Replace your card (your Driver CPC card)

You must replace your Driver CPC card if it (your Driver CPC card)’s lost or stolen.

The Driver CPC card (your Driver CPC card) does not have your address on it (your Driver CPC card), so you do not have to get a new one if your address changes.

Staying qualified

Every 5 years you must:

take 35 hours of Driver CPC training to keep driving professionally

renew your lorry or bus driving licence

If you’re 65 or over you must renew your lorry or bus driving licence every year.

Fees

Provisional licence

| Cost

Application for a provisional lorry or bus licence | No charge

Test costs

| Weekday | Evening, weekend and bank holiday

Driver CPC part 1 - theory - (multiple-choice) | £26 | £26

Driver CPC part 1 - theory - (hazard perception) | £11 | £11

Driver CPC part 2 - case studies | £23 | £23

Driver CPC part 3 - driving ability | £115 | £141

Driver CPC part 4 - practical demonstration | £55 | £63

These are the prices to book your tests using the official service. Unofficial websites may charge more.

Driver CPC card costs

| Cost

Driver CPC card (non-UK driving licences only) | £25

Replacement for lost, stolen or damaged card | £25

NVT concession fees

| Cost

National Vocational Training (NVT) concession card | £25


Specialist tests for lorries

Overview

Most commercial vehicles must be tested every year to make sure they’re roadworthy and follow regulations. This is known as the annual test.

As well as the annual test (tested), your HGV must be tested if you want to be able to:

carry explosives or dangerous goods in bulk - this (tested) is known as the ADR test

take goods vehicles outside the EU - this is known as the TIR test

‘uprate’ or ‘downrate’ your vehicle to change the weight it’s allowed to carry

qualify for a Low Emissions Certificate (LEC)

ADR test for carrying dangerous goods

The ADR (the ADR test) is a specialist test for vehicles carrying dangerous or hazardous goods in bulk by road.

Your vehicle must pass an ADR test if it’s a commercial vehicle or a trailer used to carry explosives, or if it’s used in the UK or abroad:

to carry dangerous goods in a fixed tank, demountable tank or fixed battery of pressure vessels of over 1,000 litres capacity

for carrying dangerous goods in a container or portable tank or battery of pressure vessels of over 3,000 litres capacity

The test varies depending on the type of goods you want to carry.

How to book a test and what it costs

Complete the application for an ADR test.

Say on the form if the vehicle is to be tested while still carrying dangerous goods (or their residue) - DVSA will make arrangements for this.

Include copies of insurance certificates (originals will need to be seen at the test) for fixed tanks, batteries and pressure vessels.

Send your application (the application for an ADR test) at least 10 days before you want to take the test (an ADR test). You can post it (the application for an ADR test) to the address on the form or use the contact details below.

Vehicles and trailers need individual certification, so an articulated or drawbar combination will need 2 ADR applications - one for the vehicle and one for the trailer. You have to pay a fee for each part.

Fees for ADR testing and certification

The fees listed are in addition to the standard annual test fee.

DVSA service | Fee

Initial inspection | £116

Re-inspection within 14 days | £63

Duplicate certificate | £14

New type approved artic tractor certificate | £28

Fees may be different in Northern Ireland.

Taking your vehicle to the test

Vehicles should not normally be loaded or uncleaned when they (your vehicle)’re taken for the ADR test, unless special arrangements have been made with the testing station.

The exception is for vehicles loaded with UN1202 diesel, gas or heating oil where there’s also no residue of other flammable materials in tank vapour spaces.

If a dangerous goods vehicle is taken to the test uncleaned or not purged, or is laden with dangerous goods, DVSA will need to see evidence that the vehicle is accompanied by a person with an appropriate ADR driver’s licence.

You’ll need to submit form VTG15 to the testing station to show if your vehicle (a dangerous goods vehicle) is carrying or has been carrying dangerous goods.

Getting a re-inspection after a failed test

If you fail the test (a failed test), phone the testing station you used to arrange another inspection (the testing station).

New goods vehicle tractor units that have ‘ADR-type approval’

If you buy a new tractor unit, ask your vehicle supplier if it has been built to an ‘ADR-type approval’. This means you can get ADR-type certification for it. The manufacturer should supply a combined Declaration of Conformity and application form ADR IIIA, which you can then send to DVSA.

Duplicate ADR certificates

You can get a duplicate certificate as long as the ADR certificate is still current. You cannot get a duplicate of an expired certificate.

Write to DVSA’s (DVSA) ADR Section with the following details:

vehicle/trailer ID

operator name and address

reason for request (for example, you’ve lost the certificate or there’s been a change of owner/operator)

payment details

Change of ADR category

If you want a new certificate because there’s been a change of ADR category call the ADR Section (DVSA’s (DVSA) ADR Section) for advice.

TIR test for quicker border crossings

The TIR system allows UK customs officials to pack and seal goods before they’re transported outside the EU. This means that the load will not need to be opened and inspected by customs officials at border crossings.

To meet the TIR requirements your vehicle must pass a test to make sure that:

nothing can be put into or taken from the vehicle (your vehicle) without it being obvious

the goods compartment is built so that it has to be accessed from both inside and outside to be removed and replaced

Vehicles have to be made to the TIR convention standards. Most lorries made in the UK (UK) are not built to the TIR standard and cannot easily be changed to meet the standard.

Book a TIR test

There are 2 ways to get vehicles approved. You can either:

get individual vehicles approved by having each one inspected

get a design approved for a series of vehicles

Get individual vehicles approved

Fill in an application to book an individual vehicle inspection and pay the fee. You need to fill in a form and pay a fee for each vehicle you want to be approved.

The TIR test certificate lasts for 2 years from the date it’s issued. You then need to book another inspection every 2 years to keep the vehicle approved. You have to fill in the inspection form and pay the fee (a fee) each time.

Fee type | Cost

Initial inspection for an individual vehicle | £106

Two-yearly inspection for an individual vehicle | £106

Re-inspection for an individual vehicle after a failed test | £70

Fees may be different in Northern Ireland.

Get a design approved for a series of vehicles

Fill in an application to get a vehicle load compartment design (a design) approved and pay the fee.

After the design (a design) is approved, you have to apply for a ‘certificate of conformity’ for each vehicle made to that design (a design). You have to pay a fee for each vehicle. DVSA will inspect a sample of the vehicles (a series of vehicles).

The certificate (a ‘certificate of conformity’) lasts for 2 years from the date it (a ‘certificate of conformity’)’s issued. You then need to book an inspection for each vehicle made to the design (a design) every 2 years to keep them approved. You have to pay the inspection fee each time.

Fee type | Cost

Approval of a design for a series of vehicles | £644

Certificate of conformity for each vehicle made to the design (a design) | £14

Two-yearly inspection for each vehicle made to the design (a design) | £106

Re-inspection for a vehicle after a failed test | £70

Make a change to an approved design | £106

Replacement certificate of conformity | £14

Where you can get the vehicle tested

Call DVSA to find out where you can have it (tested) done.

Cancelling a test

You’ll need to give at least 3 days notice to cancel an inspection. Otherwise the fee won’t be refunded.

Change the weight you can carry

You can apply to increase the maximum permitted weight your lorry can carry.

This (apply) is known as:

‘up-plating’ if no physical changes have been made to the design

‘uprating’ if the design has been modified

You’ll get a new plate to show the change in permitted weight.

You’ll have to pay a higher rate of vehicle tax if up-plating or uprating puts you in a higher vehicle tax band.

Downplating and downrating

You can also ‘downplate’ or ‘downrate’ your lorry. This reduces the maximum weight it can work at and will lower its rate of vehicle tax.

Your vehicle will be inspected by DVSA if it has been uprated or downrated before it’s issued with new plates at the new weights.

Up-plated and downplated lorries are not usually inspected, but downplated vehicles might have to pass an official weight test before DVSA issues a new plate.

Apply to replate your lorry

You can apply online or by post. You’ll need to pay £27.

You must apply to DVLA (DVSA) using form V70 to re-licence the lorry (your lorry) once it (your lorry)’s replated. Send your new plating certificate VTG7 with your application.

Reduced emissions test

You can get your vehicle tested for a Low Emissions Certificate (LEC). This (Reduced emissions test) lets you drive in the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) without paying.

The Reduced Pollution Certificate (RPC) scheme to reduce your vehicle tax ended on 31 December 2016.

Eligibility

Your vehicle can be tested for a Low Emissions Certificate if it:

was registered in the UK before 1 October 2006

is fitted with a full filter to Low Emission Zone emissions standards

You do not need a Low Emission Certificate for a vehicle with a Euro 4, 5 or 6 engine.

Converted and re-engined vehicles

Contact DVLA (DVSA) if the vehicle (your vehicle) has either:

been fitted or converted to run solely on petrol

had an approved gas conversion

Contact Transport for London (TfL) if your vehicle has been ‘re-engined’ to meet Low Emission Zone standards.

Book a Low Emissions Certificate test

Contact an authorised testing facility or Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) test station to book the test (a Low Emissions Certificate test).

You need:

your vehicle registration number

your vehicle identification or chassis number

the make, model and date of manufacture

details of any modifications made to meet the emissions standard

to pay the fee

It’s cheaper to have the test (a Low Emissions Certificate test) done at the same time as the vehicle’s annual test.

What to take to the test (a Low Emissions Certificate test)

If it (the vehicle’s)’s been tested before you must take the vehicle’s previous Low Emissions Certificate or Reduced Pollution Certificate.

The test (a Low Emissions Certificate test) can be cancelled and you’ll have to pay again if you do not take the certificate.

What happens at the test (a Low Emissions Certificate test)

The test (a Low Emissions Certificate test) is in 2 parts:

physical inspection to check any modifications, such as a filter fitted to the exhaust

smoke opacity test to check emissions

Test result

You’ll get a Low Emissions Certificate if your vehicle passes the test (a Low Emissions Certificate test).

DVSA will pass your details to TfL (Transport for London (TfL)) automatically. You cannot drive in the Low Emission Zone until your details have been updated - it takes around 3 days.

If your vehicle is registered outside Great Britain, you need to register with TfL (Transport for London (TfL)) yourself. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not register it.

If your vehicle fails

You can appeal the result. Fill in form LEC3 and send it to DVSA. The address is on the form.

Renewing a Low Emissions Certificate

The Low Emissions Certificate (a Low Emissions Certificate) has an expiry date on it (a Low Emissions Certificate). You need to get your vehicle tested again by this date if you want to continue driving in the Low Emission Zone without paying.

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving in the Low Emission Zone without a valid Low Emissions Certificate.


Supply a large goods trailer for use on the road

Overview

You must apply to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for permission if you supply large goods trailers for use on the road.

This (apply) is called a ‘letter of consent’ and applies to ‘final suppliers’.

You need a letter of consent if your trailer:

is for carrying goods and weighs more than 1020kg when it (your trailer)’s not carrying any goods or other items (known as ‘unladen weight’)

is a semi-trailer

You do not need a letter of consent if your trailer is listed in Schedule 2 of the Goods Vehicle (Plating and Testing) Regulations.

Who needs permission

You need to get permission if you’re a ‘final supplier’ of trailers. Final suppliers are:

trailer manufacturers

trailer dealers

importers of new trailers

If you’re a dealer or importer, you only have to get permission if it has not already been obtained, for example if the trailer was built abroad and the manufacturer did not apply.

When you need to get permission depends on when the trailer was put into service in the UK.

Type of trailer | When you need permission

Trailers manufactured in a single stage | From 29 October 2012

Trailers manufactured in multiple stages | From 29 October 2013

Special purpose trailers | From 29 October 2014

Special purpose trailers include some trailer caravans, boat launching trailers, gritters and towed machinery. Check if your trailer is ‘special purpose’ by calling the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) helpline.

It’s an offence to supply or use these trailers (Special purpose trailers) without getting permission first and you could be fined.

If you’re an operator using large goods trailers on the road supplied after the dates above, you do not need to get permission - it should already have been given.

You can check this by calling the DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) helpline (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) helpline).

How to apply

Apply using form TES1.

You might also need to send evidence of vehicle approval depending on when the trailer was manufactured.

| Manufacture date | Evidence of approval needed

Trailers (not including special purpose) manufactured in single and multiple stages | Up to and including 29 July 2012 (29 October 2012) | No

Trailers (not including special purpose) manufactured in a single stage | After 29 July 2012 (29 October 2012) | Yes

Trailers (not including special purpose) manufactured in multiple stages | After 29 July 2012 (29 October 2012) up to and including 29 July 2013 | Partial (at least one element of approval)

Trailers (not including special purpose) manufactured in multiple stages | After 29 July 2013 | Yes

Special Purpose trailers manufactured in a single stage | After 29 July 2012 (29 October 2012) | Yes

Special Purpose trailers manufactured in multiple stages | After 29 July 2013 | Yes

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) accepts the following evidence of vehicle approval:

a European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

a UK National Small Series Type Approval (NSSTA) CoC

a UK Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) certificate

More details are in the guidance notes. There is an additional form if you want to apply for consent of multiple trailers.

You can also get the form and notes from the DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) helpline (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) helpline):

Send the form (an additional form) and your supporting documents (the form and notes) to:

Apply for a trailer identification number

You can apply for a trailer identification number (also known as a ministry number) to add to your trailer while it’s still being built.

Do this (apply) by submitting the vehicle identification number (VIN) using form TES 2.

After you apply

Once DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) has received your application and confirmed that you meet the requirements you’ll get a ‘letter of consent to supply’.

If applicable, you’ll also get ministry plates, provided your approval documents and application give enough technical information.

If your application is rejected, DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) will send you a letter explaining the reasons why.


Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS)

Overview

If you’re a vehicle operator, your drivers might be stopped at the roadside by the police or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for vehicle inspections.

DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) use the Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) system to decide which vehicles should be inspected.

OCRS (the Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) system) is used to calculate the risk of an operator not following the rules on roadworthiness (the condition of its vehicles) and traffic, eg drivers’ hours, weighing checks.

It’s more likely that your vehicles will be inspected if your OCRS is high.

How the system (the Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) system) works

The Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) system is based on data collected by DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) over a 3-year rolling period.

Data is taken from annual tests, roadside inspections and inspections at operators’ premises.

You get scores split into 2 categories, and a combined score.

Category | Where the data comes from

Roadworthiness | Vehicle tests (first tests, subsequent annual tests); ‘vehicle encounters’ (fleet check inspections at operator premises, roadside inspections)

Traffic | Roadside inspections and prosecutions (for example, for drivers’ hours and tachograph offences, weighing checks)

As an operator you get points when a test or inspection finds a defect or infringement of the rules. The more serious the defect or infringement, the more points.

You’ll be given a score, which will be shown as R (red - highest risk), A (amber - medium risk) or G (green - lowest risk).

The guidance on the OCRS system (the Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) system) explains how the scores are worked out.

You might have no score if DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) doesn’t have any data for you from the past 3 years.

You can check your OCRS score, view test histories and roadside check reports online.

Operators outside Great Britain

DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) has a non-GB OCRS system for operators based outside Great Britain. It’s based on data captured at the roadside - this is because there is no annual test or prosecution data available.

How your score can change

Because your Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) is calculated over a 3-year rolling period, it (your score) can change after inspections, tests or prosecutions against you.

DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) calls these ‘encounters’. Your score could change if you:

commit a new offence or have a defect recorded against you at inspection (this has a negative effect on your score)

have a ‘clear encounter’ - eg you pass an inspection without any problems (this has a positive effect on your score)

If you’re prosecuted by DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) you’ll get points from the date of prosecution, not the date of the offence.

The lower your OCRS is, the better.

Old encounters

Your score also changes as old encounters that previously counted towards your score no longer count once they’re not in the OCRS calculation period.

If you had clear encounters included in your score and these are now outside the calculation period (the OCRS calculation period), this (pass) might mean your score goes up. But if you had negative encounters included and these no longer count, your score might go down.

Year weightings

The impact of an offence or defect decreases over the 3-year time period.

For the first 12 months after the offence or defect (an offence or defect), its (an offence or defect) score stays the same. After 12 months it falls by a quarter and then it’s halved in the final 12 months.

Other changes

There are a number of ‘parameters’ that feed into your OCRS. DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) sets these and can change them at any time - this has an impact on your score.

The parameters are:

points for offences and defects

points for prosecutions

time weightings

band thresholds (these determine whether you’re in the red, amber or green band)

trigger events and time periods

The values for all parameters are available in the guidance on the OCRS system.


Become an MOT tester

Overview

Check that you meet the eligibility rules to become an MOT tester.

Take an MOT tester qualification course.

Pass a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency MOT demonstration test.

You can then start carrying out MOT tests at an authorised testing station.

You’ll have to take training and an assessment each year when you’re qualified.

Eligibility

To take an MOT testing course you must:

have a current and full UK driving licence for the vehicle classes you want to test

be a skilled mechanic with at least 4 years’ full-time employment servicing and repairing the types of vehicles you’re going to test

have no unspent convictions for criminal offences

be ‘of good repute’ - the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) will decide this to make sure you’re suitable to be an MOT tester

To become a class 3 or 5 MOT tester you must also have already:

got a level 2 testing certificate in class 4 and 7 vehicles (group B)

passed an MOT demonstration test after getting your level 2 certificate

You must have an accepted qualification or accreditation if you want to test class 3, 4, 5 or 7 vehicles (cars, private buses and light commercial vehicles).

Common qualifications or accreditations

Check the full list of accepted qualifications and accreditations.

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) and Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQs)

You can take the MOT testing course (an MOT testing course) if you have a VRQ, NVQ or SVQ in:

Vehicle Mechanical and Electronic Systems, Maintenance and Repair (light vehicle or heavy vehicle), level 3

Vehicle Technician, Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (light vehicle or heavy vehicle), level 3

City and Guilds

You can take the MOT testing course (an MOT testing course) if you have a City and Guilds qualification in:

Automotive Qualification, NVQ level 3

Repair and Servicing of Road Vehicles, 383 (full level 2 or 3)

Motor Vehicle Craft Studies, modular - part 3 (requires 3 modules)

Motor Vehicle Craft Studies, 381 (full part 2 or 3)

Motor Vehicle Craft Studies, pre 381 syllabus (full part 2)

Light or Heavy Vehicle Mechanics Craft Studies (full part 2 or 3)

Motor Vehicle Technician’s Certificate (full part 1)

Other qualifications

You can also take the MOT testing course (an MOT testing course) if you have one of these qualifications:

IMI level 3 National Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (light vehicle or heavy vehicle)

National Craft Certification with a specialism of Vehicle Maintenance and Electronic Systems

Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC), National Certificate or Ordinary National Certificate (ONC) in Motor Vehicle Engineering studies

Scottish Vocational Educational Council National Certificate in Vehicle Mechanics and Systems (part 3)

Accreditations

You can take the MOT testing course (an MOT testing course) if you have an Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) in:

Light Vehicle Diagnostic Technician

Light Vehicle Inspection Technician

You must have a valid ATA accreditation ID card. You’ll have received this when you got your qualification.

You can also take the course (an MOT testing course) if you have an ABC Awards Accreditation in Vehicle Technician Accredited Assessment.

MOT tester course (class 1, 2, 4 and 7)

You must successfully complete an MOT tester qualification course to become an MOT tester.

Before the course (an MOT tester qualification course)

You need to show that you’re eligible to become an MOT tester.

How to apply

Find an MOT tester qualification course and book it with the course provider.

You have to pay to take the course (an MOT testing course). The prices vary and are set by each course provider.

What the course (an MOT tester qualification course) involves

The course (an MOT tester qualification course) will cover theory and practical training on being an MOT tester.

The course (an MOT tester qualification course) lasts at least 29 hours. You’ll spend at least 8 hours doing practical training.

There are 5 parts to the course (an MOT tester qualification course):

safe working practices in the vehicle test centre

working relationships within the vehicle test centre

managing your own professional development as an MOT tester

carrying out pre-test checks for an MOT test

carrying out an MOT test

Assessments in the course (an MOT tester qualification course)

The course (an MOT tester qualification course) also includes:

a multiple-choice question test

a practical assessment

You have to pass both to successfully complete the course (an MOT tester qualification course).

Your course provider (the course provider) will give you more information on how their (the course provider) course (an MOT testing course) works.

After you’ve done the course (an MOT tester qualification course)

When you complete the course (an MOT tester qualification course) you get a Level 2 MOT Testing Award in either:

class 1 and 2 vehicles (group A)

class 4 and 7 vehicles (group B)

You’ll get a certificate which you need to book and take a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency MOT demonstration test.

MOT demonstration test (class 1, 2, 4 and 7)

You must pass an MOT demonstration test when you’ve got your level 2 MOT testing certificate.

You can do the demonstration test (an MOT demonstration test) at either:

the training centre where you took the qualification course

an MOT testing station you work at (that’s open and trading)

You do not have to pay to do the demonstration test (an MOT demonstration test).

Before you book the test

Before you book the test, you need to:

read the MOT testing manuals and special notices

practise your inspection routine

practise using the test equipment with different vehicles

watch an experienced tester test different vehicles

How to book the test

You can book your demonstration test once you can carry out an MOT test without any help.

Sign in to the MOT testing service - your account should have been created when you did your qualification course.

Go to the your profile section and select qualifications.

Add your level 2 MOT testing certificate number, and choose where you want to do the demonstration test (your demonstration test) - you’ll need the ID number of the training centre or testing station.

Request a test by calling the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) (Vehicle Standards Agency). You’ll need your user ID from the MOT testing service and the name and ID number of the test location you chose in step 3.

DVSA (Vehicle Standards Agency) will call you to set a test date - this can take several weeks. If DVSA (Vehicle Standards Agency) has not called you within 4 weeks, you can call them (Vehicle Standards Agency) to get an update.

What to bring to the test

When you take your test, make sure you bring:

a vehicle that’s at least 3 years old, in the vehicle class you’re being tested on

your UK driving licence (if you do not have a photocard licence you also need to take photo ID, such as your passport)

your level 2 MOT testing award certificate

Your test will be cancelled if you do not bring these things with you.

What happens at the test

The DVSA (Vehicle Standards Agency) examiner will explain what you’ll have to do. They’ll ask you to:

carry out a demonstration test

record the result in a practice version of the MOT testing service

answer some questions about the MOT

Test result

If you pass the demonstration test (your test) you can start doing MOT tests at the testing stations where you’re a registered tester. These are listed in the MOT testing service.

If you fail the demonstration test (your test), the examiner (The DVSA (Vehicle Standards Agency) examiner) will give you feedback and tell you what to do next.

Class 3 or 5 MOT tester training

You need to do another training course and MOT demonstration test to become a class 3 or 5 MOT tester.

Before the training course (another training course)

You’ll need to show that you’ve already:

got a level 2 testing certificate in class 4 and 7 vehicles (group B)

passed an MOT demonstration test after getting your level 2 certificate

How to apply

You can book a class 3 or 5 training course by contacting these approved course providers. The prices vary and are set by each course provider.

After you’ve done the course (another training course)

You’ll get a certificate. You need this to book and take a DVSA (Vehicle Standards Agency) MOT demonstration test before you can work as a class 3 or 5 MOT tester.

Do not enter the certificate details on the MOT testing service.

The demonstration test (a DVSA (Vehicle Standards Agency) MOT demonstration test) involves being tested by a DVSA (Vehicle Standards Agency) examiner at either:

the training centre where you took the qualification course

a testing centre that tests class 3 and 5 vehicles

Preparing for the test (a DVSA (Vehicle Standards Agency) MOT demonstration test)

Prepare for the demonstration test (a DVSA (Vehicle Standards Agency) MOT demonstration test) by:

reading the MOT testing manuals and special notices

practicing your inspection routine

making sure you have all the necessary documents, for example your driving licence

How to book the test (a DVSA (Vehicle Standards Agency) MOT demonstration test)

You’ll need:

your MOT testing service (the MOT testing service) (the MOT testing service) user ID

to know the vehicle test station (VTS) number where you want to have your test

Call DVSA (Vehicle Standards Agency) to book your test.

How the test (a DVSA (Vehicle Standards Agency) MOT demonstration test) works

A DVSA (Vehicle Standards Agency) examiner will check your:

class 3 or 5 MOT training certificate

The examiner (A DVSA (Vehicle Standards Agency) examiner) will explain what you’ll have to do. They (A DVSA (Vehicle Standards Agency) examiner)’ll ask you to:

carry out a demonstration test

record the result in the training version of the MOT testing service

answer some questions about the MOT

Test result

If you pass the demonstration test (a DVSA (Vehicle Standards Agency) MOT demonstration test) you’ll be able to do either class 3 or 5 MOT tests at testing stations authorised to test these classes.

If you fail the demonstration test (a DVSA (Vehicle Standards Agency) MOT demonstration test), the examiner (A DVSA (Vehicle Standards Agency) examiner) will give you feedback and tell you what to do next.

Annual training and assessment

You must complete your training and pass an assessment between April and March every year, for example between April 2016 and March 2017.

You choose when you do the training and assessment (Annual training and assessment).

You’ll be responsible for:

planning and doing your training

recording your training and keeping evidence of it (your training)

booking and taking the annual assessment (an assessment)

Returning to MOT testing

You need to do more training and take a test if you’re returning to MOT testing.

What you have to do depends on:

why you stopped testing

how long you stopped testing for

After a formal warning or disciplinary period

You must complete all the steps before you can test again.

Formal warning or disciplinary period of 28 days

Take the current year’s annual training and assessment.

Take extra training about the subjects you were disqualified for. For example, read the inspection manuals or take a training course. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) can ask you for evidence you’ve done it.

Take a DVSA (The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) MOT demonstration test.

Disciplinary period of 2 or 5 years

Take an MOT tester qualification course.

If you stopped testing voluntarily

Stopped for between 6 months and 5 years

Take extra training. For example, read the inspection manuals or take a training course. DVSA (The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) can ask you for evidence you’ve done it.

Take a ‘returning to MOT testing’ demonstration test. Call DVSA (The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) to book your test.

You’ll need to give:

your MOT testing service user ID

the number of the vehicle test station where you want to do the test

the class of vehicle you want to test

Stopped for more than 5 years


Approved driving instructor (ADI) part 1 test

Booking your test

You can book your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 1 test when your application to start the ADI qualifying process has been accepted.

It (your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 1 test)’s the first of 3 tests you have to pass to qualify as an ADI. It (your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 1 test)’s a theory test.

There are 2 parts to the test:

multiple-choice questions

hazard perception - a video test about spotting hazards on the road

You book and take them as a single test. You must pass both parts to pass the test.

The ADI part 1 test (your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 1 test) works differently in Northern Ireland.

Change or check your test details

You can change the date of your test after you’ve booked it (your test). This includes if you cannot or do not want to attend because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

You can check your appointment details if you’ve lost your booking confirmation.

Rebook your test

Rebook your ADI part 1 test (your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 1 test) if you failed your test and want to resit it (your test). You have to choose a date at least 3 working days after your last test.

Revision and practice

You can use books and software to revise for the theory test.

Multiple-choice questions

The questions in the theory test are based on:

The Highway Code

Know your traffic signs

Driving - the essential skills

the official Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) theory test kit for approved driving instructors e-Learning

the Driving Instructor’s Handbook

Study these to learn the rules and skills you’ll be tested on.

You can buy them online or from most high street bookshops.

Hazard perception test

Buy the official DVSA theory test kit for approved driving instructors e-Learning to learn hazard perception skills and then test them.

What to take to your test

You must take your UK photocard driving licence to your test.

If you have a licence from Northern Ireland, bring the photocard and paper counterpart licence.

Your test will be cancelled and you will not get your money back if you do not take the right things with you.

Wearing a face covering at your test

You must wear a face covering at your test. If you do not wear one, you must have a good reason, for example:

you have a physical or mental illness, impairment or disability

wearing it (a physical or mental illness, impairment or disability) would cause you severe distress

Wearing glasses does not count as a good reason.

You need to say why you cannot wear a face covering when you book your test. If you do not, and you come to your test without a face covering, your test will be cancelled.

If you’ve already booked your test and did not say that you cannot wear a face covering, contact DVSA.

When you must not go to your test

You must not go to your test if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms

you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with a person who has COVID-19

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

Change your theory test appointment for free if you need to self-isolate on the day of your test.

Lost your licence

You need to apply for a replacement driving licence if you lose yours. This could take up to 15 days to arrive.

Rearrange your test if you do not get it in time.

If you have a paper licence

Bring a valid passport as well as your paper licence (a paper licence).

If you do not have a passport, you need to get a photocard licence.

Personal belongings

You will not have access to your personal items in the test room. This includes things like:

bags

earphones

mobile phones

watches

You’ll usually have to store any personal items in a locker.

If your test centre does not have lockers, you must:

turn off your phone before you enter the test centre (your test centre)

put your belongings in a clear plastic box that will be given to you - this must be stored under your desk during the test

The test centre staff will check if you have anything with you that could be used to cheat. Your test will not go ahead if you do not let them check.

It’s illegal to cheat at the theory test. You can be sent to prison and banned from driving.

Multiple-choice questions

You have 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer 100 multiple-choice questions.

Before the test starts you’ll get:

instructions on how the test works

the chance to do some practice questions to get used to the screens

How the test works

There are 25 questions in each of these 4 categories:

road procedure

traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge

driving test, disabilities, and the law

publications and instructional techniques

A question and several possible answers appear on a screen. You have to select the right answer.

Leaving a question

You can ‘flag’ questions that you want to come back to later.

Changing your answers

You can go back to any question to review and change your answer at any point.

When you’ve finished

You can finish the multiple-choice questions part when you’ve answered all of the questions. You do not have to use the full 1 hour and 30 minutes.

You can have a break of up to 3 minutes before the hazard perception test (the test) starts.

Hazard perception test (the test)

Before you start the hazard perception test (the test), you’ll be shown a video about how it works.

You’ll then watch 14 video clips. The clips:

feature everyday road scenes

contain at least one ‘developing hazard’ - but one of the clips (14 video clips) features 2 developing hazards

You get points for spotting the developing hazards (2 developing hazards) as soon as they (2 developing hazards) start to happen.

What a ‘developing hazard’ is

A developing hazard is something that would cause you to take action, like changing speed or direction.

How the scoring works

You can score up to 5 points for each developing hazard.

To get a high score, click the mouse as soon as you see the hazard starting to develop.

You do not lose points if you click and get it (the hazard) wrong. However, you will not score anything if you click continuously or in a pattern.

You only get one attempt at each clip. You cannot review or change your responses.

Pass mark and test result

You’ll get the result at the test centre after taking the test. You must pass both parts to pass the test.

To pass the multiple-choice part, you must get both:

an overall score of at least 85 out of 100

at least 20 out of 25 in each of the 4 categories of questions

You’ll fail if you get an overall score of 85 or higher, but do not score high enough in each of the 4 categories (the 4 categories of questions).

To pass the hazard perception part, you need to score at least 57 points out of 75.

If you pass

You’ll get a pass certificate letter if you pass the test. You’ll need this when you book and take your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 2 test.

Your pass certificate number lasts for 2 years. You must qualify as an ADI in that time, otherwise you’ll have to start the application process again.

If you fail

You’ll get a letter at the test centre. It’ll tell you which parts you did not score enough points on so you know what to practise.

You must book and take the full test again.

You have to wait at least 3 working days before taking your test again.

If you have reading difficulties

When you book your test you should say if you have a reading difficulty.

You can then ask for an English voiceover. This lets you hear the test instructions and questions through headphones.

You can hear the questions and possible answers as many times as you like.

Extra time to take the test

You can ask for more time to do the multiple-choice questions part of the test (your test).

To do this, you must send proof to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) that you have a reading difficulty. The proof could be an email or letter from a:

teacher or other educational professional

doctor or medical professional

an occupational therapist

an online dyslexia screening product assured by the British Dyslexia Association


Manage your approved driving instructor (ADI) registration

Renew or update your registration

You’re responsible for keeping your approved driving instructor (ADI) registration up to date.

You must renew your registration (your approved driving instructor (ADI) registration) every 4 years.

You can renew your registration (your approved driving instructor (ADI) registration) in the month it (your approved driving instructor (ADI) registration) expires. If your registration (your approved driving instructor (ADI) registration) has already run out, you can re-register within 12 months of the expiry date.

If your ADI registration (your approved driving instructor (ADI) registration) ran out more than 12 months ago, you need to reapply to become a driving instructor.

You must display your registration (your approved driving instructor (ADI) registration) in the passenger-side edge of the front windscreen of your car when you give driving lessons.

You can be prosecuted for using an invalid ADI badge or one that’s not yours.

Renew your registration (your approved driving instructor (ADI) registration)

Get a criminal records check. You must do this before you renew your registration (your approved driving instructor (ADI) registration) - it normally takes around 3 months but can sometimes take longer.

Renew your ADI registration (your approved driving instructor (ADI) registration).

Change of name or contact details

You must update your ADI registration (your approved driving instructor (ADI) registration) within 7 days if you change your name or address.

Lost or stolen ADI badge

You must contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) straight away to:

tell them (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) that your approved driving instructor (ADI) badge has been lost or stolen

request a replacement badge

You cannot give driving lessons until you have a replacement.

When you contact DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)), you’ll need to give them (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)):

your crime reference number if your badge was stolen - you can get this by contacting the police

permission to use the photo from your photocard driving licence (otherwise you’ll need to post them (the police) a passport-style photograph)

It costs £3 to replace a lost or stolen badge.

You must send your old badge to DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) if you find it later.

Change when you're available for driving tests

You can manage when you’re available for driving tests online.

You can tell the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA):

when you’re never available, for example, between 9am and 11am on Mondays

when you’re temporarily away, for example, you’re on holiday

You must be registered as a business to use the service.

If you stop giving driving lessons

You must tell the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you stop giving driving lessons because you want to leave the ADI register (your approved driving instructor (ADI) registration).

You cannot currently contact DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) by post because of coronavirus (COVID-19). Contact DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) by email instead.

DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) will contact you to tell you what to do with your ADI badge.

You will not get a refund if you have any time left on your registration, unless you’re leaving the register (your approved driving instructor (ADI) registration) for health reasons. You’ll need to give medical proof to be considered for a refund.

There’s a different process to manage your ADI registration in Northern Ireland.

Report cautions or convictions

You must tell the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in writing within 7 days if you get any caution or conviction. This includes:

being ‘bound over’

having your name entered in the sex offenders’ register

being banned from working with children

You cannot currently send this by post because of coronavirus (COVID-19). Contact DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) by email instead.


Become a direct access scheme (DAS) motorcycle instructor

Overview

You can apply to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to become a direct access scheme (DAS) certified instructor.

All provisional licence holders training on a motorbike over 125cc and 11kW power output must be trained by a qualified DAS instructor.

Rules for becoming a DAS instructor

To become a DAS certified instructor you must have a driving licence from either:

Great Britain or Northern Ireland

the EU or EEA - but you must register it
 first

You must also:

be 21 or over

have had a full category A2 or A motorcycle licence for at least 3 years

have passed the 2-day assessment to become a DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) assessed compulsory basic training (CBT) instructor

You’ll have to take a 2-day assessment at a DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) training and development centre.

When you qualify

When you pass you’ll be able to give DAS training.

How to book your assessment

The direct access scheme (DAS) instructor assessment (your assessment) lasts for half a day. You can book a:

morning assessment, which starts at 8:30am

afternoon assessment, which starts at 1pm

Fill in the application form to book your assessment and send it to the address on the form. There’s no charge for the assessment (your assessment).

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will contact you to arrange a date after checking your application.

Your application will be valid for 6 months.

If you cannot go to your assessment

Tell DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) by email if you cannot attend your assessment.

You must give at least 5 working days’ notice - Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays do not count as working days.

Preparing for the assessment (your assessment)

Study the training guidance before you take the assessment (your assessment).

Sign up for email alerts to be told when the guidance (the training guidance) is updated.

Other preparation

You should also study the following official Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) publications:

The Highway Code

Know your traffic signs

Learning to Ride

Riding - the Essential Skills

Theory Test for Motorcyclists

You can buy them from most high street and online book shops.

What to bring to your assessment

You need to bring:

your valid driving licence

your CBT1 card

your joining instructions

a fully taxed and roadworthy motorcycle with a power output of at least 20kW

a full-face safety helmet

If you have an EU or EEA licence, you must also bring confirmation of your Great Britain (GB) driver number. You need to register your licence to get a GB driver number.

Your assessment will be cancelled if you do not bring these.

You’re allowed to bring relevant training aids and preparation material with you.

What the assessment (your assessment) involves

There are 3 main sessions in the direct access scheme (DAS) instructor assessment. You’ll get a full explanation before the assessment (your assessment) starts.

Session 1 - theory

This session (Session 1 - theory) lasts around 15 minutes. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) assessor will play the role of a rider who:

has done their compulsory basic training (CBT) on a 125cc motorcycle

is new to riding larger and more powerful motorcycles

You have to show and tell them the main differences between large motorcycles and the smaller motorcycles used for CBT. You’ll do this alongside the motorcycle (a 125cc motorcycle).

Session 2 - on-site handling assessment

In this session of the assessment (Session 2 - on-site handling assessment) you’ll be given the scenario of a rider who has:

already taken CBT

difficulties in the basic control of a large motorcycle when riding it on private land

You have to:

decide how to overcome the difficulties

give instruction to develop the rider’s basic skills off-road

The scenario (Session 2 - on-site handling assessment) will include 2 of the following riding skills requiring attention:

moving off and stopping the bike

controlled braking

gear-changing

slow riding skills

slow controlled turning (similar to the ‘figure of 8’ exercise on CBT)

Session 3 - on-road assessments

This session of the assessment (Session 2 - on-site handling assessment) will last for around 1 hour 30 minutes. The assessor (The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) assessor) will play the part of a trainee.

You’ll have to give 3 on-road lessons during this session (Session 2 - on-site handling assessment).

The assessor (The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) assessor) will select the lessons (3 on-road lessons) from:

positioning in normal riding and dealing with bends

negotiating left and right turns at junctions

dealing with different types of crossroads

dealing with town centre riding

negotiating roundabouts

dealing with dual carriageways

dealing with other traffic safely when following behind and overtaking other vehicles

moving off from all positions

riding in areas with a national speed limit

joining and leaving dual carriageways and following behind other traffic

dealing with overtaking, meeting, filtering and leaving enough clearance to stationary vehicles

moving off, the emergency stop exercise, u-turn exercises (pushing and riding) and taking the motorcycle on and off the stand

During the on-road assessments

During the ride you’ll be expected to:

give any instruction you feel necessary

correct any riding faults that may occur

You can ask the trainee to pull up so that you can give face-to-face instruction or guidance.

Your assessment result

You’ll be given your result (Your assessment result) and a debrief at the end of the assessment by the assessor (The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) assessor). You’ll be sent confirmation of your result by post.

It’s your responsibility to tell your approved training body your result.

Passing the assessment

If you pass, fill in Form 4 to apply to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for registration as a direct access scheme (DAS) certified instructor.

You’ll have to give details of any motoring or non-motoring offences you’ve got within the last 4 years on your application form. These will be taken into account when DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) assesses your suitability to be authorised.

You are not allowed to conduct DAS (direct access scheme (DAS)) courses until you’ve got your registration certificate.

Failing the assessment

You’ll be sent another DAS (direct access scheme (DAS)) assessment application form if you do not pass so you can book again if you want to.


Become a fleet driver trainer

How to qualify as a fleet driver trainer

You can apply to join the voluntary register of fleet driver trainers if you specialise in training fully qualified drivers of fleets of cars and vans.

You must be an approved driving instructor to join the register (the voluntary register of fleet driver trainers).

You’ll have to take a training course accredited by DVSA to qualify as a fleet driver trainer.

You must join the register (the voluntary register of fleet driver trainers) within 1 year of completing the course (a training course accredited by DVSA).

When you’ve qualified

When you’ve qualified and joined the register (the voluntary register of fleet driver trainers):

your details will be given to people looking for fleet driver training

you can advertise yourself as a ‘Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) registered fleet driver trainer’

Your registration as a fleet driver trainer will last for 4 years.

Apply to become a fleet driver trainer

To apply, download and fill in the application form and send it to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) (DVSA).

Training course already done

You can send the form (the application form) to DVSA if you’ve already done an accredited training course. You’ll need to include:

the registration fee of £120

your driving licence number if you have a photocard driving licence, or a passport-style photo if you have an old-style paper licence

a copy of your course certificate

You must have done the course (a training course accredited by DVSA) within the last year.

Managing your registration

Your registration will last for 4 years from when you join the register (the voluntary register of fleet driver trainers).

You’re responsible for remembering when your registration runs out and renewing it (your registration).

To renew your registration, download and fill in the application form and send it (the application form) to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) (DVSA) with the fee of £120 and a passport-style photo.

You can re-join the register (the voluntary register of fleet driver trainers) without having to qualify again within 12 months of your registration running out.

Replace a certificate

You should write to DVSA if your registration certificate (a certificate) is lost, stolen or destroyed.

You can get a new certificate by sending a passport-style photo to DVSA and paying £3.60.

Advertising your services

You’ll be able to advertise yourself as a ‘DVSA registered fleet driver trainer’. You can also apply to use the official DVSA logo.

Taking standards checks

You have to take regular standards checks as an approved driving instructor (ADI). This assesses your continuing ability to instruct someone with a provisional or full driving licence.

You don’t have to take a separate check to stay on the fleet driver trainer register (the voluntary register of fleet driver trainers).

How the test works

Standards checks are based on the examiner observing a normal lesson which should last for around an hour. After the lesson you should allow at least 15 minutes for the debrief.

You can bring a learner driver or a full licence holder who can be:

a driver you haven’t assessed

a driver you have assessed

A driver you haven’t assessed

You can bring a driver you haven’t assessed and:

give a presentation on occupational risk

introduce them (a driver you haven’t assessed) to the training vehicle, covering safety checks

do a driver assessment and profile to establish their (a driver you haven’t assessed) main risk areas and provide the necessary coaching

A driver you have assessed

You can bring a driver you’ve already assessed. You’ll need to tell the examiner what main risk areas you intend to provide coaching for during the standards check.

Your standards check result

You’ll get a grade at the end of your standards check (the standards check). This (the standards check) works the same as a normal ADI standards check.

Being removed from the register (the voluntary register of fleet driver trainers)

You’ll be removed from both the ADI register (the voluntary register of fleet driver trainers) and the register of fleet drivers (the voluntary register of fleet driver trainers) if you:

fail the standards check

don’t attend your standards check appointment


Employing an apprentice

Overview

Apprentices are aged 16 or over and combine working with studying to gain skills and knowledge in a specific job.

Apprentices can be new or current employees.

You must pay the apprentice at least the minimum wage.

Your apprentice must:

work with experienced staff

learn job-specific skills

get time for training or study during their (experienced staff) working week (at least 20% of their (experienced staff) normal working hours)

Hiring your apprentice

There are several steps to taking on an apprentice.

Choose an apprenticeship for your business or organisation.

Find an organisation that offers training for the apprenticeship you’ve chosen.

Check what funding is available for training and other costs to your organisation.

Advertise your apprenticeship - you or your training provider can do this through the recruit an apprentice service.

Select your apprentice and make an apprenticeship agreement and commitment statement with them.

If you do not want to hire and train the apprentice yourself, you can use an apprenticeship training agency. The apprentice will be employed by the agency but will work in your organisation.

How long it lasts

Apprenticeships must last for at least a year. They can last up to 5 years depending on the level the apprentice is studying.

Get help

Fill in the enquiry form or contact the National Apprenticeship Service for more information.

You can get more information or use the webchat service on the apprenticeship service employer support site.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Contact your apprenticeship authority if you’re an employer in:

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

Get funding

You can get help from the government:

as an incentive payment for other costs

Help to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment

The amount you get depends on whether you pay the apprenticeship levy or not. You pay the levy if you’re an employer with a pay bill over £3 million each year.

If you do not need to pay the levy (the apprenticeship levy)

You pay 5% towards the cost of training and assessing your apprentice. You need to:

agree a payment schedule with the training provider

pay them (the training provider) directly for the training

The government will pay the rest (95%) up to the funding band maximum. They (the government)’ll pay it directly to the training provider.

You could be eligible for extra funding depending on both your and your apprentice’s circumstances.

You contribute 10% towards the cost of training and assessing your apprentice and the government pays the rest (90%) if your apprentice started before 1 April 2019. This rate continues until your apprentice completes their training.

If you pay the levy (the apprenticeship levy)

You’ll receive funds to spend on training and assessing your apprentices. The government will add 10%.

How you get your funds and pay for training depends on whether you’re in:

England

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

Help to pay for other costs

You can claim for an incentive payment for new apprentices who join your organisation.

You can claim £3,000 for apprentices who start between 1 April 2021 and 30 September 2021.

The closing date for applications is 30 November 2021.

Find out if you are eligible, what you can use the payment for and how to apply.

Register for a digital service account

Register for an apprenticeship service account to access funds or pay for training. You’ll be able to apply for the incentive payment (an incentive payment for new apprentices who join your organisation) after you add new apprentices to your account (a digital service account).

If you pay the apprenticeship levy and use an apprenticeship training agency, you cannot use funds from your digital account (a digital service account) to pay for the training agency’s services.

Get help

Pay and conditions for apprentices

You are responsible for:

giving your apprentice their contract of employment

paying your apprentice’s wage

signing an apprenticeship agreement

Pay for apprentices

You must pay apprentices at least the National Minimum Wage.

There’s different rates of pay for apprentices depending on their age and what year of their apprenticeship they’ve completed.

The contract of employment (their contract of employment) should make it clear what wage you’ll pay your apprentice and for what hours.

Aged 16 to 18

The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £4.30 per hour.

Aged 19 or over and in their first year

Aged 19 or over and have completed their first year

Apprentices will be entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for their age.

Use the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage calculator to check if you’re paying your apprentices correctly.

Conditions

Apprentices must work towards an approved apprenticeship. Their training must last at least 12 months.

They (Apprentices) must be employed in a real job that gives them (Apprentices) the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills they (Apprentices) need to pass their (Apprentices) assessment.

Training and study

You must pay your apprentice for time spent training or studying for their apprenticeship.

Apprentices must spend at least 20% of their normal working hours training.

The training (Their training) might take place:

at their (Apprentices) place of work

somewhere else (for example, a college or training provider)

online

If your apprentice is also studying for English or maths qualifications required by their (Apprentices) apprenticeship, they (Apprentices) are entitled to paid study time during their (Apprentices) normal working hours.

Employee rights

You must offer apprentices the same conditions as other employees working at similar grades or in similar roles. This includes:

paid holidays

sick pay

any benefits you offer such as childcare voucher schemes

any support you offer such as coaching or mentoring

Apprentices and redundancy

Apprentices have the same employment rights as your other employees. Follow the process for making staff redundant if you have to make an apprentice redundant.

Get legal advice if you want to end the apprenticeship early for another reason.

Support for apprentices

Your apprentice can get support if they (Apprentices)’re being made redundant or are at risk of redundancy.

They (Apprentices) can get:

financial and legal advice

support for their (Apprentices) health and wellbeing

help finding another apprenticeship

Make an apprenticeship agreement

You must sign an apprenticeship agreement with your apprentice.

This (an apprenticeship agreement) gives details of:

the skill, trade or occupation the apprentice is being trained for

the name of the apprenticeship they (the apprentice)’re working towards

the start and end dates for the apprenticeship

the amount of training you’ll give them (the apprentice)

You can write your own apprentice agreement or download an apprenticeship agreement template.

Commitment statement

You must sign a commitment statement with your apprentice and the training provider.

You can write your own commitment statement (a commitment statement) or use the ESFA apprenticeship commitment statement template.

It (a commitment statement) must include:

the planned content and schedule for training

what is expected and offered by the employer, the training provider and the apprentice

how to resolve queries or complaints