An individual person, persons in partnership or company may apply to VI's local office on form VT1 to become an AE, authorised to carry out MOT testing of specified vehicle classes as set out in section A of the MOT Testing Guide. There are four different types of AE:

Company

In the case of a company, the AE would be the company itself, not the directors or company management staff regardless of who owns the company and who directors are - the application is to be signed by any person 'duly authorised' by the company to do so. Written confirmation that the person 'duly authorised' signed by an 'officer of the company' is required (see 'Abbreviations and Definitions' in the MOT Testing Guide). A copy of the current registry of company's record showing details of officers of the company will also normally be required to validate the confirmation.

Partnership

In the case of a partnership the AE would be the partnership itself (e.g. partnership of F Bloggs and A N Other). The application should be signed by a person 'duly authorised' by the partnership to do so.

Confirmation that the person is 'duly authorised' in the form of a statement,signed by each partner will normally be required together with a copy of the current partnership agreement.

Sole Trader

In the case of a sole trader, the AE would be the person making the application who must sign it.

Designated Council

A Designated Council is defined as being the Council of a County, a District, a London Borough or the City of London. In Scotland a Unitary Authority or Island Council of an Islands area.

NOTE: Any authorisation by VI allows only the legal entity authorised to provide the testing service. If a company is reconstituted in a way that leads to a new company registration and number being issued then it will be regarded as a new entity and a new authorisation is needed.

If, in a partnership, a partner leaves or joins, the partnership becomes a new entity, so again a new authorisation is needed, as it is in the case of a sole trader who takes on a partner or forms a company.

2. How do I get authorisation?

Requirements

To become an authorised MOT garage, you must apply to VI using a VT1 form. Before completing and returning the application form, the applicant should be aware of the requirements of the testing scheme. These are contained in the Motor Vehicle Test Regulations as amended, The MOT Testing Guide 5th Edition, The MOT Inspection Manual for the class for which authorisation is sought. These are obtainable from local VI offices, The Stationery Office or through a bookseller.

Authorisation to carry out MOT testing will only be granted to applicants who can satisfy VI that they are of good repute and have adequate financial standing and that their premises, equipment and personnel meet the required standards.

Training

Each applicant to become an AE is required to have at least one person who has attended a approved course of instruction that will cover testing responsibilities, administrative arrangements and disciplinary and appeal processes. The course is provided by VI and is designed to help them fully understand their role within the MOT scheme.

If, when the application was received, the same applicant was an AE at other premises, the AE training requirement does not apply.

For more information on the training requirement contact the MOT booking section on 0117 9543434 or our National Number 0870 60 60 440

3. What must be included with my application for authorisation?

Applications must be made using the new VT1 form (VT2 for designated councils) obtainable from the

Vehicle Inspectorate local office. The application should be accompanied by:

1. Site plan showing the buildings, the location of the testing bay, the access to and from the public highway, the proposed parking area for MOT test vehicles, the position of the safe, security container and MOT notice board;

2. Fully dimensioned drawing of the proposed testing bay, or bays showing adjacent equipment and parts of the building, the location of the test equipment, the position and dimensions of the entrance and exits, and the area from which the test may be observed;

3. The following evidence:

Planning permission (or an exemption), or written confirmation from the Local Authority that existing approval covers MOT testing;
Two character references from reputable sources for each person involved with the authorisation;
Bankers reference or other substantive evidence of a sound financial standing; and,
Certificate of Conviction for each person involved with the Authorisation.
4. Evidence that the applicant has the sole use of the proposed MOT facility, including the test bay, reception area/office and MOT parking spaces;
If the applicant is the site owner:

Copies of documents from the land registry confirming that the applicant is the registered owner of the land. If a land registry entry is not available alternative proof of ownership must be accompanied by a written explanation from a Solicitor.
If the applicant is not the site owner, evidence that the applicant has the right of exclusive use of the premises, in the form of a lease, rental agreement or licence. The following needs to be included in the application:

Rent to be paid for the premises;
Specific mention that the prospective AE has exclusive use of the premises necessary for MOT testing, e.g. the MOT test bay, the test facilities office, security equipment, parking, viewing, waiting and reception areas;
Evidence that the person or body granting the lease (the lessor) owns the site, or that the lessor's lease for the premises allows subletting or assignment of all or part of the lease to someone else; and,
Written confirmation from a Solicitor that the lease is a proper and enforceable legal document.
Copy of the relevant certificate of training for AE, if training has already been undertaken.
An application must show that the premises and equipment proposed at the VTS complies with the requirements of the Conditions of Appointment appropriate to the classes of vehicle to be tested. Copies of the Conditions of Appointment are available from VI local offices and they should be read in conjunction with Appendix 2 of the MOT Testing Guide which updates some aspects of the various Conditions documents. Applicants wishing to test private passenger vehicles under class V should contact their VI local office for additional advice.

Those applying should not submit their application until confident that it will fully meet the requirements. If the applicant proposes to carry out building alterations or obtain new equipment, it is recommended that this be done before VI gives approval in principle to the applicant.

4. What will happen if my application is successful?

If the information given in with the application form is satisfactory, arrangements for an inspection of the premises will be made.

Authorisation (Designation in the case of a council application) will only be granted when VI is satisfied that the:

Conditions of appointment have been met;
The AE or an appropriate person within the partnership or company has attended an AE training course;
Prospective testers have satisfied VI that they can be included in the list of Nominated Testers; and,
Quality control system has been agreed (if applicable).
It is emphasised that responsibility for ensuring that premises and equipment comply with other relevant Acts, Regulations, Bylaws, H&S at work requirements, etc., rests with the applicant.

5. What will happen if my application is unsuccessful?

Where the requirements are not met but with reasonable changes can be achieved, the applicant will be given written approval in principle, listing the areas of non-compliance.

Final approval will only be given when the required changes have been made.