Although the DVSA do not specify a timeline for when you should complete the annual training and assessment (they only specify that it must be completed before 31st March), they do have some preferences.

The annual training is in place to ensure testers have trained on the topics for the annual assessment. It’s therefore generally expected that the training is done before the exam.

The DVSA also prefer testers to have completed the training and exam before the last quarter of the training year – In other words, before January each year.

VEs have been known to penalise MOT testers and businesses during a site visit due to not completing the annual training before the exam, as well as not having completed both before January each year.