Quality Control (or Quality Assurance) checks are a fundamental part of the MOT Testing Scheme which involves all MOT Testers being checked that they are applying the correct standards and practices when conducting MOTs.

All MOT Testers are required by DVSA to have a QC check completed on them at regular intervals. The amount and frequency of QC checks is expected to change depending on the workload of the individual tester.

Traditionally a QC check involves each tester being observed throughout a full MOT inspection to ensure they are testing all required parts of a vehicle, they are not missing any items, and are not being too strict or too lenient with their application of fail criteria (for example failing something when it should pass and vice versa).

A Quality Control check therefore, by definition, exists to ensure the quality of the MOT test is consistent across all MOT testers and garages.

You must keep a record of each QC completed on all MOT testers, which should also include acknowledgement from the tester being checked. You should retain your QC check records for up to 3 years, even for testers that have left your VTS, as a visiting VE will request proof of all QC checks for all testers during that time frame.