A vehicle examiner works for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). They conduct inspections of various motor vehicles, including large goods vehicles, cars and coaches.
The Work
You could be:
carrying out inspections of all types of vehicles to ensure they are safe to drive
issuing prohibition notices where a vehicle is unsafe to be on the road
collecting evidence when vehicles don’t comply with the law and when necessary, issuing documents such as fixed penalty notices and test certificates
monitoring the MOT testing scheme by investigating complaints and writing reports
preparing paperwork for any prosecutions that take place against operators or drivers who break the law
answering technical queries from customers and offering advice and guidance on meeting regulations
ensuring all health and safety procedures are followed.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the size of company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.
The starting salary for a vehicle examiner is £26,780 plus £2,950 technical payment. If working in London or Aberdeen, you get an extra allowance on top of the basic salary.
The salary can rise with experience.
Conditions
You could be working at roadside locations, motorway services, as part of a mobile patrol, at MOT centres and at accident sites. Following a collision.
You could be working outdoors in all weathers.
You might have to work in cramped and uncomfortable positions.
You might work shifts, including evenings, nights and weekends.
You would wear a uniform and sometimes protective clothing.
Entrants are usually qualified motor vehicle technicians, with the appropriate SVQ at SCQF Level 7 or equivalent qualification (see Motor Vehicle Technician), including relevant work experience.
To train as a motor vehicle technician, you do not always need formal qualifications but many employers look for English, Maths and a science or technological subject at National 4.
You could study the Foundation Apprenticeship in Automotive (SCQF Level 4) in S3-S6, which can help to get into a relevant Modern Apprenticeship.
You may have to take an aptitude test.
You would need a clean driving licence.
You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.
You would need to meet the Credibility of Witness Standards in the event of representing the DVSA in court.
The DVSA's aim is to promote road safety through improving driving standards, testing drivers, motorcyclists and driving instructors, maintaining the registers of Approved Driving Instructors and Large Goods Vehicle Instructors and supervising training for learner motorcyclists.
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