The DVSA posted an urgent warning to remind drivers of the importance of the deadline on social media site X.

They said: “MOT testers, you still have time to do your training and assessment . Make sure you set enough time aside to complete it, to avoid stress where possible . The deadline is 31 March.”

GOV.UK added: “If you’re already an MOT tester, you must complete training and pass an assessment between April and March every year.

“Your MOT tester status will be suspended if you do not pass the annual assessment by 31 March.”

The annual assessment is a simple test made up of 30 multiple-choice questions which usually takes around one hour to complete. 

The test can be done online so can be conducted at home or at the provider during work time.

The pass mark is 80% with no upper limit on how many times mechanics can re-take the assessment over the course of the year. 

However, officials have confirmed that mechanics who have not passed the assessment before the end of the training year “must stop carrying out MOT tests”.

In this situation, individuals will have their MOT testing account suspended with mechanics forced to pass a different assessment on next year’s topics.

Officials have stressed mechanics must complete the test alone with firms not allowed to fill out exams for employees to ensure a pass.

The DVSA has previously said: “When it can be proven that a tester did not complete their annual assessment themselves then DVSA will revoke the result and the tester is required to complete a further annual assessment and demo test before being allowed to return to testing.”