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MOT Vehicle

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Examiners

To apply, you will need the following:

Five GCSEs (Grades A–C), including English Language and Maths (or equivalent qualification).

What You'll Bring

Strong communication, organisation, and teamwork skills.

Confidence using IT systems and digital tools.

A customer-focused mindset and commitment to public service.

Your Next Step

If you are a qualified mechanic looking to apply your skills in a professional, structured and impactful environment, we encourage you to apply.

All appointments are made on merit through fair and open competition.

An MOT Vehicle Examiner in Northern Ireland is a qualified professional who carries out statutory vehicle roadworthiness tests on behalf of the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA). In Northern Ireland, MOT testing is conducted at government-run test centres, ensuring consistency and impartiality in how vehicles are assessed.

Vehicle Examiners inspect key components such as brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, lights, seatbelts, emissions, and the overall structural condition of the vehicle. Using specialised equipment, they determine whether a vehicle meets legal safety and environmental standards, recording any defects and issuing a pass or fail result in line with DVA guidelines.

The role requires strong mechanical knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to follow strict procedures. By ensuring that only roadworthy vehicles remain in use, MOT Vehicle Examiners play a vital role in maintaining road safety across Northern Ireland.

For more information including details of the application and selection process, please download our Candidate Information Booklet.

What is an MOT Vehicle Examiner?

Department of Finance (Land & Property Services)
Managing land registration, valuation, and property tax.

Department for Communities
Supporting benefits, pensions, housing, and employment services.

Department of Education
Ensuring teachers are paid and pensions are managed accurately.

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)
Supporting sustainable farming, climate goals, and rural communities.

The selection process includes:

Five GCSEs (Grades A–C), including English Language and Maths (or equivalent qualification).

Selection Process

Locations

Applicants must be prepared to work anywhere in Northern Ireland.

Current test centres include:

Armagh | Ballymena | Belfast (Balmoral Road) | Belfast (Hydebank) | Coleraine | Cookstown | Craigavon | Downpatrick | Enniskillen | Larne | Lisburn | Mallusk | Newbuildings | Newry | Newtownards | Omagh.

The Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) is currently recruiting permanent MOT Vehicle Examiners for roles throughout Northern Ireland.

This is a unique opportunity for fully qualified mechanics to use their technical expertise in a public service role that directly contributes to road safety across Northern Ireland.

Up to 35 full-time, permanent posts are available, with further vacancies possible during the lifetime of the competition.

A Vital Role Keeping 
Northern Ireland’s Roads Safe

Department of Finance (Land & Property Services)
Managing land registration, valuation, and property tax.

Department for Communities
Supporting benefits, pensions, housing, and employment services.

Department of Education
Ensuring teachers are paid and pensions are managed accurately.

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)
Supporting sustainable farming, climate goals, and rural communities.

MOT Vehicle Examiners operate at the leading edge of the Agency’s vehicle testing business.

The role provides a starting salary of £30,458, access to an excellent pension scheme, generous annual leave benefits, shift work with up to an 8% shift allowance and an opportunity to begin a career in the NICS.

Department of Finance (Land & Property Services)
Managing land registration, valuation, and property tax.

Department for Communities
Supporting benefits, pensions, housing, and employment services.

Department of Education
Ensuring teachers are paid and pensions are managed accurately.

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)
Supporting sustainable farming, climate goals, and rural communities.

About the Role

Key responsibilities:

• Examine private cars, motorcycles, ambulances, taxis, light and heavy goods vehicles and large passenger vehicles
• Use integrated test lane and IT equipment (full training provided)
• Complete inspection reports and issue certificates
• Maintain testing equipment and ensure safe working practices
• Deliver a professional, courteous service to customers
• Keep up to date with technical and legislative developments
• Maintain productivity levels within a structured rota system

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

• Hold a Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in Vehicle Mechanical and Electronic Systems (Light or Heavy Vehicle)
• Have completed a minimum 3-year motor vehicle apprenticeship
• Have at least 1 year’s post-apprenticeship experience within the last 6 years
• Hold a full current Category B driving licence

About the role

Key responsibilities:

Examine private cars, motorcycles, ambulances, taxis, light and heavy goods vehicles and large passenger vehicles

Use integrated test lane and IT equipment (full training provided)

Complete inspection reports 
and issue certificates

Maintain testing equipment and ensure safe working practices

Deliver a professional, courteous service to customers

Keep up to date with technical and legislative developments

Maintain productivity levels within a structured rota system

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

Hold a level 3 qualification (or equivalent)  in vehicle maintenance, repair or engineering

Have completed a minimum 3-year motor vehicle apprenticeship

Have at least 1 year’s post-apprenticeship experience within the last 6 years

Hold a full current Category B driving licence

Locations

Applicants must be prepared to work anywhere in Northern Ireland.

Current test centres include:

Armagh | Ballymena | Belfast (Balmoral Road) | Belfast (Hydebank) | Coleraine | Cookstown | Craigavon | Downpatrick | Enniskillen | Larne | Lisburn | Mallusk | Newbuildings | Newry | Newtownards | Omagh.

Candidates will complete a vehicle-based assessment lasting 40–50 minutes, which will assess:

Five GCSEs (Grades A–C), including English Language and Maths (or equivalent qualification).

Practical Assessment

Making Effective Decisions

Delivering Value for Money

Leading and Communicating

Delivering at Pace

Practical assessments are scheduled to take place at DVA Centre, 2 Craigarogan Business Park (weeks commencing 13, 20 and 27 April 2026).

Your Next Step

If you are a qualified mechanic looking to apply your skills in a professional, structured and impactful environment, we encourage you to apply.

All appointments are made on merit through fair and open competition.