MOT tester + drink driving =??
Discussion
My mother's boyfriend got caught drink driving this afternoon, full details are not known yet but he is an alcoholic and has probably sunk a full bottle of vodka before getting in the car after an argument with my mother.
Police pulled him and he has now been arrested and is being held until the morning to sober up for questioning.
I know it's. A certainty he's going to get a ban but it's his job my mother is worried about, he's a MOT tester for a small local garage, he doesn't go out on road tests etc but does he need to hold a driving licence to be a MOT tester?
Police pulled him and he has now been arrested and is being held until the morning to sober up for questioning.
I know it's. A certainty he's going to get a ban but it's his job my mother is worried about, he's a MOT tester for a small local garage, he doesn't go out on road tests etc but does he need to hold a driving licence to be a MOT tester?
It appears he needs to hold a license for whichever class of vehicle he tests;
https://www.gov.uk/become-an-mot-tester/eligibilit...
He won't be insureable on any trade policy, so I very much doubt the garage will continue to employ him anyway...
https://www.gov.uk/become-an-mot-tester/eligibilit...
He won't be insureable on any trade policy, so I very much doubt the garage will continue to employ him anyway...
Edited by Cerberaherts on Saturday 27th December 20:26
The link is all about becoming a nominated tester, so as he's already one not sure it helps - I believe there's a points system for test centres, but not sure if there's an equivelant system for testers, but without digging into the detail it's not necessarily a certainty that he'll lose his tester's licence. Depends on how the garage operates to a degree too - if they have someone who drives the vehicle in and does all the donkey work while the tester is checking underneath etc then he may be OK, on the basis he doesn't have to drive. As soon as he's responsible for moving a vehicle himself then it's down to the T&Cs of his contract with his employer, I would think?
Nope. It appears you need a license for the class of vehicle you test, not just to apply to do so...
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploa...
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploa...
http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/tgi00000201.htm Section E.
"Disqualification of NTs from driving
5. An NT is not automatically subject to cessation from MOT testing on loss of his driving licence. Clearly a disqualified NT must not carry out road tests where these are necessary. This requirement can pose major problems for motorcycle VTSs where a road test may be necessary for a number of reasons, but is less troublesome for other classes where a road test is only normally necessary if a decelerometer brake test is needed. An NT without a valid driving licence should not start an MOT test if a road test is likely to be needed. If however, that need becomes apparent during a test, the test must be aborted and repeated in full by an NT with a valid driving licence. Should the VTS be unable to provide a suitable NT at the time, it must refund any test fee paid or, if the customer agrees, make an alternative appointment when a suitable NT will be available.
6. A disqualified driver can attend refresher training courses during the period of disqualification. The NT will be required to provide his Smart Card when attending the training course, See Appendix 6 for more details."
I expect his employers will need to make a decision as to whether he is still able to carry out the job for which he is employed & then decide what action to take.
"Disqualification of NTs from driving
5. An NT is not automatically subject to cessation from MOT testing on loss of his driving licence. Clearly a disqualified NT must not carry out road tests where these are necessary. This requirement can pose major problems for motorcycle VTSs where a road test may be necessary for a number of reasons, but is less troublesome for other classes where a road test is only normally necessary if a decelerometer brake test is needed. An NT without a valid driving licence should not start an MOT test if a road test is likely to be needed. If however, that need becomes apparent during a test, the test must be aborted and repeated in full by an NT with a valid driving licence. Should the VTS be unable to provide a suitable NT at the time, it must refund any test fee paid or, if the customer agrees, make an alternative appointment when a suitable NT will be available.
6. A disqualified driver can attend refresher training courses during the period of disqualification. The NT will be required to provide his Smart Card when attending the training course, See Appendix 6 for more details."
I expect his employers will need to make a decision as to whether he is still able to carry out the job for which he is employed & then decide what action to take.
Edited by paintman on Saturday 27th December 23:14
Adrian E said:
With these feet said:
Another issue is if he had to take a 4x4 for a brake test - unless there is another tester that can do that I doubt his chances.
Modern brake testers rotate each wheel in reverse directions so you can test a 4x4 with one of those without a tapley meter testIve not seen such a brake tester so was unaware they existed, certainly not seen one in the 25+ years ive been in the trade.
I think the broader issue for his employers would be his alcoholism. If this comes out in any subsequent trial, which undoubtedly it will, then issues about having someone unfit to work and operating machinery, ramps etc, while under the influence will be hard for his employer to keep him on his current role
Adrian E said:
With these feet said:
Another issue is if he had to take a 4x4 for a brake test - unless there is another tester that can do that I doubt his chances.
Modern brake testers rotate each wheel in reverse directions so you can test a 4x4 with one of those without a tapley meter testMine has to be done with a Tapley meter out on the road.
m8rky said:
I think the broader issue for his employers would be his alcoholism. If this comes out in any subsequent trial, which undoubtedly it will, then issues about having someone unfit to work and operating machinery, ramps etc, while under the influence will be hard for his employer to keep him on his current role
This, I fear. I would have great trouble employing anyone with known substance/alcohol abuse issues - doubly so when vehicles, machinery and other people's property are at stake.jayemm89 said:
This, I fear. I would have great trouble employing anyone with known substance/alcohol abuse issues - doubly so when vehicles, machinery and other people's property are at stake.
Plus the added loading on their insurance once he has a license again,I`d imagine that the loading that a fresh D/D conviction puts on a trade policy would be
The fact that VOSA will be notified and if he manages to remain testing they will certainly be keeping a closer rein on the tester and probably the test station also,more frequent visits etc. which in the real world as we know it will mean he has become a sort of liability to his boss also.
even moreso if there is only one tester at that station.
Also once the locals know,for this stuff rarely stay secret,it could affect business as some people will just assume that drunks are fixing or testing their cars.
Op I am fairly certain your friend should be looking for alternative employment.
With these feet said:
It was purely an example of where the tester may be required to road test the vehicle.
Ive not seen such a brake tester so was unaware they existed, certainly not seen one in the 25+ years ive been in the trade.
Point taken Ive not seen such a brake tester so was unaware they existed, certainly not seen one in the 25+ years ive been in the trade.
Ref the brake testers - Boston ones do it, as an example. They all work by rotating at slow speed with one roller pair rotating in a different direction, then you reverse direction to test the other side. Stops wind up along the transmission.HD Adam said:
You can't do this if you have an LSD or other type of locking diff.
Mine has to be done with a Tapley meter out on the road.
Very true for front or rear diff. Shouldn't matter for the centre as it won't be rotating - I've had both methods used on my S8, but Tapley meter method only on the S5 due to quattro sport diff option at the back.Mine has to be done with a Tapley meter out on the road.
On topic -agree with Andymc that whether he stays or goes will depend if they think it's worth the potential agro or if it breaks his contractual terms around repute or ability to carry out his job.
Quick update, he blew 105 mg of alcohol in his breath but that's the least of his trouble now.
After being released he was re arrested within 45 minutes cos he went home and tried to attack my brother with an axe after he blamed him for using too much Internet downloading the latest update on his ps4.
We are waiting to hear if he is going to be charged with attempted assault with a weapon (I think that's what my brother said he got arrested for), it's all down to the cps to decide now but the arresting officer updated my brother saying the police want to remand him
After being released he was re arrested within 45 minutes cos he went home and tried to attack my brother with an axe after he blamed him for using too much Internet downloading the latest update on his ps4.
We are waiting to hear if he is going to be charged with attempted assault with a weapon (I think that's what my brother said he got arrested for), it's all down to the cps to decide now but the arresting officer updated my brother saying the police want to remand him
Well until that last post I was going to say, I hope he keeps his job, he's going to be punished enough for the drink driving offence itself.
But now.....gah....I probably shouldn't have so much compassion for people in "unfortunate" situations that are entirely of their own making.....
But now.....gah....I probably shouldn't have so much compassion for people in "unfortunate" situations that are entirely of their own making.....
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