Vehicle Standards Assessor (England and Wales)

Job summary

Vehicle Standards Assessors use their technical knowledge and experience to recognise defects in heavy goods vehicles when they are presented for annual test (MOT). They can then determine whether they will pass the test and be legally compliant. By doing this they contribute to road safety by protecting the public from unsafe vehicles.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) helps keep Britain moving, safely and sustainably. We do this by helping people through a lifetime of safe and sustainable journeys, helping them keep their vehicles safe to drive, and protecting them from unsafe drivers and vehicles.

We’re working hard to:

• Make roads safer
• Improve services for our customers
• Make road transport greener and healthier
• Harness the potential of technology and data
• Grow and level up the economy

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King’s birthday
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it's like working a DVSA:

DVSA roles: Working for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency , Civil Service Careers

Job description

Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:

• Carry out MOT tests and associated schemes.
• Record test information and results, and issue documentation.
• Offer advice on vehicle safety
• Ensure larger vehicles are safe to be on Britain’s roads.
• Contribute to the safety of all road users.
• Travel to several 3rd party testing facilities.
• Work flexibly with the scheduling team, colleagues and the wider business to deliver excellent customer service
• Take part in regular team meetings

For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Open Sessions:

To find out more about the job and DVSA, please join us either at one of our virtual events or at one of our face-to-face open days. You will have an opportunity to ask lots of questions. You can register for an event here. There are a number of DVSA events scheduled, so please be sure to select one of the Vehicle Standards Assessor events.

Person specification

Essential licenses:

1. A full UK driving license

You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential licenses at some point during the recruitment process. If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn.

Required experience:

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

1. A minimum of 3 years hands-on experience in the repair, maintenance or inspection of at least one type of road vehicle, e.g. car, HGV, PSV.
2. You will need good customer service skills.

The requirement to have a minimum of 3 years’ experience is detailed in the EU Directive - Annex (IV) and can be viewed here.

You should already hold, or willing to work towards relevant qualifications in motor vehicle repair ie. iRTEC or IMI

Additional Information

Operational Delivery Profession (ODP) is the largest and most diverse professional community across the Civil Service. Many of us will have an association with several professional communities or specialisms, ODP applies to all public facing roles / or a role that is primarily aligned to supporting the work of those with public facing roles. All critical to the delivery of UK public services.

Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements

Vehicle Standards Assessors work an average of 37 hours per week, and carry out tests at 3rd party Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs).

We encourage part time applicants but please be aware, for this role there is a business requirement for successful applicants to be available to work 28 hours per week.

Whilst Vehicle Standards Assessors are deployed from home, please carefully consider the location you apply for. We recommend you are within 30-45 minutes travel time of your chosen location as you will be required to conduct tests at a number of ATFs within that area.

You must be willing to travel a wide geographical area on specific DVSA business, where there maybe the occasional overnight stay.

We will give you a fully insured and taxed lease car, which is for both work and personal use. Other running costs are also covered. You can also have up to two additional drivers use the vehicle.

This role doesn’t require physical repair work, but there is a physical nature to the role which involves climbing up into larger vehicles to inspect the inside, and also a need to climb in and out of a pit to inspect the underside.

There will be comprehensive training on all aspects of the role, which includes the use of a laptop and smartphone. The training will last around 16 weeks, with the majority of it taking place at ATFs and online using Microsoft Teams. There are also a few weeks of expenses paid training that takes place in DVSA training locations, usually in Bristol or Manchester. Please note: the training is completed on a full-time basis, which is non-negotiable.

Visa Sponsorship

Please note that we do not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Licence sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate rights to work in the UK before application.

Licences

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service

Benefits

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
• Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.