So when is a one man test.....

There isn’t anything in the manual that specifically states you need an assistant, assuming you’re authorised OPTL or ATL.

It is suggested in multiple places to ensure the quality of the test, though.

They don’t watch you test both ways. They will only sign you off doing a two man test, but once signed off, if they come in to observe they will observe you however you usually test.

Just like testers, some VE’s do things their own way, against the grain even. I can name many occasions where a VE has visited one of our sites and picked us up on something that has never been mentioned by other VEs at the same and other sites. Im in the fortunate position of volume when it comes to VE exposure as we’ll see one, somewhere, most months.

Thanks for the replies.
We have a new - Internal - Training / Supervisor / QC for the MOT's. In his opinion the use of a Assistant is a MUST to do the checks when on the swing plates. I should add we have had DVSA in last month, and are green on the system. There was no issue from him during the observed, but not recorded one man test. ( His visit was for site audit and separate passing of a newbie).

Going by the manual a tester should observe the movement / operation of the steering parts during lock to lock ,you can’t turn the steering wheel and be underneath at the same time ,therefore an assistant is needed ,but a tester can get round that.

Most if not all OPTL testers including me iv seen observe the operation of the steering by turning the wheels lock to lock on turn plates by hand with the ramp at waist height ,some vehicles steering you can’t do this so an assistant is needed ( too tight to turn by hand ).
The only time I’d use an assistant for this check would be on steering box system will multi linkage’s.(or if it’s not practical)
It’s not mandatory to use an assistant and as long as a tester observe s the operation of the steering using they own technique I can’t see a problem ,dvsa have known about this issue for years so it’s nothing new and not done anything about it .