FEATURED NEWS
New MOT and Tyre Protection Scheme Offers Independent Garages Additional Revenue
Independent garages and MOT testing stations could benefit from a new commission-based revenue opportunity following a partnership between Warranty Solutions Group (WSG) and automotive protection provider AutoXtraPro. Announced on 14 October 2026, the partnership introduces two products aimed at motorists: XtraCOVER MOT Test Renewal Protection and XtraCOVER Tyre Protection. The arrangement enables participating garages to offer additional protection products to customers while earning commission on completed sales. It represents another example of businesses targeting the…17th October 2026
JT
MOT Tester Sentenced for Fraudulent Pass on Car Later Involved in Fatal Crash
A Cardiff MOT tester who fraudulently passed a vehicle despite known safety defects has been sentenced to a 12-month community order. The car was subsequently involved in a crash in…15th October 2026
JT
New MOT LED Headlight Rules Now in Force: What DVSA Says Testers Must Check
New MOT rules allowing certain approved LED replacement bulbs to be fitted in existing halogen headlamps came into force on 14 October 2026, with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency…10th October 2026
JT
How AI Could Change Garage Bookings, Repair Authorisations and Fleet Maintenance
Artificial intelligence could significantly change how UK garages receive fleet work, manage repair authorisations and schedule vehicle maintenance, according to a new report from Fleet Assist. The fleet service, maintenance…10th October 2026
JT
Independent Garage Resolves Audi MOT Failure Using Remote Diagnostics
A Herefordshire independent garage has successfully resolved an Audi S3 lighting fault that caused an MOT failure, using remote diagnostic support to correct an incorrectly coded vehicle control module. LAB…8th October 2026
JT
MOT Fee Review Pressure Grows Ahead of DVSA Industry Talks
Pressure for a review of MOT test fees is building as the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) launches a new industry survey ahead of talks being held in partnership…6th October 2026
JT
MOT Garage Destroyed After Car Catches Fire on Test Ramp
An MOT garage in Essex has been destroyed after a car caught fire while on the workshop’s MOT test ramp, with the blaze also destroying vehicles and an adjoining family…5th October 2026
JT
Independent Garages Could Face Vehicle Data Restrictions Under New Rules
Independent garages could face greater uncertainty over access to security-related vehicle information under proposed changes to Great Britain’s vehicle type approval rules, the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has warned….29th September 2026
JT
Nissan Security Gateway Access Opens to Independent Garages
Independent garages using compatible LAUNCH diagnostic equipment can now gain authorised access to Security Gateway-protected Nissan and Infiniti vehicles following the introduction of a new Nissan SGW unlocking licence. LAUNCH…3rd October 2026
JT
Nearly 9 in 10 Independent Garages Turn Away EV Work as Diagnostic Access Bites
Nearly nine in ten independent garages have turned away or referred electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle work during the past six months, as concerns grow over access to the diagnostics…25th September 2026
JT
Government Faces Renewed Pressure to End 16-Year MOT Fee Freeze
Pressure is mounting on the Government to review the maximum MOT test fee after the Independent Garage Association stepped up its campaign over a cap that has remained unchanged for…29th September 2026
JT
MOST POPULAR
New MOT and Tyre Protection Scheme Offers Independent Garages Additional Revenue
Independent garages and MOT testing stations could benefit from a new commission-based revenue opportunity following a partnership between Warranty Solutions Group (WSG) and automotive protection provider AutoXtraPro. Announced on 14…17th October 2026
JT
433 MOT Authorisations Withdrawn as Garages Urged to Strengthen Compliance
A total of 433 MOT authorisations were withdrawn during 2025/26, according to DVSA figures highlighted by Autotech Training, prompting renewed calls for garages to give MOT management and compliance sufficient…15th October 2026
JT
MOT Tester Sentenced for Fraudulent Pass on Car Later Involved in Fatal Crash
A Cardiff MOT tester who fraudulently passed a vehicle despite known safety defects has been sentenced to a 12-month community order. The car was subsequently involved in a crash in…15th October 2026
JT
New MOT LED Headlight Rules Now in Force: What DVSA Says Testers Must Check
New MOT rules allowing certain approved LED replacement bulbs to be fitted in existing halogen headlamps came into force on 14 October 2026, with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency…10th October 2026
JT
Independent Garage Resolves Audi MOT Failure Using Remote Diagnostics
A Herefordshire independent garage has successfully resolved an Audi S3 lighting fault that caused an MOT failure, using remote diagnostic support to correct an incorrectly coded vehicle control module. LAB…8th October 2026
JT
MOT Fee Review Pressure Grows Ahead of DVSA Industry Talks
Pressure for a review of MOT test fees is building as the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) launches a new industry survey ahead of talks being held in partnership…6th October 2026
JT
THINKCAR Launches New Diagnostic Packages for UK Independent Garages
THINKCAR UK has introduced a new range of diagnostic equipment packages designed to help independent garages tackle more complex vehicle repairs, combining professional scan tools with security gateway access, EV…17th October 2026
JT
Arnott Expands Suspension Range with 17 New Parts for European Aftermarket
Suspension specialist Arnott has expanded its European aftermarket range with 17 new replacement parts, including an electronically controlled air strut and 16 ride-height sensors for a variety of premium and…17th October 2026
JT
Vehicle Data Access Barriers Persist for Independent Garages, New Research Finds
Independent automotive repair businesses continue to face significant barriers to accessing connected vehicle data, despite new European legislation intended to give vehicle owners greater control over information generated by their…17th October 2026
JT
Snap-on 26.4 Diagnostic Software Update Expands Vehicle Coverage for UK Garages
Snap-on has released its latest 26.4 diagnostic software update, expanding vehicle coverage and introducing additional guided tests and diagnostic functions to help independent garages work on a wider range of…17th October 2026
JT
LAUNCH Introduces EV Battery Health Testing Software for UK Workshops
New software for selected X-431 diagnostic platforms allows independent garages to assess electric vehicle battery condition and produce detailed customer reports. LAUNCH UK & Ireland has introduced new electric vehicle…17th October 2026
JT
FixMyCar Replaces Garage Job Fees with Monthly Subscriptions
Online garage booking platform FixMyCar has introduced a new subscription model that allows participating workshops to pay a fixed monthly fee rather than commission on every job they secure through…15th October 2026
JT
Police Shut Down Eight Illegal Chop Shops and Recover 319 Stolen Vehicles in Nationwide Crackdown
Police have dismantled eight illegal vehicle chop shops, arrested 286 people and recovered 319 stolen vehicles worth more than £2.6 million during a major nationwide operation targeting organised vehicle crime….17th October 2026
JT
Half of UK Drivers Attempt DIY Diagnostics as Garages Face Better-Informed Customers
Half of UK motorists are attempting basic vehicle diagnostics or maintenance themselves before visiting a garage, according to new research from automotive diagnostic equipment manufacturer TOPDON Europe. The findings suggest…15th October 2026
JT
One in Six Local Roads Needs Maintenance Consideration, DfT Figures Show
One in six of England’s unclassified local roads is in a condition that should be considered for maintenance, according to new Department for Transport figures published on 14 October 2026….15th October 2026
JT
AI Traffic Cameras Flag 19,000 Driving Offences in Two Weeks – No Fines Issued
Artificial intelligence cameras have identified more than 19,000 potential driving offences during a two-week road safety trial in the West Midlands, raising questions about the scale of mobile phone use…15th October 2026
JT
How Much Does a Car Service Cost in the UK? 2026 Price Guide
A car service in the UK can cost anywhere from around £185 for a basic interim service to £450 or more for a major service, depending on the vehicle, the…15th October 2026
JT
Electric Citroën 2CV Revealed: Iconic Car Returns with £12,700 Price Target
One of motoring’s most recognisable cars is making a comeback, with Citroën unveiling an all-electric concept inspired by the legendary 2CV and targeting a starting price of around £12,700 for…12th October 2026
JT
Motester.co.uk is an independent website built specifically for MOT garages and testing professionals across the UK. We provide the latest industry news, regulatory updates, product information and exclusive offers designed to help garages run more efficiently and profitably. Our focus is simple – to deliver relevant, practical content and opportunities that genuinely benefit your business and to keep you informed.
