From Friday 9 January 2026, the DVSA will introduce several important changes to the MOT scheme that directly affect MOT testers and Authorised Examiners (AEs). These updates focus on disciplinary action, tester eligibility, training oversight and compliance. While some of the groundwork has already been laid through recent guide updates, January 2026 marks the point where several stricter rules formally…
Read More
The MOT first started on 12th September 1960 – but whilst an annual requirement, initially it only applied to vehicles over ten years old. That changed in 1961 to vehicles over 7 years old, and then six years later in 1967 the current three-year old vehicles having to have their first MOT was set up. That remains the case today.…
Read More
If you are looking for an MOT training provider, it is important to ensure they are approved by a recognised awarding organisation and that their courses meet DVSA requirements. All MOT Testers must complete approved training and hold the correct qualifications before applying to become a Nominated Tester. Before enrolling on an MOT Tester course, technicians must normally have at…
Read More
Beverley Warmington has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). She will take up the role on 5 January 2026, succeeding Loveday Ryder, who has led the agency since January 2021. Warmington brings nearly 20 years of experience in public service, with a strong background in leading large operational organisations. Prior to…
Read More
Recently in the news the BBC highlighted the issue of the glare from LED, laser light and bi-xenon sourced headlights on modern cars. This isn’t new. For some years now people have been put off driving at night due to the blinding intensity of those modern headlamp systems. And the problem is made worse by the increasing sales of larger…
Read More![Mechanic checking a car with a clipboard [url=http://www.istockphoto.com/my_lightbox_contents.php?lightboxID=5481886][img]http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w171/manley099/Lightbox/flame.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.istockphoto.com/my_lightbox_contents.php?lightboxID=5455224][img]http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w171/manley099/Lightbox/cars.jpg[/img][/url]](https://motester.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/MOT-Tester.jpg)
Introduction In 2023 alone, over 43 million MOT tests were conducted in Great Britain and 9.87 million (22.6%) resulted in failure, meaning roughly one in five vehicles failed their MOT that yearracfoundation.org. This national average, however, masks significant regional differences. MOT failure rates can vary widely across different parts of the UK, influenced by factors ranging from vehicle condition and…
Read More
Proposed Pay-Per-Mile Road Tax for Electric Vehicles The UK government is introducing a new mileage-based road tax for electric cars as part of its Autumn Budget 2025. Starting in April 2028, owners of electric vehicles (EVs) will be charged a rate of 3 pence per mile driven (with plug-in hybrid cars charged 1.5p per mile) under a scheme called the…
Read More
Tyre safety, MOT failure reasons, and how garages can tackle tyre neglect. A Growing Trend: Drivers Waiting for the MOT Before Addressing Tyres Across the UK, tyre neglect remains one of the most persistent issues encountered by MOT stations and independent garages. Research consistently shows that a large percentage of drivers only replace their tyres when prompted by an MOT…
Read More
Ghost MOTs refers to the situation where MOT Testing Stations issue MOT pass certificates on vehicles that have never been in an MOT Testing Station. This practice is advertised on some social media sites and poses a serious threat to road safety. Whilst this probably only applies to a very few dishonest Testing Station owners—or perhaps some Testers who do…
Read More
When people think of electric vehicles, they often picture cutting-edge technology and futuristic design — but EVs actually have a history stretching back nearly two centuries. The first crude electric carriage was built in 1832 by Robert Anderson, powered by non-rechargeable batteries. Over 50 years later, in 1884, London inventor Thomas Parker created the first practical, fully electric production car,…
Read More
A recent analysis of over 209 million MOT test records by MoneySuperMarket has revealed which car models are performing best — and worst — when it comes to first-time MOT failure rates. What the article doesn’t mention though is the age of these vehicles. On motester.co.uk’s “Your Car’s MOT Results” page, you can look up how a car of a…
Read More
The current MOT fee was set on 6th April 2010 – over 15 years ago at the current cost of £54.85. After the DVSA cost of the £2.05 slot fee, this leaves just £52.80 received by MOT Test Stations for an MOT vehicle examination that can take up to an hour, or even more. Are there any other costs of…
Read More
The DVSA has issued an urgent warning to drivers across the UK: millions are not signed up to the free MOT reminder service — putting themselves at risk of missed MOTs, fines, and vehicle non-compliance. According to the article, almost one in four drivers eligible for the reminder service haven’t registered. Without reminders, many motorists simply forget to arrange their…
Read More
MOT testers and garages are being urged to help drivers avoid costly mistakes, as new warnings highlight how easily motorists can fall foul of the law around MOT tests – sometimes before their car even reaches the ramp. A report published by WalesOnline reveals that drivers could be hit with fines of up to £1,000 if they misunderstand their MOT…
Read More
Drivers across the UK have been warned they could face repair costs averaging £617 if they skip an MOT test or ignore necessary repairs. The warning comes amid data highlighting how many motorists are hit by unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs when maintenance is neglected. (Original source: GB News – Millions face huge £617 repair bill without MOT test) What…
Read More
From 10 June 2025, major changes to driving licence entitlements for zero-emission vans have come into force, designed to make it easier for businesses and drivers to adopt electric fleets. These changes have key implications for MOT garages, MOT testers, and suppliers in the EV van space. (Original source: EV Fleet World – New licence rules for heavier electric vans…
Read More
The Highway Code isn’t just a guide — some of its lesser-known rules are being enforced with steep fines. According to reports, drivers are being penalised for seemingly small infractions, such as inappropriate footwear, misleading eyewear, or unsecured animals — and these can have serious consequences when it comes to road safety and compliance. What rules are catching drivers out?…
Read More