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 come into force. MOT garages should understand what is changing and how it affects both testers and site management.
Key Changes Coming into Force
Testers banned from all MOT roles during long cessations
Any MOT tester issued with a 2-year or 5-year cessation for a serious disciplinary breach will not be allowed to carry out any MOT role during the ban period.
This means:
- No carrying out MOT tests
- No signing or authorising MOT certificates
- No involvement in testing activity at any authorised site
The same principle applies to Authorised Examiners and AE Principals who are subject to a 2- or 5-year cessation. Once banned, they must step away from MOT duties entirely for the duration of the sanction.
This represents a firm tightening of the rules and removes any ambiguity about whether testers or AEs can remain “partially involved” during a long ban.
Disciplinary points threshold increased
The MOT disciplinary system has been revised so that formal sanctions now apply at a higher points threshold.
- The suspension threshold has increased from 30 points to 40 points
- Warning stages remain in place at lower levels
- Minor or isolated issues are less likely to result in immediate suspension
While this offers some protection against over-penalisation for small errors, serious breaches can still result in lengthy cessations, which now carry much heavier consequences.
Expanded reporting of convictions and repute checks
DVSA has strengthened the rules around tester repute and criminal convictions.
MOT testers are now expected to:
- Declare any new motoring or relevant criminal convictions
- Notify DVSA even if sentencing has not yet taken place
- Provide appropriate documentation once sentencing is completed
Any offence resulting in a custodial sentence is automatically considered damaging to a tester’s repute. Failure to declare convictions can itself result in disciplinary action.
Shorter demonstration tests
The demonstration test for new and returning testers has been streamlined.
- The number of questions has been reduced
- Testers will now answer five questions instead of ten
- All questions must still be answered correctly to pass
While shorter, this still requires solid technical knowledge and preparation.
Increased visibility of annual training records
Annual training requirements remain unchanged:
- A minimum of 3 hours’ training per test group per year
- Completion of the annual assessment
- Uploading evidence and certificates by 31 March
However, from 2026:
- Authorised Examiners and Site Managers can download full training and assessment reports directly from the MOT Testing Service
- DVSA will actively use this data during audits
This means training records will no longer be “tester-only” information. Site management is now clearly accountable for oversight.
What This Means for MOT Testers
- Any tester issued with a 2- or 5-year cessation must completely stop testing work for the duration
- Annual training and assessment deadlines must be met without exception
- Training must be accurately logged, dated and recorded electronically
- Testers must remain active by carrying out MOTs regularly to maintain testing status
Failure in any of these areas risks suspension or removal from the scheme.
What This Means for Garage Owners and AEs
- You must ensure no banned tester is involved in MOT work
- Training logs and assessments should be checked regularly
- Internal audits of tester compliance are strongly advised
- Staffing plans should account for the possibility of sudden cessations
The ability to download training data removes any defence of “not knowing” if a tester is non-compliant.
Enforcement and Compliance
DVSA will use MOT Testing Service data to:
- Verify annual training completion
- Confirm assessment pass status
- Check tester activity and eligibility
- Identify breaches during audits or investigations
Any tester found carrying out MOT work while banned would be committing a serious breach, with likely permanent consequences.
How Garages Should Prepare Now
- Review the disciplinary status of all testers
- Make annual training and assessment tracking a management task, not just a tester responsibility
- Update internal procedures and handbooks
- Brief staff clearly on the consequences of long cessations
Preparation now will prevent disruption later.
Summary
From 9 January 2026, MOT testers and garages will face stricter controls on disciplinary bans, clearer accountability for training compliance, and increased DVSA oversight.
The message from DVSA is clear:
Serious breaches will result in complete removal from MOT duties, and training compliance is no longer optional or informal.
Garages that actively manage compliance and keep accurate records will be best placed to avoid problems under the new rules.
Sources and References
- DVSA MOT Testing Guide (latest updates)
- DVSA Special Notices relating to disciplinary cessations
- DVSA “Matters of Testing” communications
- GOV.UK guidance on MOT annual training and assessments
- MOT Testing Service (MTS) operational guidance
