Important message about new mandatory jacking equipment specifications for Class 4 MOT testing stations

We wrote to you last October about Special Notice 04-25, issued on 3 October 2025, about an upcoming change to equipment specifications for Class 4 jacking equipment.

The change applies to new MOT testing stations, those undergoing ownership changes, previously testing garages resuming operations, replacements due to worn or broken jacking equipment and voluntary upgrades.

From 1 April 2026, the specification of jacking equipment in garages must have a minimum safe working load of 2 tonnes, an increase from the previous 1.5 tonnes, and a minimum 1700mm distance between the centre of the lifting pads.

Why are these changes happening

While many garages have equipment that already meet these new minimum specifications, this change is required to best ensure that garages have the flexibility to test most types of modern vehicles, including electric vehicles, which may be heavier or wider than Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) equivalents.

Introducing these updated specifications for jacking equipment will help future‑proof the MOT service.

By setting minimum standards for weight capacity and width, testing stations will be equipped to handle a wide range of vehicles safely and consistently.

What you need to do 

From 1 April 2026, garages who are new to testing will be required to purchase jacking equipment with the updated specification.

Garages who are already conducting MOTs will be required to upgrade their equipment when replacing existing jacking equipment.

Garages with jacking equipment which do not meet the new specifications

One of the particular points we have noted when testing different types of vehicles is that width can be a challenge.

Vehicle types, such as Tesla models X & S, may not be suitable to test on jacking beams that are not the wider type, so particular caution is urged when testing these types of wider vehicle.

You don’t want to inadvertently damage a vehicle.

 As always, when conducting an MOT, you should:

• always make sure the equipment is suitable for the vehicle you are testing
• only test a vehicle if it is safe to do so
• use your experience and judgement when jacking vehicles to ensure testable items are assessed correctly

Thank you for your continued co-operation.