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…
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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.…
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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…
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During an MOT Test, what might a car – the same make and model with similar mileage to yours – fail on? Here’s where to find out; select your vehicle profile and find out instantly – using data from last year’s MOT results from the whole of the UK.
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The MOT Test checks list – overview The MOT Test checks list section is a complete list and description of the checks your vehicle will undergo during its MOT Test. While this list groups the checks under each component, the Tester will carry out the checks in a specific sequence designed to save time, Testing all under-vehicle items or under-bonnet…
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How much is an MOT? The cost of an MOT test in the UK is set by the government’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) as a statutory maximum fee. This MOT test cost is reviewed periodically in consultation with the MOT industry to account for factors like changes in vehicle technology, stricter inspection requirements (e.g. new emissions checks), the…
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Identification of the vehicle (0) MOT Test of registration plates (number plate) A registration plate is required on the front and rear of most vehicles, unless they are unregistered, foreign, diplomatic or military. The MOT test includes a detailed inspection of the plates, their characters, and their conformity to regulations based on the age of the vehicle. Three-wheeled vehicles that…
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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…
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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…
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PLEASE NOTE: Please contact us here If you are interested in a subscription for MOT SHIELD. Contact Us Penalty points from DVSA – how it happens, what to do next Testing quality is at an all-time low, and DVSA are pledged to do something about it, so we ask: “Can MOT businesses now expect a disciplinary crackdown from DVSA?” We also…
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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…
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Recently there have been several scare stories in the press suggesting that thousands of motorists’ vehicles will fail the MOT because their vehicles have safety-related manufacturing defects which have not been remedied. These articles are wrong. There has been no recent change to the MOT Testing rules which would apply to the vehicle defect Safety Recall system resulting in an…
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‘Good Repute’, criminal record checks and the MOT Over the years the DVSA have often published their successful prosecution of recalcitrant MOT Testers (NTs) and Authorised Examiners (AEs) who have unlawfully, and sometimes purposefully and corruptly issued MOT pass certificates either without seeing the vehicle, or when they know the vehicle should have failed the MOT inspection. This could be…
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Should all MOT Testing Stations buy new Diesel Emission Test equipment (yet retaining their current diesel smoke meters) in the interests of public health?
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hree of the UK’s top automotive recruitment specialists, have formed The Automotive Recruitment Alliance in a bid to streamline the recruitment process for the aftermarket, including operators
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This morning DVSA announced a consultation to increase fees by 1.5% across all their services, including the MOT slot fee, and all other fees they charge, which includes driving test fees, and what they charge Authorised test centres for HGVs and Buses when DVSA staff conduct HGV MOT Tests at those Authorised sites. But what about the MOT fee? Historically,…
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With the obvious exception of ‘emissions’, pretty much everything else on an electric vehicle is subject to the same MOT safety checks as a regular internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.
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During an MOT Test, what might a car – the same make and model with similar mileage to yours – fail on? Here’s where to find out; select your vehicle profile and find out instantly – using data from last year’s MOT results from the whole of the UK.
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The DVSA recently announced: “We are investing in ‘bodycams’ for all frontline enforcement staff to reduce physical and verbal assaults”, adding, “we need to be able to protect the public without fear of violence or abuse. We take a zero-tolerance approach to physical and verbal assaults and the bodycams will act as a deterrent. They will also enable us to…
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When the government decided to put the country in lockdown due to the dangers associated with Covid 19 transmission within the community, they also decided to allow a lockdown MOT extension – MOT expiry dates from 30th March were extended for six months. At the time, that did attract some adverse publicity in the press with respect to the danger…
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