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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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.
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…
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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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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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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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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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MOT Test of Wheels and Tyres (5) (Formerly MOT Test of Tyres and Roadwheels condition) Wheels and tyres have been grouped together with axles and suspension in the May 2018 edition of the MOT Testing Manual. To simplify the description of the MOT checks the wheels and tyres checks are described in this section and axles and suspension are now…
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Body structure and attachments (6) MOT Test of vehicle structure, body condition (corrosion) and security This section covers the condition of the general structure of the vehicle (body) – including rust, corrosion etc, but doesn’t include ‘prescribed areas’ – parts of the structure to which Testable items such as brakes, steering, suspension and seat belt mountings etc are attached. Corrosion…
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MOT Test of coupling mechanisms and towing equipment (6) Formerly MOT Test of Tow Bar (Towing Hook) The tow bar is now part of section 6 of the new MOT Testing Manual – ‘Body, Structure and Attachments’. All types of coupling mechanisms and towbars fitted to the rear of a vehicle, including fifth-wheel couplings will be checked. Towing eyes are…
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MOT Test of Fuel System (6) The fuel system of vehicles with internal combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cells will be inspected. Any fuel leak will result in a fail. A hole or split in the fuel tank or filler neck will result in a fail, even if the hole or split is above the fuel line. If unable to…
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MOT Test of Seat Belts (incl airbags and supplementary restraint systems (7) Formerly MOT Test of Seat Belts Most vehicles after 1965 must have seat belts. All seat belts fitted will be inspected. Child seats which are permanently attached to the vehicle using isofix or nuts and bolts will be inspected. Anchorages for the securing of disabled persons’ belts or…
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Nuisance (8) (Previously MOT Test of Exhaust and Emissions) The MOT tests both the exhaust system and the emissions coming from the exhaust system. The May 2018 revision of the MOT Testing Manual groups exhaust emissions with noise and fluid emissions under the new heading of ‘Nuisance’. Noise suppression system The Tester will inspect: exhaust silencers under-bonnet noise deadening material…
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MOT Test of the Instrument Panel While there is no “instrument panel MOT Test” as such, these instrument panel items are collected together here for your convenience, as they are grouped together in your vehicle. They also appear in the section relevant to the Test item. Speedometer (7.8) Test for vehicles first used on or after 1st October 1937 The…
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New MOT rules coming into force on 20th May 2018 will affect MOT Test of cars, vans, motorcycles and light passenger vehicles. Revised and updated list of MOT checks here There will be new defect types, new items being MOT Tested, stricter diesel emissions rules and some vehicles over 40 years old becoming exempt from the MOT. New MOT Rules…
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UK Car MOT Inspection Manual (Classes 3, 4, 5 and 7) MOT Inspection Manual for Private Passenger and Light Commercial Vehicle Testing Crown Copyright, sourced from DVSA February 2018 For motorists the MOT Inspection Manual is the key document. This is the ‘Bible’, MOT Testers are told, in their training which must be followed to the letter when inspecting vehicles…
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UK Motorcycle MOT Testing Guide (Classes 1 and 2) (Motorcycle Testing) Crown Copyright, sourced from DVSA February 2017 As can be seen from the comparison of the Manuals the MOT examination for motorcycles is considerably more basic than that for cars and light commercial vehicles. This means that the time taken for a motorcycle test is much less than that…
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UK MOT Testing Guide (Handbook for Scheme Administration) Crown Copyright, sourced from DVSA July 2017 The MOT Test in Britain started in 1960, but is now regulated by the European Union through what is called a ‘Directive’. This sets out the minimum inspection requirements for MOT Testing throughout Europe, including Britain. In practice though, some EU member countries decide to…
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We recently received this letter from a reader of the magazine – unfortunately too late for publication in the February ’15 edition, but we will include it in the May edition as we consider it to be one of the most important issues connected with MOT Testing in the UK at the moment – price cutting and fee discounting, and…
Read MoreThe MOT for Car drivers If you’re looking for information about the UK MOT Test, and a complete list of MOT checks, you’ll find it in here. A selection of links is provided below, but there’s too much to list all of the content – explore the whole website by hovering on the tabs at the top of the page…
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