The dust has now settled after the publication of the consultation on MOT, which confirmed that the government wasn’t changing the frequency of MOTs.
Whilst there was a lot of press coverage around the consultation, the government also ran a call for evidence at the same time on the wider future of the MOT. The aim of this was to allow the government to collect information to help develop future proposals.
For all of us – the future of the MOT is really important, so we wanted to tell you a bit about what has been happening so far.
The Call for Evidence
Many of you will have completed answers to that call for evidence. Whilst much of the focus will have been on the content of the test – for example around whether some modern technologies on vehicles needs to make their way into the MOT – the call for evidence also included wider aspects of the MOT. Those wider aspects included enforcing the roles, the whole way the scheme is administered and service to motorists.
Following the call for evidence closing DFT have had the huge task of collating all the feedback and make sense of it. Not surprisingly, there are lots of different views – often opposing. We now need to work with the garage industry, and other stakeholders to find a path through all the feedback to make sure future changes work for everyone.
Working Together
Key to making sure that the MOT is ‘fit for the future’ is working with industry. We have been doing that in a few ways such as trialling new ways of working in MOT garages, workshops with the trade and holding discussion groups. We’ll continue to do more of these things as we move forward.
One of the higher profile ways we have worked together is through a workshop. DFT, alongside DVSA and the Transport Research Laboratory, hosted a workshop in Birmingham in February. This allowed us to get key representatives from the industry together and talk through the main themes from the call for evidence. Those stakeholders included those associations that represent the garage industry, professional bodies for the industry, manufacturers, vehicle users and those involved in research – it really did provide many perspectives. That workshop has helped us do some very high prioritisation and work out what things might be feasible and desirable in the shorter term, and those that may take a little longer.
The workshop also helped us all have an open conversation about understanding the different drivers for improving the MOT – including the need to make sure that we create an environment where investment is encouraged. So, yes, we did touch on the contentious subject of fees!! Not suggesting it is all solved – but talking openly about the challenges is a key step.
Test Station Pilots – PN Testing.
We’ve previously mentioned our trial which looked into the feasibility of PN (particulate number) testing so we’d like to give you some feedback on how that trial went since it ended in August 2023.
During the trial, 1800 vehicles were tested with a fail rate of around 5%. This is really helpful data as it will help government determine if this is a worthwhile change.
To make sure the trial was representative, we used a variety of PN testing machines. Our focus now over the coming months will be reviewing the data so we can discuss the outcome of the trial with the Department of Transport and the next steps.
Trials of taking photos at test
One of the common themes from the public is confidence in what an MOT means – particularly when buying a car. A long-standing ‘man on the street’ view has been that surely we should just make sure the car has an MOT by having a photo of it.
Over the last year, we have been trialling different ways of doing just that. And I think its fair to say that it is easier said than done to find something that will work easily across the 23,400 garages! We want to provide better security, but it’s also important not to slow things down for garages.
It’s also clear that taking photos isn’t the only answer to improving the security of the MOT – although it may be a part of the answer. It might be some of other work on ‘plugging’ in to vehicles is also what helps here. We have conducted some trials already, and are now working on different ways of doing it – based on all the feedback we have had.
EV testing – should the test be different?
The call for evidence provided a lot of feedback on EV testing – a type of vehicle that is increasingly common.
Whilst there has been some suggestion that these vehicles should have a very different type of MOT, the reality is that the vast majority of the existing MOT works for these vehicles.
Looking ahead there may be areas that make sense to add to the test for these vehicles – such as the function of ‘Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems’ (the noise the cars make) or Battery Health Status – but any such changes will need careful work with the industry to make sure what we propose is feasible and affordable.
Looking ahead - Advanced Driver-Assistance System
Whether we like it or not, modern vehicles have increasing levels of driver assistance systems – and on the even more modern vehicles, these are mandated. Inevitably as these become more common, drivers become more dependent upon them – so the question arises as to whether they should be in the MOT.
As with all such the things, the answer is not straightforward – and the answer will not be immediate. It is likely that any trial will be along the lines of checks we already have for emissions control systems or ABS – where we check the vehicles own diagnostic information rather than actually check the system itself.
Next Steps
As the MOT develops, engagement and dialogue with the industry is key. This is an exciting time to be in the motor industry with the huge jumps in how technology is changing motoring – and the MOT will need to develop to remain at the heart of keeping vehicles safe.
69 comments
Comment by G ivenup posted on
When are you going to change this in the manual ?
Parking brake lever:
'Excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment'
Virtually never is it incorrect adjustment but a mechanical failure !
And you are assuming which you tell us not to do.
Comment by Richard posted on
When are you going to sort out the MTS , you know there's a problem with it, but it's still shuffling categories about.
Also we could do with a platform where can ask questions, queries ect that don't need an immediate answer,rather than having to keep contacting the help desk or going off topic in matters of testing.
Comment by G ivenup posted on
[Chris Price Quote] 'I am not aware of indicators becoming smaller or hidden and as you say'
And therein lays the problem !
Type approved or not the fact is they are and cause a problem.
Comment by M S Ayres posted on
Just a footnote to my previous post, I feel I have to comment on the statement below.
"The dust has now settled after the publication of the consultation on MOT, which confirmed that the government wasn’t changing the frequency of MOTs."
The roads are in such a bad condition in our area, an MOT Test every six months still would not be enough.
Comment by M S Ayres posted on
We need to keep shaking the tree and see what falls.
Maybe even go on STRIKE !!!!!!
I have been in the motor trade since 1979 and an MOT Tester since the 90's.
Myself and others I have spoke to the trade, have never felt so undervalued. It's damaging to mental health. You're under pressure to do the job competently so as not to put a dangerous vehicle back on the road, but ensure it's tested as quick as possible, to test the next vehicle, being very mindfull that all the incoming bills have gone up considerably.
Comment by Robert Hill posted on
As an ex mot tester I feel you need to go back to the basics for the test brakes steering etc I feel now modern cars have be come too complicated electronically but should you be failing a car because the tpms light is on ? Stick to the basics of testing your going too far also scrap the stupid exam every year time consuming as it is what does it prove bring back the 5 year assessment face to face with testers at the end of the day a car is only as safe on the road as the person sat behind the wheel
Comment by Neil Barlow (DVSA) posted on
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I do agree the basics are important and need to stay at the core of the MOT. But we shouldn't rule out testing more modern safety systems - particularly (whether we like it or not) drivers become more dependent upon them. But we shouldn't get carried away - and need to keep the test proportionate.
Comment by Paul Stember posted on
Looking to the future of the MOT
The Call for Evidence
Working Together
Test Station Pilots – PN Testing.
Trials of taking photos at test
EV testing – should the test be different?
Looking ahead - Advanced Driver-Assistance System
Next Steps
WOW SO THE M O T. FEE WILL B £100 .00 I HOPE.. without pulling punches Or fix the fee so no discounting
THE SECTOR NEEDS GROWTH.. the person on the street MAY NOT LIKE IT. No fossil fuel motors from 2035 there has been enough stagnation
Comment by Neil Barlow (DVSA) posted on
I guess we need to get balance, modernising the test where needed - without the fee going up beyond what is seen as unacceptable or unaffordable to mainstream motorists. Not an easy balance, but I do think we should look to modernise where needed - keeping the MOT as is, will not secure its future.
Comment by Simon DVSA posted on
The training topics for this year can be found at.
https://www.gov.uk/mot-tester-training-assessments/training
Comment by Richard posted on
Simon, it maybe me but I can't see this year's topics listed.
Comment by Philip Bayliss posted on
For Battery electric vehicles i think adding the need to visually inspect the charging ports and charging cables if present as well as visually inspecting the high voltage battery casing and the high voltage cables.
For ADAS i think they should be checked and calibrated every 5 years by a ADAS qualified technician and have a certificate issued onto a national database.
When doing an MOT the MOT system could check automatically if the registered vehicle has a valid ADAS calibration certificate if required and if it does not then automatically issue a fail without the MOT tester having to do anything additionally to what they are already doing.
Comment by Chris Price posted on
Thanks Phillip
Off the back of the call for evidence we are working with DfT to analyse the findings, you will be pleased to know that we are looking to see if the test needs to change for EV's and how we can assure ADAS is functioning correctly, will keep you posted on any proposals in future blogs.
Comment by Simon DVSA posted on
Hi Philp
Thanks for the comments, they're all aspects were actively looking into.
Comment by N Field posted on
So all in all your just basically saying with all this crap unnecessary technology coming along its going to take nearly 2 hours per test? Lets get on with testing not the bs taking pictures we arnt on holiday on the beach, come on theres bad test stations out there even in this day and age, we all know why you want these pictures taken, you even tried number plate recognition which didnt work, instead of getting lazy and want us testers to save you a job get off your arses and keep a check on these bad test stations!!!
Comment by mark mitchell posted on
just look on facebook etc for people advertiseing mot pass on any car we know there out there you just need too look for them
Comment by Chris Price posted on
That is the challenge, how do we ensure the test is kept current with new vehicles and technology but not take 2 hours or significantly increase cost for all involved!
We don't have all the answers yet but these blogs aim to keep you updated on what we are working on.
I can assure you our enforcement teams are not sat on their posteriors and are proactively targeting the non compliant garages!
Comment by Hugh posted on
If your standard of MOT testing is as bad as your use of the English language then I would not trust you to test my car!
Comment by G ivenup posted on
Well said, I completely agree.
Comment by Rik posted on
As a member of the public I feel the retrospective changes to how diesels are tested is scandalous. We bought these cars under guidance of the government and the car makers. Moving the goalposts and suddenly going off plate values rather than the existing default values just seems totally unfair to anyone who has an existing diesel vehicle. We can't all afford to go out and buy replacement vehicles just because the goalposts changed.
A fairer way would have been to change the rules based on cars registered after xx date, just like every single other change.
Comment by Simon DVSA posted on
Hi Rik
Though smoke opacity testing is still the current test.
World wide research has proved that opacity testing does not protect our health as a PN test does identify defective emission control equipment.
A PN test is not likely to be introduced to older vehicles which was not required to have emission control equipment required to be fitted when manufactured.
Comment by Rik posted on
I understand that however I feel that it's unfair to retrospectively penalise those who already have these vehicles because we were told for decades by our government that Diesels are clean.
By all means change the rules for newly registered cars as those should now be cleaner.
Comment by Kevan Chippindall-Higgin posted on
I have two diesel vehicles, both Land Rover Discoveries. One is a 1990 D1 and the other is a 2003 D2. Both sail through the emissions test at well below the 3% smoke test. However, if they were be faced with an accurate particulate count valid for a modern vehicle, the outcome would be less certain.
If a PC count is to be introduced, then it will need to be graduated so that older vehicles which are still working very well can continue to do so. We need to be very careful about going down the Japanese route where the MoT is so tough that not much over 3 years old survives.
What has not been mentioned are hybrids. As far as I am aware, the ICE element cannot be tested because manufacturers will not release the workshop software to make the engine come on when there is battery power instead. My suggestion was that if manufacturers do not make this software available, their vehicles automatically will fail an MoT. Once the cars come off fleets, they will be unsaleable. Therefore, no new ones will be bought. They would comply pretty quickly then.
With regard to the current MoT, I always felt that 3 years is too long and 2 would be better for the first test, but I am hugely relieved that the EU model was not adopted.
What should be done on all MoTs is for the brake fluid to be tested. I would wager that a vast number of vehicles would fail with contaminated fluid and it would not take long.
Comment by G ivenup posted on
They cannot get the system they have fit for purpose let alone introducing more complications.
Do not encourage them it makes everybody elses job harder.
Comment by Richard posted on
I had been a m.o.t tester for about 45yrs sadly no longer.Covid saw the end of of my testing days.But just to say that I have seen huge changes in the way that the test is now carried out .When I started all that you required was a brake decelerometer not even a light meter .Ten minutes job done. Now the cost to test runs into tens of thousands of pounds worth of equipment and goes up year on year.Unlike the test fee which we all know has stagnated for the last fourteen years.How much longer do you think this can carry on for .The minimum wage was introduced to stop employers under paying their employees.It seems that all you need to do is change your name from MOT to VOSA to DVSA and carry on as If everything is just fine.Can you not see that some thing has to give and very soon.
Comment by Chris Price posted on
Thanks for your comments on fees, we have tried to be open in this blog about some of the changes that may be coming and we have been open that we continue to work with the department on the subject of fees. We recognise that modernising the MOT will come at a cost but we all want the MOT to continue to improve at pace with vehicles and we will try to keep any additional costs as low as possibly for you, we therefore make sure that the fee debate is being had with the department who can in turn engage with ministers. DVSA do not set the fee, it is set by Government who have to consider the whole financial picture for motorists and the motor industry.
Comment by Ian Hulf posted on
Interesting views and I would like to make the following comments:
1 - I frequently see vehicles with odd headlamps as one is on dip the other on main or even both filaments light up and boy that is blinding?
And yes new headlights are dangerous to other drivers?
2 - How is it the a vast number of cars now have have such small indicator lamps that they are virtually hidden from view and especially where some are now positioned and are no longer visible at some junctions, when you are trying to figure out where the vehicle is going?
3 - I appreciate that some of my comments relate to manufacturers approvals, but standards have fallen or are being ignored.
4 - How do so many vehicles have blacked out windows and incorrect number plates but presumably have an MOT?
5 - What ever happened to truck rear lamps being cleaned before the driver sets off on their shift?
Comment by Chris Price posted on
Thanks Ian
Headlights should be a matched pair and meet the correct beam pattern otherwise the vehicle will fail, of course there are lots of factors that can effect the headlight aim between MOT which leads to issues on the road.
I am not aware of indicators becoming smaller or hidden and as you say they will have been type approved to the correct position and standard, we will look into this, but I suspect there are modifications that happen after the MOT.
Vehicles can and do fail the MOT for excessive tint. The police also carry out enforcement on vehicles with tinted front windows, as sometimes they are tinted after the test.
Agree we all have a duty of care to ensure our lights and registration plate are clean and working before we set off on journeys, any vehicle that doesn't could be stopped by the police.
Comment by Gordon beaton posted on
Must have increase price mot not changed in14 years
Comment by James Roberts posted on
If you now want garages not to print out the pass certificates when the vehicle has had it's mot as it is now able to be viewed online then can the 3b section of the mot certificate "To preserve the anniversary of the expiry date, the earliest you can present your vehicle for test is (date to included)" also be included with the online test certicate so that the owner / customer can reference this date for their records for the following years test to planned
Comment by Simon DVSA posted on
Hi James
Thanks for the valid comment.
It something we'll look into.
Comment by Colin posted on
Should make all mot station charge the same price so we could all earn the same per mot
Comment by Mike posted on
Well said, totally agree.
Say no to discounting
Comment by Neil Barlow (DVSA) posted on
I guess this is an area that could be looked at. However, I guess it will always be hard for government to 'insist' someone charges more - maybe not a good look. But I do get the point, and I think discounting has (rightly or wrongly) undermined some of the arguments for a fee increase.
Comment by Simon R posted on
I dont see a problem with insisting an MOT test is a fixed price? If you have to renew your driving license or book a driving test they are all a fixed price. You cant get a cheaper driving test by using another test centre so why should an MOT test be any different?
Comment by Clive posted on
Err no this is not an exciting time to be in the motor industry wondering what expenses are just around the corner.
I would be interested to know how many new testing stations are being rolled out because as general costs are rising ie hourly rates wages etc I think garages will be losing interest in doing Mots unless you start looking at a price increase. Sadly though as long as the price cutters exist there will be no increase.
Comment by Simon DVSA posted on
Hi Clive
The volume of test stations has increased by around 900 since November 2023
Comment by Andy Grant posted on
It’s now 14 years since a price increase!!! The test takes longer, we have had large increases in wages, and rates, insurance, fees now to attend MOT courses etc etc…… It’s not profitable any more. Many garages owners are very disappointed and not too interested in pursuing MOT business, causing distress to car owners in our city with long booking times. 😟
Comment by Chris Price posted on
Thanks for your comments on fees, we have tried to be open in this blog about some of the changes that may be coming and we have been open that we continue to work with the department on the subject of fees. We recognise that modernising the MOT will come at a cost but we all want the MOT to continue to improve at pace with vehicles and we will try to keep any additional costs as low as possibly for you, we therefore make sure that the fee debate is being had with the department who can in turn engage with ministers. DVSA do not set the fee, it is set by Government who have to consider the whole financial picture for motorists and the motor industry.
Comment by mark mitchell posted on
we need a price increase as every bill i have in my station has went up by10% at min this has to be looked at once its hurting us with these prices of everything going up but the price of a mot
Comment by Chris Price posted on
Thanks for your comments on fees, we have tried to be open in this blog about some of the changes that may be coming and we have been open that we continue to work with the department on the subject of fees. We recognise that modernising the MOT will come at a cost but we all want the MOT to continue to improve at pace with vehicles and we will try to keep any additional costs as low as possibly for you, we therefore make sure that the fee debate is being had with the department who can in turn engage with ministers. DVSA do not set the fee, it is set by Government who have to consider the whole financial picture for motorists and the motor industry.
Comment by Ian Dean posted on
I believe that the statutory fees should be increased across the board and for safety aspects i also believe the minimum levels to pass should be increased. I manage a Council Mot Testing Station and these pass limits are shocking for the amount of use our Private Hire and Hackney Carriage vehicle go through.
Comment by Jon posted on
I agree with increasing the mot fee ' with making it standard across all garages. There has not been an increase in the Mot price for years " inflation goes up costs rise equipment " calibrations " staff wages "
INCREASE THE MOT FEE FIX IT ACROSS THE BOARD NO DISCOUNT. doesn't matter where you go same price .
Comment by Mike posted on
Totally agree.
Comment by mark mitchell posted on
all they have to do is make part off your autherisation a fixed price no discounting allowed if we as mot station owner my trade mots would also be at a fixed price for the 3/4 that use me a lot everybody pays full price
Comment by Chris Price posted on
Thanks for your comments on fees, we have tried to be open in this blog about some of the changes that may be coming and we have been open that we continue to work with the department on the subject of fees. We recognise that modernising the MOT will come at a cost but we all want the MOT to continue to improve at pace with vehicles and we will try to keep any additional costs as low as possibly for you, we therefore make sure that the fee debate is being had with the department who can in turn engage with ministers. DVSA do not set the fee, it is set by Government who have to consider the whole financial picture for motorists and the motor industry.
Comment by DAVE posted on
WOW SO THE M O T. FEE WILL B £100 .00 I HOPE
Comment by Emilia Earnheart posted on
So " the man on the street", unfortunately as always you are so far removed from the "man on the street" and will continue to be so, you state that a photo will give confidence to "the man on the street" and yet you actively encourage no paper "receipt type certificate" hmmmm as always Mr Barlow, smoke and mirrors, contradicting stance, about time you spoke to the Woman on the street and get some common sense.
Comment by Chris Price posted on
Hi Emilia
Thanks for your reply.
We do of course engage with all our users from all walks of life and gender!
Our aim is to continue to improve the MOT for all users be that garages or motorists, the purpose of the images during the test is to give everyone confidence that the correct vehicle was tested, we do not propose to share those image with the public, so this is separate from moving away from the paper certificate, but both are aimed at reducing fraud in the test.
Comment by P GOODSPEED posted on
Emission up dates sometimes seem pointless! you bring new rules out like the latest special notice adding higher rates to what the car actually states!!
Plus nearly all Vag vehicles don't get tested correctly because they don't rev up like most other makes. How is that fair??? DSM readings too low etc.
Nothing ever been done about it -morally wrong.
Putting extra tests in then later taking them out? crazy.
Comment by Philip posted on
More waffle and no fee increase
Comment by Jane Sheppard posted on
Any chance that the cost of the MOT increasing could be part of the discussions
Comment by Neil Barlow (DVSA) posted on
It certainly was a considerable part of the discussion - and is referenced in the blog (para 3, under the Working Together sub-heading).
Comment by Borely kizamba posted on
I definitely think videos or taking pictures is essential in modern life because it’s key evidence to support failures and discrepancy when it arises
We support any technology to support testers and garages, whilst taking photos and videos is an industry tool being used by most garages now so we need to change our attitudes towards more technology within the MOT industry
Comment by Neil Barlow (DVSA) posted on
Agree. It feels the most 'obvious' way of having some better assurance that the vehicle had the test / failure. May take a while to get there across the board, but certainly meets expectations of many.
Comment by richard smith posted on
what about subjecting mild hybrids to emissions testing, given the vehicle won't get very far on it's electrical power alone?
Comment by Neil Barlow (DVSA) posted on
Agree, this is an area that would be good to understand the practicalities of - and will be an area looked at more.
Comment by Borely posted on
Every change over takes time Neil as a tester I will embrace any new tools which helps us testers, your comments are completely on par and holds weights, many thanks for your response
Comment by Martin Nunn posted on
The main issue for myself as a owner of a motorcycle mot testing station is the fees. They have not increased in 14 years! in that time, running costs, wages, rents etc have all soared. Yet were still charging based on 2010 levels. There needs to be a increase in the test fees or i can see many garages going out of business.
Comment by richard smith posted on
i don't think many people will disagree that the MOT fee definitely needs increasing, but the problem is that all the time DVSA set the fee as a 'maximum' the majority of garages will never charge this - the first step is to set a fixed MOT price across the nation - the MOT is a fixed product, so the price should reflect this - once all garages are charging the same price, then the argument for raising the prices becomes easier
Comment by Chris Price posted on
Thanks for your comments on fees, we have tried to be open in this blog about some of the changes that may be coming and we have been open that we continue to work with the department on the subject of fees. We recognise that modernising the MOT will come at a cost but we all want the MOT to continue to improve at pace with vehicles and we will try to keep any additional costs as low as possibly for you, we therefore make sure that the fee debate is being had with the department who can in turn engage with ministers. DVSA do not set the fee, it is set by Government who have to consider the whole financial picture for motorists and the motor industry.
Comment by Jane Sheppard posted on
Totally agree we run a motorcycle mot station we opened in 2010 when the fee was £29.65 and it is wrong that in 14 years it has not increased when everything else associated with our business has. What other profession would put up with this type of treatment not receiving a pay increase for 14 years whilst DVSA pile more and more costs onto the testers.
Comment by Martin Nunn posted on
exactly, we're a motorcycle test station too. If i could do 10 mots a day its still not even £300. or around £6000 a month.. and thats a very good month! take of rent, wages, heating, lighting etc. You can barely break even on just MOTs.
Dealers will charge anything upto £800 for a service on one vehicle that takes no longer than 2 hours and you wonder why more and more places are giving up doing mots because its simply not cost effective.
Comment by Mr Simon palmer posted on
You must work with the VM’s if you want to future proof the MOT test regarding advancements in technology you will require there cooperation in enabling a test mode specifically for Mot Testing of electronic safety features,
Surely the RRP of the MOT test must raise with inflation, ie,NOTHING in last 10 years !!! from the £54.85.
Along with the living wage and council tax energy costs increases etc , come on wake up it’s 2024 !! How would you expect a testing station to invest in new equipment and encourage new staff into an overstretched understaffed motor trade with the poor hourly wage , might as well work for Asda or alike …with minimum responsibilities.. . We have one of the highest standards in the world…. Being a vehicle MOT tester it is a technical , professional profession with high responsibilities, recognising and raising awareness about the industry IS WAY OVERDUE . Good luck .
Comment by George robinson posted on
Well said
Comment by Chris Price posted on
Thanks for your comments on fees, we have tried to be open in this blog about some of the changes that may be coming and we have been open that we continue to work with the department on the subject of fees. We recognise that modernising the MOT will come at a cost but we all want the MOT to continue to improve at pace with vehicles and we will try to keep any additional costs as low as possibly for you, we therefore make sure that the fee debate is being had with the department who can in turn engage with ministers. DVSA do not set the fee, it is set by Government who have to consider the whole financial picture for motorists and the motor industry.
Comment by Mot Boss posted on
Just wasted 20 minutes of my time reading this and was provided with no real knowledge or information. The stake holders only care about making a profit. I am going to add this to my CPD on my profile as this was an hour I won't get back but have gained alot of info that the matters of testing don't really care about us testers
Comment by Sean posted on
DVSA are "NOT ALLOWED TO MAKE A PROFIT !!!".
Perhaps that's the problem?
Comment by liam grey posted on
actually, reading the matters of testing blog is already one of your mandatory ongoing requirements outside of the annual training requirement as detailed in section E3 of the testing guide so i doubt a VE would accept this time as part of your annual training contribution