Guidance

Special notice 04-23: updates to MOT testing guide and test certificates

Published 7 December 2023

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mot-special-notice-04-23-updates-to-mot-testing-guide-and-test-certificates/special-notice-04-23-updates-to-mot-testing-guide-and-test-certificates

The MOT testing guide  was updated on 6 December 2023. 

To see the full list of changes, select ‘see all updates’ at the top of the MOT testing guide to see what’s been updated. 

Updates include: 

  • changes to printing test certificates 
  • MOT noticeboards 
  • viewing areas 
  • roller brake testing areas, when protruding outside of the building  
  • consideration of repute and holding other MOT roles 

MOT test certificates and emission test records 

Since 1 September 2021, it’s been optional to issue a paper VT20 pass certificate. This was confirmed in MOT special notice 04-21. 

At the same time, DVSA confirmed that a paper VT30 fail certificate must still be issued.  

But from 6 December 2023, MOT testing businesses will have the flexibility to not issue a paper VT30 fail certificate if the customer is able and willing to access the test result on the MOT history service.  

If the customer makes a specific request to have a certificate, you must issue one. 

Find out more about encouraging motorists to view their vehicle’s MOT record online.

Emission test records 

Since 11 January 2021, it’s been optional to issue a record of the emissions test to the customer if the vehicle passes the test. This was confirmed in MOT special notice 03-20. 

If the vehicle fails the test, the emissions record must be issued to the customer. 

You must still keep emissions records for all test results for 3 months.

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