Guidance

MOT special notice 04-25: changes to jacking equipment specifications for class 4 MOT test bays

Published 3 October 2025

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mot-special-notice-04-25-changes-to-jacking-equipment-specifications-for-class-4-mot-test-bays-from-1-april-2026/mot-special-notice-04-25-changes-to-jacking-equipment-specifications-for-class-4-mot-test-bays

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is introducing new jacking equipment specifications for class 4 MOT centres.

The new specifications will only apply to MOT centres that submit an application to open or change a centre from 1 April 2026 onwards.

You do not need to do anything now if your MOT centre already has approved class 4 test bays and you are not making changes to your centre.

1. What’s changing

If you apply to open a new MOT centre or make changes to an existing MOT centre from 1 April 2026, the jacking equipment must have a:

  • minimum safe working load (SWL) of 2 tonnes
  • distance of at least 1,700mm between the centre of the lifting pads

2. Who these changes apply to

These changes apply to MOT centres that submit an application to open or change a centre from 1 April 2026 onwards.

This includes centres that are:

  • new and have not carried out MOT tests yet
  • undergoing a change of ownership (where the site is transferred to a different authorised examiner (AE))
  • restarting tests after a period of no testing (regardless of how long ago it tested)
  • adding another test lane
  • voluntarily upgrading their jacking equipment or replacing it if it’s damaged

2.1 Who these changes do not apply to

The changes do not apply to centres that:

  • are only changing their existing AE – for example, adding a new partner and keeping the same AE number
  • submit their application in time for it to be received by DVSA before 1 April 2026
  • already have approved class 4 test bays and are not making any changes before 1 April 2026

3. Why we’re changing the specification

The current specification prevents some newer vehicles, especially electric and hybrids, from being correctly jacked when carrying out an MOT test.

These vehicles are heavier than standard combustion engine powered vehicles so the equipment needs an increased safe working load.

4. If you’re upgrading your jacking equipment on or after 1 April 2026

The AE designated manager or site manager must tell DVSA if you’re upgrading the jacking equipment at an existing authorised MOT centre.

  1. Sign in to the MOT testing service.

  2. Go to the MOT centre page.

  3. Select Change testing equipment.

  4. Enter the details.

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