News and communications

First MOT test to remain at 3 years from registration and annually thereafter while government works to establish a programme of longer-term reform for MOTs.

• Updated: 25 January 2024

Views sought on options to improve MOT testing.

• Updated: 18 January 2023

The number of cars failing emissions tests has more than doubled since the new MOT introduced stricter emission rules on 20 May 2018.

• Updated: 20 November 2018

The MOT test changed on 20 May 2018, with new defect types, stricter rules for diesel car emissions, and some vehicles over 40 years old becoming exempt.

• Updated: 20 May 2018

The wait for the first MOT test on cars and motorcycles won't be extended to 4 years due to safety concerns.

• Updated: 18 January 2018

A test version of a new government service has launched to remind drivers by text message and email when their MOT is due.

• Updated: 13 November 2017

New figures have revealed that carrying out basic car maintenance could avoid the main reasons cars fail their annual MOT.

• Updated: 13 February 2017

New proposals unveiled which would extend the period before the first MOT test is needed from 3 to 4 years.

• Updated: 22 January 2017

Plans have been revealed to improve road safety and give consumers a better service when they take their vehicle for its MOT.

• Updated: 12 July 2016

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has won an award with Kainos for launching a digital service to record MOT results.

• Updated: 17 June 2016

Nearly 50% of all faults found on MOTs could be avoided by carrying out regular, simple maintenance, like replacing bulbs, wipers and tyres.

• Updated: 27 January 2016

The Matters of Testing blog gives official advice and information about the MOT test.

• Updated: 16 January 2014

Diesel particulate filter check now required as part of MOT test.

• Updated: 4 December 2013

First published during the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The new van guide provides much needed advice and principles to help raise maintenance standards for the light goods vehicles (LGV) sector.

• Updated: 30 September 2013

Motorists encouraged to check their garage is industry-standard approved.

• Updated: 13 December 2012

First published during the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Government response to the Motorists’ Forum sub-group report recommendations.

• Updated: 13 December 2012

First published during the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Government response to the Motorists' Forum report, which recommends ways to improve garage customer experience.

• Updated: 11 December 2012

Exemption of MOT requirement for all historic vehicles.

• Updated: 21 May 2012

First published during the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Classic vehicles to be exempted from the MOT test.

• Updated: 21 May 2012

First published during the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Customer service from garages is to be improved under a package of transparency and value-for-money measures.

• Updated: 1 February 2012

First published during the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government