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 December 2015 issue of the bulletin for authorised testing facilities (ATFs) who host annual vehicle tests for lorries, buses, coaches and trailers.

• Updated: 21 December 2015

The 500th authorised testing facility (ATF) to carry out annual tests on lorries, buses and coaches has been opened.

• Updated: 2 July 2015

The June 2015 issue of the bulletin for authorised testing facilities (ATFs) who host annual vehicle tests for lorries, buses, coaches and trailers.

• Updated: 16 June 2015

Commercial vehicle operators are set to benefit from a more modern and flexible testing service for their vehicles.

• Updated: 10 March 2015

The January 2015 issue of the bulletin for authorised testing facilities (ATFs) who host annual vehicle tests for lorries, buses, coaches and trailers.

• Updated: 12 January 2015

Consultations on removing certain exemptions from operator licensing and annual roadworthiness testing.

• Updated: 11 December 2014

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

The August 2014 issue of the bulletin for authorised testing facilities (ATFs) who host annual vehicle tests for lorries, buses, coaches and trailers.

• Updated: 15 August 2014

More than 80% of annual tests for lorries, buses and trailers will cost less from 1 October 2014.

• Updated: 14 August 2014

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

The June 2014 issue of the bulletin for authorised testing facilities (ATFs) who host annual vehicle tests for lorries, buses, coaches and trailers.

• Updated: 23 June 2014