MOTScout

Current MOT Rules and Regulations in the UK

Current MOT Regulations

The MOT test in Great Britain is governed by regulations administered by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). Northern Ireland uses a separate DVA testing system.

Which Vehicles Need an MOT?

Most vehicles used on public roads in the UK require an annual MOT from age 3. This includes:

  • Cars (Class 4) — the most common, covers up to 8 passenger seats
  • Motorcycles (Class 1 and 2)
  • Goods vehicles (Class 7 — standard and zero-emission vehicles have different official weight bands)
  • Motorhomes and campervans (Class 4 or Class 5 depending on size)
  • Taxis and private hire vehicles (more frequent tests apply in some areas)

Current MOT Exemptions

Important exemptions include:

  • Historic vehicles built or first registered more than 40 years ago, provided no substantial changes have been made
  • New vehicles — no MOT needed for the first 3 years from registration
  • Tractors and agricultural vehicles not used on public roads
  • Electrically-assisted pedal cycles

Defect Categories (Since 2018)

The 2018 rules introduced three defect categories that remain in force:

  • Dangerous — the vehicle poses an immediate risk and must not be driven until repaired. Results in an automatic fail.
  • Major — a significant defect that must be repaired before the vehicle can pass.
  • Minor — recorded but not a fail. Monitor and repair before it becomes a major fault.

Advisories are also recorded — these are not failures but items the tester flagged for attention.

Emissions Testing

Current emissions checks depend on vehicle age, fuel and applicable limits:

  • Petrol cars are tested against limits based on engine size and fuel type
  • Diesel cars undergo a smoke opacity test — a black smoke result is an automatic fail
  • Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) must be present, intact, and functioning
  • Removing a DPF is illegal for road use and results in an automatic fail

Electric Vehicles and MOTs

Fully electric vehicles still require an MOT, but their test differs:

  • No emissions or exhaust checks
  • Relevant electrical warning indicators and visible high-voltage components can be checked
  • The same core safety areas apply, including lights, tyres, brakes and bodywork

Current Maximum MOT Fees

The DVSA sets maximum fees. Garages cannot charge more:

  • Class 4 (cars): £54.85
  • Class 1 & 2 (motorcycles): £29.65
  • Class 7 (large vans): £58.60

Test Station Standards

All MOT test stations are approved and monitored by the DVSA. Testers must hold a DVSA qualification. The DVSA carries out regular checks, including phantom tests (inspections using vehicles with known defects) to ensure standards are upheld.

Check for Rule Changes

MOT manuals and exemptions can change. Check GOV.UK or the current MOT inspection manual when a decision depends on a specific vehicle, modification or defect.