Update issued on plans to change MOT test rules

The Government has provided an update on plans for changes to how MOT tests work. Liberal Democrat Baroness Caroline Pidgeon asked the Government in a written question in Parliament about what plans there are to "review the MOT system".

She specifically wanted to know what changes were planned "to ensure it fully reflects the technological advances in modern vehicles" and if there were any timeframes in place for such a review. Lord Peter Hendy provided a response from the Government.

He said: "The MOT test is a vital part of the systems that keep our roads safe by ensuring drivers maintain their vehicles to a minimum standard. At the heart of the MOT are fundamental mechanical parts such as tyres, brakes, lights, and suspension.

"Given the importance of the MOT the Government keeps the content under continual review, both to account for new technology and improve the service." He said that in 2023, there was a call for evidence for views on the future of the MOT, looking at areas such as electric vehicles, emissions testing, and advanced driver assistance systems.

He also said that officials have been "collecting further evidence on these areas". Paul Barker, editor at Auto Express, spoke about what changes the Government is looking at. He said: "The DVSA has made clear that it’s updating the system to reflect new vehicle technology.

"We’ve seen Government consultations on changing the test frequency - for example, moving to a two-year interval - but those proposals were scrapped in 2024. What’s really happening now is a push to modernise the MOT so it’s fit for electric vehicles and cars with advanced driver-assistance systems.

"The Government has said it’s developing new test standards in these areas." Mr Barker shared his views on how the MOT test could be updated. He said: "There are a few areas to modernise; coverage, data, and consistency are the key ones.

"Coverage means testing the things that modern cars rely on - advanced safety tech like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, plus the high-voltage systems in EVs and hybrids. Data improvements are about going fully digital - better integration with recall information, clearer advisory tracking, and more transparent MOT history for used-car buyers.

"And consistency means ensuring garages apply the same standards nationwide, so the MOT result is reliable no matter where you take the car. In short, the MOT needs to move with the times - both technologically and digitally." The expert said the current format of the MOT doesn't fully cover the new tech that often features in newer cars.

He said: "For example, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic braking can fail or go out of calibration, but checking those systems is not part of the MOT today. It also doesn’t assess the health of EV batteries or high-voltage systems, which are critical for safety.

"Even software integrity and over-the-air update compliance - both key to modern car safety - are outside the MOT’s remit. So, while the MOT remains a vital safety net, there’s a growing gap between what it checks and what matters in a modern car."