The first MOT stays at 3 years after the government rejected a move to 4 years in January 2024. Photos at test began rolling out to about 2,500 garages on 3 August 2026, and centres must show an updated fees and appeals poster from 12 June 2026.
Checked 23 October 2026 against the DVSA MOT inspection manual
- First MOT: Stays at 3 years (Jan 2024)
- Photos at test: From 3 August 2026
- VT9A poster: From 12 June 2026
- Class 7 zero-emission vans: 3,501kg to 4,250kg
First MOT stays at 3 years
A consultation running from 18 January to 22 March 2023 proposed moving the first MOT to 4 years. The government confirmed on 25 January 2024 that the first MOT will remain at 3 years from registration, with annual tests after that. The decision kept the existing timetable for cars and other vehicles covered by the scheme.
The MOT began in 1960 with a first check at 10 years. The first test interval changed to 3 years in 1967, and ministers also kept the 3-year first MOT in 2018.
The consultation and the January 2024 announcement form the recent history of the first MOT age. The proposal for a 4-year first test was not adopted, and the 3-year rule continues to apply from the date of registration. Annual testing follows once the first MOT has been passed.
Photos at test
The national rollout of photos at test began on 3 August 2026. It followed DVSA special notice 04-26, which was issued on 29 July 2026. The notice set out the arrangements for capturing photographic evidence as part of the MOT test process across Great Britain.
Under the rollout, photographs are taken during the test and held alongside the test record. The DVSA special notice provides the operational detail for test stations and sets the start date of 3 August 2026.
The 2026 rollout is covered only briefly here. A separate guide examines the arrangements in detail, including how the photographic evidence is captured and recorded. This section is limited to confirming the start date and the special notice that introduced the national rollout on 3 August 2026.
Electric vans and future changes
Zero-emission goods vehicles with a gross weight from 3,501kg to 4,250kg are tested in class 7. The maximum fee for a class 7 test is £58.60. This places electric vans in this weight band within the standard class 7 testing regime rather than a separate electric vehicle test.
In January 2024 the government committed to look at improving the MOT for electric vehicles.
The same January 2024 commitments included having the DVSA investigate better monitoring of diesel emissions and particulates. This work sits alongside the review of electric vehicle testing and relates to how emissions from diesel vehicles are checked through the MOT process.
Changes for test centres
From 12 June 2026, MOT centres must display the updated MOT fees and appeals poster, VT9A. This replaces earlier poster versions and sets out the current maximum fees and the appeals process for customers. Test stations are expected to have the poster in place by that date so that fee information shown to the public matches the rules in force. The change applies to all centres required to display MOT fee notices.
Separately, new jacking equipment specifications apply to class 4 MOT bays from 1 April 2026. These specifications cover the equipment used when raising vehicles during class 4 tests. The requirements apply to new or changed centre applications submitted from that date, so equipment installed or altered as part of such applications must meet the updated specification.
The two changes run on different timetables. The poster requirement takes effect on 12 June 2026, while the jacking equipment specifications apply from 1 April 2026 for new or changed centre applications.
Frequently asked questions
Did the first MOT move to four years?
No. A consultation ran from 18 January to 22 March 2023 proposing a move to four years. On 25 January 2024 the government confirmed the first MOT will remain at 3 years from registration, with annual tests after that.
How has the first MOT age changed since 1960?
The MOT began in 1960 with a first check at 10 years. This changed to 3 years in 1967. Ministers also kept the 3-year first MOT in 2018, so the current position reflects long-standing practice.
When did photos at MOT tests roll out nationally?
The national rollout of photos at test began on 3 August 2026. It followed DVSA special notice 04-26, which was issued on 29 July 2026.
What did the government say about electric vehicles and diesel emissions?
In January 2024 the government committed to look at improving the MOT for electric vehicles. It also asked DVSA to investigate better monitoring of diesel emissions and particulates. Both commitments followed the 2024 MOT decision.
What changed for MOT centres in 2026?
From 12 June 2026 MOT centres must display the updated MOT fees and appeals poster, VT9A. New jacking equipment specifications apply to class 4 MOT bays from 1 April 2026 for new or changed centre applications.
