New MOT rules have been introduced today in a move that could impact thousands of testing garages across the UK.
From today, Friday, January 9, 2026, new changes have been added to the MOT testing guide for test stations.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) announced the rules in mid-December, with the rollout taking place today.
New rules state that testers and authorised examiner principals (AEP) should be restricted from holding roles at MOT garages while they are in the cessation period.
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Testers can receive a two or five-year cessation period if they fall foul of disciplinary rules.
This can include fraud, dishonesty, gross negligence or producing false documents to the DVSA or MOT training providers
New guidance states: "Where disciplinary action results in a 2 or 5-year cessation of all sites held by the AE (authorised examiner), any individual, partner or officer of a company is not permitted to hold any role within an AE and/or Vehicle Testing Station for the cessation period."
It also states that testers who have been issued a cessation could lose their "good repute" if they request or accept any MOT roles during that period.
The DVSA has confirmed new rules for MOT testers and garages
| GETTYDoing this could also affect any future application to re-enter the MOT scheme following the cessation period.
The DVSA defines "good repute" as being professional, having integrity, being responsible for their actions and striving for quality.
It adds that there is no evidence of repeated criminality or shortcomings within any DVSA service or scheme.
The new guidance on cessations has been added to several categories, including authorised examiners, requirements for authorisation, tester, discipline, and system rules.
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Experts have warned that less frequent MOT tests could impact road safety | PAThe DVSA states that any individual involved in the MOT scheme must be free of conviction and adhere to the "good repute" principles.
This applies to AEPs, authorised examiner designated managers, AE delegates, site managers, site admin, testers, and AE consultants.
If someone involved in the MOT process is convicted of a crime, the DVSA will take various factors into consideration when making a judgement.
A "serious offence" is considered to include a prison sentence of more than three months, a fine exceeding £2,500, or a community service order of more than 60 hours.
The DVSA updates guidance for MOT tests regularly
| DVSAThe same definition applies to any punishment outside of the UK which corresponds with the serious offence guidelines.
When applying for a role, applicants should not have been subject to disciplinary action that would prevent them from holding any role in the MOT testing service.
MOT guidance has also been updated to ensure customers have an adequate viewing facility when the test is being conducted.