New MOT rules have come into force today, bringing changes that could affect thousands of MOT testing garages and professionals across the UK.
From Friday, 9 January 2026, updates to the official MOT testing guidance are now live, following an announcement made last month by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Stricter rules during cessation periods
One of the most significant changes concerns testers and authorised examiner principals (AEPs) who are subject to disciplinary action. Under the updated guidance, individuals serving a two- or five-year cessation period are no longer permitted to hold any role within an MOT garage during that time.
A cessation period can be imposed for serious breaches, including:
- Fraud or dishonesty
- Gross negligence
- Supplying false documents or information to the DVSA or MOT training providers
The rules make clear that where an authorised examiner is subject to a cessation covering all their sites, no individual, partner, or company officer connected to that examiner may hold any role within an authorised examiner or vehicle testing station for the duration of the ban.
Impact on future MOT roles
The updated guidance also warns that testers who attempt to take on, request, or accept MOT-related roles while serving a cessation period risk losing their status of “good repute”.
This could have long-term consequences, including affecting any future application to rejoin the MOT testing scheme once the cessation period ends.
What “good repute” means
The DVSA defines good repute as demonstrating professionalism, integrity, accountability, and a commitment to quality standards. It also requires that there is no evidence of repeated criminal behaviour or serious shortcomings within any DVSA-regulated service or scheme.
Maintaining good repute is a key requirement for anyone involved in MOT testing.
Who the rules apply to
The updated guidance applies broadly across the MOT scheme, including:
- Authorised examiner principals
- Authorised examiner designated managers
- AE delegates and consultants
- Site managers and site administrators
- MOT testers
Anyone involved in the MOT process is expected to be free from relevant convictions and to meet the good repute standards at all times.
Criminal convictions and serious offences
If an individual involved in MOT testing is convicted of a criminal offence, the DVSA will assess the circumstances on a case-by-case basis. A “serious offence” is generally defined as:
- A prison sentence of more than three months
- A fine exceeding £2,500
- A community service order of more than 60 hours
Equivalent penalties issued outside the UK are assessed using the same criteria. Applicants for MOT roles must also confirm they have not previously been subject to disciplinary action that would prevent them from holding a position within the MOT testing service.
Changes to customer viewing facilities
Alongside disciplinary updates, MOT guidance has also been refreshed to ensure customers have adequate viewing facilities. This ensures that customers can watch their vehicle being tested, reinforcing transparency and trust in the MOT process.
Why this matters
These changes signal a stricter stance on standards and accountability within the MOT scheme. For garages and testers, compliance with the updated rules is essential — not just to remain authorised, but to protect future eligibility within the system. For motorists, the changes are intended to strengthen confidence in the MOT process by ensuring tests are carried out by trusted, properly regulated professionals.