New regulations are on the horizon for MOT Testers and AEs

New regulations are on the horizon for MOT Testers and Authorised Examiners (AEs), from tracking electric vehicle mileage to cracking down on illegal "ghost" number plates. Haider Khan, COO of MOT Expert and MOT Compliance Group, breaks down the new updates with key advice on how you can protect your vehicle testing station, your technicians and your customers.

EV Mileage Tax and your role as an MOT Tester

The Treasury have announced a mileage-based charge for electric vehicles, 3p per mile, effective from 2028. The DVSA and the Department for Transport will use the MOT system to validate mileage and to prevent fraud.

Why is mileage coming through the MOT?

Because it's the only existing mechanism in the UK that captures mileage at a fixed point in time, is audited, is governed by legislation and has compliance enforcement. Nobody trusts self-reporting! Everybody knows odometers can be 'adjusted'. Whereas MOTs are logged, timestamped, and public. That makes the MOT database the most reliable option.

The opportunity for vehicle testing stations

This is a paid service that integrates with an existing MOT compliance framework. It raises the value of MOT garages. The Government isn't trying to push the burden onto you unpaid, so take advantage of it and invest in diagnostic tools, clean up mileage procedures and train your team. Treat mileage as a financial compliance metric - not a side note. The garages who get organised early will own this space.

Crackdown on 'Ghost Plates' and driving without an MOT

So-called 'ghost' registration plates are modified or cloned to evade police, ANPR, security and ULEZ cameras. Fines and points for drivers caught with ghost plates are set to jump from £100 to £1000 with 6 penalty points.

What does this mean for MOT Testers?

The Department for Transport have announced that annual MOT inspections are to be used to enforce strict plate compliance, with an automatic MOT failure for non-compliance.

Under the Labour Government's new 'Road Safety Strategy', ministers also plan to increase penalties for drivers caught without a valid MOT or even a driving ban. We could see fixed fines of up to £1000 potentially doubling, and possibly new penalty points introduced for this offence.

How can MOT testing stations help?

This is an opportunity to brush up on your industry knowledge of DVSA standards and the UK's requirements on how to keep a vehicle legal and roadworthy. Remember, MOT compliance isn't just about avoiding fines - it's about road safety and saving lives which is the ultimate aim of the latest Road Safety Strategy.

Need help with MOT training or compliance or just want some advice?

MOT Expert can support training requirements for MOT Tester Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 and with CPD annual refresher courses provided online or in person along with MOT Test Centre Management training.

MOT Compliance Group can work with your business to ensure you meet and exceed DVSA standards with confidence. We will continue to uphold the standards of our industry and support our clients through the changes ahead.

We are the UK's only total MOT protection partner - our business is taking care of your business.

For more information about MOT compliance services contact us on 08000 487 063 or visit the MOT Compliance Group website: www.motcg.co.uk. For MOT Tester Training contact MOT Expert on 01604 422 700 or visit www.motexpert.org.