The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is introducing new jacking equipment specifications for class 4 MOT centres, with the aim of safely accommodating the weight and size of newer vehicles.
The new specifications will only apply to MOT centres that submit an application to open a new centre or make changes to an existing centre from 1 April 2026 onwards. Existing MOT centres with approved Class 4 test bays are not required to make changes unless they submit a modification application.
The updated requirements state that jacking equipment must have a:
- minimum safe working load (SWL) of 2 tonnes
- distance of at least 1,700mm between the centre of the lifting pads
The DVSA is changing the specification because the current standard prevents some newer vehicles, particularly electric and hybrids, from being correctly jacked for an MOT test. These vehicles are heavier than standard combustion engine vehicles, necessitating the increased safe working load.
The changes apply to centres that are brand new, undergoing a change of ownership, restarting tests after a period of inactivity, adding another test lane, or voluntarily upgrading their jacking equipment.
Centres that are only changing their existing Authorised Examiner (AE) or submit their application before 1 April 2026 are exempt from the new requirements.
If a centre is upgrading its jacking equipment on or after 1 April 2026, the AE designated manager or site manager must notify the DVSA. This is done by signing in to the MOT testing service, navigating to the MOT centre page, selecting Change testing equipment, and entering the details.
Source: Gov
mark mitchell
more cost for mot stations how about a price increase its been 9 years this need looked at know so we can invested in new equipment to bring the scheme up to date