MOT Rule Changes 2025

The DVSA has introduced changes to MOT tests that will affect both testers and motorists whose vehicles are being inspected.

These changes are expected to combat illegal MOT validation, with unconfirmed plans of imposing firmer inspections.

Let’s explore what these changes are to MOTs in the United Kingdom, what they are and what they mean for your future tests.
 

What is an MOT?

An MOT, short for Ministry of Transport, is an annual test carried out by approved garage/MOT centres to make sure all road vehicles meet safety and environmental standards.

Vehicles that are over three years old (four years in Northern Ireland) need this test once a year to confirm they remain safe and roadworthy.

Without a valid MOT certificate, it is illegal to drive your vehicle on public roads, and you could face fines, penalty points, or even invalidate your insurance.

The MOT is designed to give drivers peace of mind by ensuring that key components such as brakes, tyres, lights, and emissions are all in proper working order.

What Are the 2025 MOT Rule Changes?

So far, the following are confirmed regarding in new 2025 MOT rules:

• Clearer MOT pass validation to tackle ghost MOTs

There has also been discussion of emission tests being harsher on the lead up to the UK’s net-zero target in the distant future.

As well as stricter MOT emission tests, there has been speculation of vehicles with advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) features have further checks during MOT tests.

These are yet to be confirmed by the DVSA, but these changes may take place sometime in 2026.
 

Tackling Ghost MOTs

Ghost MOTs are fraudulent certificates issued without a vehicle ever being inspected.

In these cases, a dishonest tester records a pass in the system without the car entering the test bay.

This means vehicles that may be unsafe, for example a vehicle with faulty brakes, worn tyres, or broken lights – can still be allowed on the road  “legally”, even though the vehicle is not road worthy.
 

Why Ghost MOTs Are a Serious Safety Risk

By bypassing vital checks on brakes, suspension, tyres, lights, and exhaust emissions, ghost MOTs put drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk.

They also carry major legal and financial consequences, such as fines, invalidated insurance, and even criminal charges for both the seller and the buyer.
 

How Ghost MOTs Are Sold

The rise of social media has made ghost MOTs easier to access.

Sellers advertise on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Telegram, offering “guaranteed passes” for around £80-£100 – often just by providing a registration number, VIN, and mileage.

While the cost may seem tempting, the real price comes in the form of safety risks, invalid insurance, and possible prosecution.
 

The DVSA’s 2025 Crackdown on Ghost MOTs

To combat this growing issue, the DVSA is rolling out new measures in 2025.

Testers must now take a live photo of the vehicle inside the testing bay, linked directly to the MOT record in the MOT Testing Service (MTS).

Stored images or stock photos will not be accepted. This ensures that every MOT has physical proof of the vehicle’s presence.

In addition, the DVSA is:

• Trialling technology to confirm number plates, vehicle type, and even location.
• Using advanced fraud detection analytics to flag unusual testing patterns.
• Strengthening account security with requirements like two-factor authentication.

These steps are designed to create a fairer system, protect honest garages, and give drivers confidence that their certificate reflects their vehicle’s true condition.

New Rule Added for TPMS Inspection

On August 11^th, 2025, the DVSA added the following to the MOT inspection manual for passenger and light commercial vehicles (under category 5. Axles, wheels, tyres and suspension):

5.2.3. Tyres – "The inspection of the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) does not apply to motor caravans, ambulances and hearses approved as M1 with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of more than 2,500kg."

This addition means that TPMS checks will no longer apply to certain larger, specialised vehicles such as motor caravans, ambulances, and hearses that fall within the M1 category and have a gross vehicle weight exceeding 2,500kg.
 

ADAS: The Next Step for MOTs?

Looking further ahead, the scope of the MOT test could also be expanded to cover advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

These systems, such as automatic emergency braking, lane assist, and parking sensors, are now mandatory in many new vehicles and play a crucial role in modern road safety.

Currently, ADAS features are not part of the MOT checklist, despite their direct connection to core safety functions like braking and steering.

Industry experts are calling for their inclusion in future MOT tests, but challenges remain.

Calibrating ADAS requires specialist equipment and training, with costs often exceeding £190 per calibration – far higher than the standard MOT fee cap of £54.85.

Introducing such checks would therefore require careful planning and possibly phased implementation.

While ADAS checks are not confirmed for 2025, they remain a likely addition in the coming years as vehicle technology advances.

For now, drivers are encouraged to ensure ADAS systems are serviced and calibrated correctly outside of the MOT test to maintain vehicle safety and reliability.
 

What This Could Mean for ADAS Vehicle Drivers

For motorists, this could mean a higher chance of MOT failure if exhaust or emission systems are poorly maintained.

Regular servicing – such as replacing filters, topping up AdBlue, and checking exhaust components – would become increasingly important to avoid unexpected failures once these changes take effect.

You can now book your car service through Blackcircles.com online, with interim, full & major servicing options available at over 2,300 trusted garages across the UK.
 

Stricter Emissions Testing

As part of the UK’s journey toward its net-zero goals, vehicle emissions are under increasing scrutiny.

Exhaust gases contribute significantly to air pollution, so the MOT test is one of the government’s main tools to keep heavily polluting cars off the road.
 

What Could Change

While not yet confirmed for 2025, there are strong indications that emissions testing will soon become stricter.

Potential updates include:

• Tougher limits on exhaust output for petrol and diesel vehicles.
• More detailed inspections of catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters.
• Closer checks of AdBlue systems in modern diesel engines.
• Additional monitoring of emission control technologies to catch faults earlier.

Final Thoughts

The confirmed 2025 MOT rule changes represent a decisive move against ghost MOTs, with live photo verification and tighter fraud controls designed to restore trust in the system.

At the same time, motorists should prepare for the likelihood of stricter emissions tests and, eventually, ADAS checks being integrated into future MOTs.

These changes underline the MOT’s evolving role in ensuring not just vehicle safety but also environmental responsibility and the proper functioning of advanced technology.

Is your MOT due soon? Book your test through Blackcircles.com today!