The DVSA has announced new jacking equipment specifications for any new class 4 MOT centres from April 2026.
The new specifications will only apply to MOT centres that submit an application to open, or make changes. Those locations that are already established with approved class 4 test bays are not required to conform to the new specifications.
According to the DVSA, current requirements for jacking equipment in MOT centres can prevent some newer vehicles from being correctly jacked. Modern cars are becoming heavier, especially SUVs, while the battery packs in battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and full hybrids also add to weight.
Therefore, these vehicles are heavier than standard internal combustion engine models, meaning the equipment needs an increased safe working load.
Requirements for new MOT centres
Any business planning to open a new MOT centre, or make changes to an existing centre, from 1 April 2026 will need to make sure their jacking equipment is up to standard.
This equipment must have a minimum safe working load (SWL) of two tonnes, and a distance of at least 1,700mm between the centre of the lifting pads.
Who needs to be aware?
Those that will need to install the new specification equipment include MOT centres that are:
- New and have not carried out MOT tests yet
- Undergoing a change of ownership (where the site is transferred to a different authorised examiner (AE))
- Restarting tests after a period of no testing (regardless of how long ago it tested)
- Adding another test lane
- Voluntarily upgrading their jacking equipment, or replacing if it is damaged
The changes do not apply to centres that:
- Are only changing their existing AE – for example, adding a new partner and keeping the same AE number
- Submit their application in time for it to be received by DVSA before 1 April 2026
- Already have approved class 4 test bays and are not making any changes before 1 April 2026
- Those upgrading their equipment will need to inform the DVSA via the MOT testing service.
The new requirements come as the aftermarket presses forward with a call to increase the MOT fee cap. The IGA, IAAF and SMMT have all lent their voices to the campaign, highlighting the increasing costs of the MOT for workshops, and the economic changes since the last increase in 2010.
