The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed new MOT rules set to take effect from Monday, June 1, 2026, describing them as "significant" for road users, motorists, and drivers. Keir Mather, the Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, has championed the shake-up, which aims to support the transition to zero-emission road transport.
Government Support for Decarbonisation
Labour Party MP Keir Mather stated: "We're backing UK businesses to expand and decarbonise their fleets, and that's why we're investing over £1 billion to support businesses to roll out e-vans, trucks and the charging needed to support them." The changes have been praised by Toby Poston, chief executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA). He said: "Following extensive collaboration between government and industry, these changes remove major operational hurdles for fleets and unlock a critical part of the UK's transition to zero-emission road transport."
Key Changes for Electric Vans
The Labour government announced that new MOT test rules would be introduced at the start of June to assist businesses using electric vans. Electric vans weighing between 3.5 and 4.25 tonnes will now be moved from heavy vehicle testing requirements to Class 7 MOT rules. Additionally, any new electric vans within these parameters will only require their first MOT three years after registration, rather than the current one year.
Lee O'Neill, operations director at Venson Automotive Solutions, welcomed the move as a "significant and pragmatic step forward." He suggested that reducing MOT costs and downtime will make electric vans a "more attractive proposition" for drivers and businesses across the country.
Full List of DVSA Confirmed Changes
The DVSA has confirmed four specific changes to MOT tests from June 1, 2026:
- Application (Classes 3, 4, 5, and 7): The table has been updated to include zero emission goods vehicles between 3,501 kg and 4,250 kg DGW. From 1 June 2026, these will be classed as Class 7 vehicles (category N2).
- Efficiency: The efficiency requirements table now includes N2 zero emission vehicles. From 1 June 2026, zero emission goods vehicles between 3,501 kg and 4,250 kg DGW will be classed as Class 7 vehicles (N2).
- Tyres: The section on tread depth has been updated to include zero emission goods vehicles with a maximum gross weight over 3,500 kg but not exceeding 4,250 kg. From 1 June 2026, these will be classed as Class 7 vehicles.
- Speed limiter: The list of vehicles that must have a speed limiter has been updated to include "N2 zero emission vehicles with a maximum speed more than 90 km/h (56 mph) if a speed limiter was not fitted and first used from 1 January 2005."
The changes aim to streamline MOT testing for electric vans, reduce costs for businesses, and accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles across the UK.
