What is changing? DVSA are introducing a policy change to make sure that jacking equipment in garages have the highest safety standards to carry out MOTs. New MOT garages will need to ensure that their jacking equipment is the correct specification for conducting MOT tests. The current specifications must be a minimum safe working load of 1.5 tonnes. This is being increased to 2 tonnes, and we’re introducing a minimum 1700mm distance between the centre of the lifting pads as well. Garages who are already conducting MOTs and voluntarily replace their jacking equipment, will be required to replace to the new specification. When are these changes taking effect? The mandatory introduction of the new specifications for jacking equipment will take place on 1 April 2026. Who will be affected by these changes? The requirement for the new specification will only be applicable to a garage that hasn’t previously conducted MOT tests. For a currently testing VTS that is undergoing a change of ownership (where the site is transferred to a different AE), or at a garage that has previously been a MOT test station but had ceased to test, regardless of how long ago it tested. It will also be required if a VTS is: making a voluntary upgrade of jacking equipment adding an additional test lane replacing broken jacking equipment” Why are the specification changes required? It’s all about keeping MOT testers safe. There are more electric vehicles on the road than ever before, and they are much heavier than internal combustion engine vehicles. This policy change addresses the safety concerns with the weight of EVs and other modern vehicles, which cannot be safely tested with current jacking specifications. Garages have been using equipment with a 1.5 tonne specification without any problem to date, so is it necessary? Yes. Current specifications need updating to make sure that the equipment used in MOT testing stations are maintained to the required safety standards to keep their colleagues safe. These changes will ensure that current guidance is in line with the safety standards expected by MOT testers across the country. What do garages need to do? MOT garages will need to consider the types of vehicles that they test. For those who wish to continue testing Class 4 vehicles which are heavier than the standard Class 4 vehicles, they will need to consider whether they can safely test modern vehicles or upgrade their jacking equipment. How will DVSA support garages to implement the changes? DVSA will write out to garages/MOT testers to remind them of the upcoming changes. This will help garage owners to consider the cost of new equipment in their budget between now and the implementation date of the new regulations.