Guidance

Special notice 04-23: updates to MOT testing guide and test certificates

Published 7 December 2023

This guidance was withdrawn on

This guidance has been withdrawn because it is out of date. You can find the latest up to date information in the MOT testing guide for test stations.

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mot-special-notice-04-23-updates-to-mot-testing-guide-and-test-certificates/special-notice-04-23-updates-to-mot-testing-guide-and-test-certificates

The MOT testing guide  was updated on 6 December 2023. 

To see the full list of changes, select ‘see all updates’ at the top of the MOT testing guide to see what’s been updated. 

Updates include: 

  • changes to printing test certificates 
  • MOT noticeboards 
  • viewing areas 
  • roller brake testing areas, when protruding outside of the building  
  • consideration of repute and holding other MOT roles 

MOT test certificates and emission test records 

Since 1 September 2021, it’s been optional to issue a paper VT20 pass certificate. This was confirmed in MOT special notice 04-21. 

At the same time, DVSA confirmed that a paper VT30 fail certificate must still be issued.  

But from 6 December 2023, MOT testing businesses will have the flexibility to not issue a paper VT30 fail certificate if the customer is able and willing to access the test result on the MOT history service.  

If the customer makes a specific request to have a certificate, you must issue one. 

Find out more about encouraging motorists to view their vehicle’s MOT record online.

Emission test records 

Since 11 January 2021, it’s been optional to issue a record of the emissions test to the customer if the vehicle passes the test. This was confirmed in MOT special notice 03-20. 

If the vehicle fails the test, the emissions record must be issued to the customer. 

You must still keep emissions records for all test results for 3 months.

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