Well, what a year it’s been in the world of MOT testing! From snapping photos of cars on ramps to wrangling with electric vehicles and their mysterious orange cables, 2025 has certainly kept us all on our toes.
If you’ve missed any of our articles this year (or fancy a refresher), grab yourself a brew and settle in. We’ve pulled together an MOT Knowledge Roundup from all this year’s articles on the knowledge centre to help you stay sharp, compliant, and ready for whatever 2026 throws at you.
January & February: Starting Strong with Training Essentials
Getting Qualified – Your Route into MOT Testing
Thinking about becoming an MOT tester? We kicked off the year by exploring the different pathways available. Our guide to becoming an MOT tester focused particularly on the Vehicle Technician Accredited Assessment (VTAA), also known as Light Vehicle Inspection (LVI). This route is brilliant for experienced techs who haven’t got the traditional paper qualifications but have got bags of practical knowledge.
We also published a comprehensive overview of all the routes into MOT testing, covering eligibility criteria, experience requirements, and what you’ll need to get started.
MOT Manager Training Demystified
Fancy a step up? We broke down exactly what’s covered in the MOT Manager course, from understanding DVSA compliance requirements to managing your testing station effectively. If you’ve ever wondered whether management is for you, this article explains everything you’ll learn and how it can transform your career in the MOT world.
March: Don’t Miss That Deadline!
Missed Your Annual Assessment? Here’s What Happens Next
March is always a bit frantic, isn’t it? With the 31st March deadline looming, we published a crucial article about what happens if you miss your MOT annual assessment.
Miss that deadline and you’ll lose your testing privileges until you catch up but the article walks you through the consequences, how to get back on track, and most importantly, how to avoid the panic in the first place. Remember to set those reminders!
April: DVSA Site Reviews – No Need to Panic!
Your Guide to the New DVSA MOT Site Review Process
DVSA site reviews can feel a bit daunting, but they don’t have to be. Our comprehensive guide to the new site review process breaks down exactly what to expect, how to prepare, and what the DVSA is really looking for.
These reviews can happen at any time, so being prepared isn’t just smart,it’s essential. From checking your equipment calibration to ensuring your training logs are up to scratch, we covered all the bases to help you sail through with flying colours.
May: Annual Assessment Time!
MOT Annual Assessment 2025/26: What’s In Store & How to Ace It!
May brought the all-important annual assessment guide for 2025/26. This year’s training covered some brilliant (and essential) topics:
- Electric, hybrid, and hydrogen vehicles (those orange cables aren’t always what they seem!)
- Disabled driver controls and modifications
- Fuel systems, noise, and emissions testing
- Proper use of testing equipment
Remember, you need a minimum of three hours of training, and you must score 80% on the assessment. No pressure!
With proper preparation and the right resources, it’s completely achievable. Our article includes top tips for smashing the assessment, including the golden rule: don’t cram everything into half an hour before the deadline!
June: Want to Be a Tester? Here’s the Full Picture
How to Become an MOT Tester: Here’s What You Need to Know
In June, we published another comprehensive guide to becoming an MOT tester, covering eligibility criteria, experience requirements, and the different qualification routes available.
If you’re thinking of swapping the spanners for the inspection sheet (at least some of the time), this article walks you through exactly what it takes to get that shiny tester badge, from technical knowledge to practical experience.
July: Say Cheese! The Photo Trial
The Trials (and Triumphs) of MOT Ramp Photography
Let’s be honest, when you signed up to be an MOT tester, you probably didn’t think “photographer” would be part of the job description, but 2024/25 saw the DVSA trialling MOT ramp photography, and we were there to guide you through it.
The idea is simple, just take a photo of the vehicle on the ramp during its MOT to help protect the integrity of the testing system.
The reality? Well, it’s been a learning curve for everyone. Lighting challenges, cramped spaces, tech troubles – we’ve all been there.
The good news is that the DVSA has been listening to feedback and refining the process. Our article shares practical tips from testers on the ground (clean that camera lens!) and explains why this extra step is actually beneficial for protecting honest garages like yours.
September: The “Quick” Re-Test Myth
MOT Re-Tests – Why “Just a Quick One” Can Land You in Hot Water
Ah, the famous last words: “Mate, can you just do a quick re-test? Won’t take a minute.”
Our September article on MOT re-tests tackled this head-on. In short – there’s no such thing as a “quick” re-test if you want to stay on the right side of the DVSA.
We broke down the three main re-test scenarios, explained exactly what you need to check (it’s more than just deleting the failed items!), and used real-world examples to show why cutting corners simply isn’t worth the risk. Whether the work was done on-site by you, by a colleague, or at another garage entirely, the rules remain the same: do it properly, every single time.
October: The Importance of Qualified Management
Why Every Station Needs a Qualified MOT Site Manager
Running an MOT station isn’t for the faint-hearted. Between juggling bookings, keeping on top of DVSA updates, and ensuring every car (and tester) passes muster, it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin.
Our October article on qualified MOT site managers explained exactly why having a properly trained manager isn’t just a box-ticking exercise but an absolutely essential role for running a compliant, efficient, and successful testing station.
From understanding compliance requirements to managing your team effectively, a qualified site manager is the backbone of any good MOT operation. If you’re considering this career step, or wondering whether your station needs one, this article is essential reading.
November: Electric Dreams (and Challenges!)
EV and Hybrid MOT Guidance – Essential Reading
As more electric and hybrid vehicles roll into MOT bays across the UK, many testers have been left wondering: where’s the official guidance? The MOT Testing Guide and Inspection Manuals offer surprisingly little detail on these increasingly common vehicles.
Our November article on EV and hybrid MOT guidance revealed the secret: there’s a dedicated DVSA document called “Hybrid, Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems: Guidance for MOT Testers” that covers everything you need to know.
From identifying whether a vehicle is hybrid, electric, or hydrogen-powered, to understanding safe working practices around high-voltage systems, this guidance is essential.
The key takeaway? You should never dismantle or interfere with high-voltage systems, but you don’t need additional training to carry out MOT tests on these vehicles. The guidance covers safety, visual checks, and what to do if high-voltage components appear damaged.
Bonus: Training Logs Done Right
What Must I Include in My MOT Training Logs and Why?
Throughout the year, we also covered the crucial topic of training logs. Since the 2023 changes reduced the minimum training requirement to just three hours per year, keeping proper records has become more important than ever.
Your training log isn’t just a list, it should be your personal reflections on what you’ve learned, what’s been updated, and what’s acted as a helpful reminder. The DVSA will check these logs during site visits, so getting them right is essential.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for 2026?
As we head into 2026, the MOT world continues to evolve. Electric vehicles are becoming more common, DVSA procedures are being refined, and new challenges will undoubtedly emerge. Armed with the knowledge from this year’s articles though, you’re well-positioned to handle whatever comes next.
The key themes from 2025? Stay compliant, keep learning, don’t cut corners, and remember that those “quick” jobs often aren’t quick at all when done properly!
Your Next Steps
Whether you’re looking to become an MOT tester, need help with annual training, want to understand the latest compliance requirements, or simply need support managing your testing station, The MOT Group is here to help.
All of these articles (and more!) are available on our Knowledge Centre, and we’re always happy to answer your questions. After all, we’re all in this together – keeping standards high, roads safe, and garages running smoothly.
Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and getting better at what we do. See you in 2026!
Need training, compliance support, or just have a question? Get in touch with The MOT Group – we’re always here to help.