All You Need to Know about MOT Test Changes in 2025

As a vehicle owner, you know why you need an MOT and how important it is for your car to stay MOT compliant. 

These tests are designed to ensure that your vehicle is in optimal condition and isn’t causing unnecessary damage to the environment. MOT-tested vehicles keep our roads safe while meeting environmental regulations. 

While tyre, suspension, steering and emission checks remain, MOT test changes in 2025 now require photographic evidence of your vehicle live during the test. 

Some of these changes were introduced to combat MOT fraud, and some others to address growing environmental concerns. 

To know more about the changes and other MOT test information, you can visit the UK government website.

However, if you want an overview of the new MOT test changes in 2025, keep reading.

1. Overview of the MOT Test Changes

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has introduced MOT test changes in 2025, intending to update its testing procedures for new vehicle technologies. These changes also comply with new environmental regulations amid growing concerns about vehicular pollution and its impact on our health and the environment.

As a way to combat vehicle emissions and make testing stricter, major MOT test changes include photographic evidence of your vehicle, checks of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), and specific car component checks. 

For example, tyres, suspension, brakes, seat belts and wipers will have stricter inspection requirements. So, if you haven’t been looking after and servicing your car regularly, your vehicle might fail its MOT test. 

Book your MOT in advance at In Town Automotive, as there are many advantages to being proactive. 

2. How it Impacts Petrol, Diesel and Electric Vehicles

What do the MOT test changes in 2025 mean for your vehicle? Since stricter emission checks are part of the new test changes, petrol and diesel vehicle owners can expect increased scrutiny. For diesel owners, this may require you to check if your DPF is clogged and address this promptly before an MOT test.

Petrol vehicle owners with older model vehicles might need to take extra precautions to ensure their vehicle meets stricter emission regulations. This is because older models often come with clunky catalytic converters that are more prone to catalytic converter clogging, decreasing fuel efficiency and producing harmful emissions.

While EVs are largely exempt from emission checks, other parts like brake systems, charging ports, batteries, and electronic safety systems will be assessed more strictly. 

Consider checking out our EV maintenance tips to keep your vehicle MOT-ready and safe.

3. How to Prepare Your Car for These Stricter MOTs

Information about MOT tests online suggests getting your vehicle prepped and ready for the new MOT test changes in 2025. To do this, check out our ultimate car tune-up checklist to ensure your vehicle is running smoothly and is performing at its optimal best. 

Having a checklist like this can be useful when preparing your vehicle for its annual MOT test, and it lowers the chance of it failing the MOT. 

You can also consider getting a pre-test or inspection done at reputable MOT test centres like In Town Automotive for a stress-free inspection.

4. What Drivers Need to Do to Stay Compliant

Drivers who understand how often their vehicles need servicing and stick to regular vehicle service schedules are more likely to have MOT-compliant cars. This is because it’s one of the most practical and proactive ways to keep your vehicle in excellent condition while extending its lifespan and on-road performance.

Penalties for driving with an expired MOT test certificate are set to go higher under new changes. You can use the government’s MOT test reminder service to prevent missing your MOT due dates. 

For a Professional MOT, Contact In Town Today 

Now that you know all about the MOT test changes in 2025, why not get your vehicle serviced at our award-winning garage? We provide DVSA Class 4 MOT tests with state-of-the-art facilities.

At In Town Automotive, we use top-of-the-line vehicle diagnostics to conduct full-service scans and are considered to be the best MOT centre in Northampton. 

From checking and updating your vehicle to new MOT test tyre requirements to conducting full servicing, our expert technicians are well-equipped to handle the new MOT test changes in 2025. This ensures your vehicle stays in top condition while supporting your vehicle’s health, making for a smooth MOT test. 

To keep your car running safely and efficiently, we recommend sending it in for an all-inclusive health check. We have years of experience in fixing air conditioning, cambelts, exhausts, wheel alignment, and much more.

Consider visiting our services page or contact us to book an appointment today.