The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) have announced an important MOT testing change effective from June 1, 2026. Zero emission goods vehicles with a design gross weight (DGW) between 3,501kg and 4,250kg will be reclassified as class 7 vehicles and will need to undergo a class 7 MOT test.
According to the DVSA, these vehicles will take their first class 7 MOT test three years after registration. This rule change follows a 2023 survey of all class 7 testing stations to assess their equipment capabilities. The survey revealed that 80% of these stations have a hoist; among these, 18% support a safe working load (SWL) between 3,500kg to 4,000kg, 3% between 4,001kg and 4,250kg, and 79% exceed 4,250kg SWL. Additionally, 20% of stations have a testing pit.
The findings supported the reclassification, enabling zero emission goods vehicles within this weight range to be tested as class 7 vehicles. This adjustment is expected to increase testing capacity at heavy goods vehicle (HGV) stations and encourage the uptake of zero emission vehicles in haulage fleets.
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The size of these vehicles remains consistent with current class 7 vehicles, the main difference being the added battery weight. Zero emission vehicles are defined as those without an internal combustion engine or those emitting zero grams of CO2 per kilometre. Importantly, hybrids—including range extenders powered by diesel, petrol, or LPG—are excluded, as they rely on combustion engines to drive or charge batteries.
Class 7 test stations are mandated to accept zero emission goods vehicles between 3,501kg and 4,250kg DGW. All existing testing standards apply, with new additions such as speed limiter checks as specified in section 7.10 of the inspection manual. Notably, the minimum tread depth for these vehicles will increase from 1mm to 1.6mm, aligning with current class 7 vehicle requirements.
Testers are required to familiarize themselves thoroughly with the updated manual prior to conducting MOT tests. In cases where a vehicle is presented fully or partially laden and its weight is unclear, testers can request weight verification from the presenter or use an ATL brake tester to measure it. If the vehicle’s weight surpasses safe testing limits, the test must be declined until the vehicle is unloaded to allow safe testing conditions.
This regulatory update reflects a proactive step toward supporting zero emission vehicle adoption while maintaining rigorous safety and testing standards.