Changes to MOT calibration requirements

Date: Monday 20 February 2023

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From 1 April 2023 DVSA will be changing the requirements for the calibration of some testing equipment.

Decelerometer calibration
All decelerometers must be calibrated at intervals not exceeding one year, a change from the current two year cycle.

Decelerometer calibration certificates issued before 1 April 2023 will be acceptable until they expire. After this, the equipment must be calibrated at least annually.

Calibration of roller brake testers (RBT), plate brake testers (PBT) and headlamp aim testers
Calibration of brake testers and headlamp testers will no longer be acceptable if completed by vehicle testing station (VTS) staff.

Calibration can only be completed by either:

• the original manufacturer
• a company that has taken over responsibility for equipment support from the manufacturer
• a calibration specialist.

VTSs employing independent calibration specialists must satisfy themselves of the technical competence and viability of the company concerned and be able to demonstrate this to DVSA upon request.

Other recent changes
Changes to the MOT Inspection Manuals that took effect on 6 February 2023 include:

• M1 vehicles will need to have 3 mirrors – one fitted to the vehicle offside and nearside plus the interior mirror – unless the interior mirror cannot give a view to the rear, for example if a bulkhead is fitted
• If a tester uses the defect ‘item not tested’, the reason must be explained in the additional information box
• A change in wording on seatbelt inspection.

Detailed information on the changes can be found here.

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