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The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has provided further guidance following issues raised by BVRLA members around the MOT status displayed for some 4.25t zero-emission vans.
Legislative changes introduced on 1 June moved affected vehicles from annual HGV testing to the Class 7 MOT regime, with the first MOT due when the vehicle is three years old. Some vehicles are still showing an expired HGV MOT within the MOT History Service. DVSA has clarified that this reflects the previous HGV test having expired and does not mean that another annual test is required. It is working to make the wording within the service clearer.
Members had also raised concerns about vehicles being stopped at the roadside or flagged through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). DVSA is investigating whether affected vehicles could flag on police systems and has provided the following wording for members to share with customers or drivers if an issue arises:
“This vehicle changed vehicle class from an HGV to a Class VII through changes the government made in June 2026. Whilst it did require an HGV MOT prior to then, it now no longer needs an MOT (that will be a Class VII) until it is 3 years old. It is a known issue that the MOT History service is less clear on this point and DVSA are aware and planning to look to tidy wording. DVLA have also implemented this change and changed the need for these vehicles to have a valid MOT (until 3 years old).”
If drivers are stopped, they are advised to use the wording. The DVSA has said that inspectors are aware. Members are asked to notify the BVRLA of any issues which will enable the association to continue liaising with DVSA.
Members can report examples or raise questions with Catherine Bowen, Head of Decarbonisation and Future Mobility via [email protected].
