The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has provided further guidance around the MOT status displayed for some 4.25-tonne zero-emission vans, following issues raised by BVRLA members around the MOT status.

Legislative changes introduced on 1 June moved electric vans weighing between 3.5 and 4.25 tonnes from annual HGV testing requirements to Class 7 MOT rules. This means that new electric vans in this weight class will only need their first MOT three years after registration, rather than one year. It also ensures they can be tested at standard MOT centres rather than dedicated authorised testing facilities (ATFs).

BVRLA members have reported that some vehicles are still showing an expired HGV MOT within the MOT History Service.

The DVSA has clarified that this reflects the previous HGV test having expired and does not mean that another annual test is required. The government agency has said it’s working to make the wording within the service clearer.

The DVSA has also stepped in after BVRLA members raised concerns about vehicles being stopped at the roadside or flagged through automatic number plate recognition (ANPR).

It’s now investigating whether affected vehicles could flag on police systems and advised any fleets or drivers who are stopped to use this wording.

“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).”

The DVSA has said that inspectors are aware of the situation.

The BVRLA will continue working with the DVSA to eliminate any issues under the new MOT regulations.