In the span of just one year, from April 2022 to March 2023, the automotive industry collectively conducted approximately 34.5 million light MOTs, a process that consumed vast amounts of paper. To put it into perspective, if each test required an A4 certificate, the resulting stack of paper would blanket an area equivalent to 295 Wembley Stadium pitches or stretch for 4,500 miles when laid end-to-end. Moreover, it would necessitate a staggering 13,800 boxes of A4 paper and the felling of over 4,000 trees to sustain this level of documentation.
All MOTs are managed by the DVSA and they’ve released the following statement “Recognizing the environmental impact and the financial strain on MOT testing businesses, we are committed to reducing our reliance on paper certificates.”
The journey towards paper reduction began in January 2021, offering the option for emissions test records to be digitally provided to customers upon passing. Subsequently, in September 2021, we extended this option to MOT pass certificates, while retaining the issuance of paper fail certificates.
Continuing their policy review, the DVSA now empower MOT testing businesses to forgo issuing paper fail certificates if customers opt to access their vehicle’s MOT record online. This flexibility allows businesses to adapt to evolving consumer preferences while still ensuring clarity for customers, particularly in cases of complex or multiple failures.
While emissions test records still require printing in case of failure, they encourage MOT centres to inquire about customers’ preferences regarding paper certificates, promoting online viewing options where applicable. Clear guidelines are provided to assist businesses in determining when to offer paper records based on test outcomes which we will cover further down.
The online MOT history service, hosted on GOV.UK, offers a secure, up-to-date alternative to paper certificates. As we embrace these changes, we acknowledge the importance of environmental stewardship and anticipate minimal disruption for businesses, ultimately saving both time and money in the long run. Together with the DVSA, we are driving towards a greener, more efficient MOT system, ensuring a sustainable future for all involved.
Why should you choose a digital copy of your MOT certificate?
- It's quick, easy and free for you to view at anytime
- Your result is updated as soon as the MOT is completed by the tester
- It's more environmentally friendly - we'll reduce our paper and ink consumption massively
- Viewing the official MOT record online is safer and more secure
- It's easy to keep track of your vehicle history with all the information in one place
When do you need a printed MOT certificate?
| MOT Result | MOT Certificate | Emissions Test Record |
|---|---|---|
Pass with no defects or advisories |
Only provided if requested | We’ll only print this if requested |
| Pass with minor defects or advisories | We’ll explain the issues, provide an estimate for the repairs and recommend you view the MOT results online. A certificate can be provided on request | We’ll only print this if requested |
|
Fail with emissions pass
|
We’ll explain the failed items, provide an estimate for the repairs and recommend you view the results online. A fail certificate can be provided on request | We’ll only print this if requested |
| Fail with emissions fail | We’ll explain the failed items, provide an estimate for the repairs and recommend you view the results online. A fail certificate can be provided on request | We must provide a paper record of thee failed emissions test |