The transition to zero-emission vehicles is accelerating across the transport and logistics sector, bringing important regulatory changes alongside it. As vehicle design evolves, particularly with the added weight of battery systems, it is essential that testing standards keep pace to ensure safety, consistency, and operational clarity for both vehicle operators and MOT testing stations.

DVSA Special Notice 1-26 outlines a key update affecting zero emission goods vehicles within a specific weight range. This change reflects both industry feedback and practical testing capabilities, supporting the wider adoption of cleaner vehicles while maintaining robust safety standards. Testing stations and operators should take note of these updates to ensure compliance and readiness ahead of implementation. You can read the content of the special notice below:

Image depicting a zero emission vehicle

Special notice 1-26

Zero emission goods vehicles between 3,501kg and 4,250kg becoming class 7 vehicles

What's changing? From 1 June 2026, zero emission goods vehicles with a design gross weight (DGW) between 3,501kg and 4,250kg will be classed as a class 7 vehicle and need to have a class 7 MOT test.

These vehicles will have their first class 7 MOT test 3 years after they are registered.

Background,

In 2023, we conducted a survey of all Class 7 testing stations to identify what equipment they had. 80% of respondents said they had a hoist, of those:

  • 18% had a Safe Working Load (SWL) of 3,500 to 4,000kg
  • 3% had a SWL of 4,001 to 4,250kg
  • 79% had a SWL greater than 4,250kg
  • 20% of respondents said they had a pit.

The findings supported a change in the law to allow zero emission goods vehicles between 3,501kg and 4,250kg to be tested as Class 7 vehicles.

  • Why we're changing

This change will:

- mean HGV testing stations have more capacity

- support the adoption of zero emission vehicles in haulage fleets

These vehicles are the same size as current class 7 vehicles. The only difference is the additional weight of the battery.

  • Definition of a zero-emission vehicle

A zero-emission vehicle is defined as one without an internal combustion engine, or with an internal combustion engine that emits zero grams of CO2 per kilometre. This does not include hybrid vehicles of any kind including range extenders which use diesel, petrol or LPG internal combustion engines that provide some drive or for charging the batteries.

  • Who this applies to

Class 7 testing stations must accept zero emission goods vehicles between 3,500kg and 4,250kg DGW.

All current test standards apply with the addition of speed limiters as detailed in section 7.10 of the inspection manual. This means the minimum tread depth requirements will change for these vehicles from 1mm to 1.6mm in line with current class 7 vehicles. Testers must familiarise themselves with the manual before conducting MOT tests. If a vehicle is presented fully or partially laden and its weight is uncertain, you can either:

- request evidence of its weight from the presenter

-measure the weight using an ATL brake tester

If the vehicle's presented weight means that it cannot safely be tested, you should decline the test. The presenter can unload the vehicle so that you can test it safely.

At Gott Technical Services, we welcome this regulatory update as a positive and practical step forward for the industry. It reinforces the importance of having the right equipment in place to safely and effectively test modern vehicles—particularly as zero-emission technology continues to evolve.

We are proud to have consistently specified and supplied 4-post lifts with higher weight capacities than the minimum requirement. By prioritising lifts rated at 5,000kg and above, and ideally the 6,500kg capacity offered by Rotary lifts, we have proactively ensured that our customers are well-equipped to handle both current and emerging vehicle demands.

This forward-thinking approach means our installations are already aligned with the new Class 7 requirements, eliminating the need for costly upgrades and giving testing stations confidence in their ability to accommodate heavier zero-emission vehicles safely. As the industry adapts to a lower-emission future, Gott Technical Services remains committed to providing robust, future-proof solutions that keep our customers ahead of regulatory change.