April 1, 2025
If you’re an MOT tester, you already know the DVSA loves to keep things fresh every year — and the 2025-26 training curriculum is no different. This time around, there’s a special spotlight on vehicle registration plates.
Yeah, we know. Number plates might not sound like the most thrilling topic on paper… but trust us — there’s more to them than just black letters on a white or yellow background. And if you’re an MOT Tester, you need to get this right.
That’s why we at MOT Juice have built a dedicated session inside our 25-26 DVSA Annual Training e-learning course — and it’s one we’re really excited about.
Registration plates are a small part of the vehicle — but a big part of the test. A plate that doesn’t meet DVSA requirements? That’s a fail, plain and simple.
From font issues to spacing, reflectivity to background colour, the rules are tighter than you might think. And with personalised plates becoming more popular, testers are seeing a wider variety of formats, shapes and styles — some of which are definitely not road legal.
The DVSA wants to ensure testers aren’t just eyeballing these things, but making informed, accurate decisions.
We wanted to go beyond the usual textbook examples. So we partnered and worked closely with the team at Enigma Plates, who custom-made a selection of physical registration plates for us — including examples that pass and others that fail.
These aren’t just generic stock images. We used them to create a hands-on, visually engaging video session where we walk you through exactly what’s acceptable and what isn’t, including some examples a few of you might have already seen in your MOT bays already.
You’ll get to see:
• Realistic plates with dodgy spacing (👎)
• Plates using incorrect fonts (👎)
• Legal plates done right (👍)
• Plates that might look cool, but break the rules (👎)
It’s all designed to help you spot these issues with confidence during a live MOT test. You can check out the Enigma Plates socials using the links at the bottom of this blog post 👇
Here’s what you’ll come away with:
• A breakdown of DVSA requirements for registration plates
• Examples of common fails you’ll see in the real world
• The subtle details that separate a pass from a fail
• How to apply your judgment during a test — and back it up with the rules
We’ve packaged all of this into a bite-sized, accessible e-learning format as part of your annual CPD. So you can complete it anytime, anywhere — without needing to pore through pages of DVSA jargon.
With DVSA training requirements getting more focused and practical, it’s not enough to just tick a box anymore. You’ve got to understand the “why” behind your test decisions — and be able to justify them.
Our training session on registration plates is built to give you that confidence. Whether you’re a new tester or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away sharper, faster, and more confident when it comes to checking plates.
If you’re already part of the MOT Juice training platform, just head over to your dashboard and look for the 2025-26 Registration Plate module.
Not signed up yet?
This is your sign to join the thousands of testers nationwide already using MOT Juice to stay sharp, stay compliant, and stay ahead.
Let’s make your 2025-26 training year the smoothest one yet. 🚗💨
Our training module on registration plates couldn’t have been done without the hard work from the guys at Enigma Plates. Please go and check out their social channels to see the great work they do.
Follow Enigma plates on Facebook
Follow Enigma Plates on Instagram
