MOT Lift

What is an MOT Lift

An MOT lift is a certified vehicle lift that meets the official safety and inspection standards set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and the European standard EN 1493:2022.
During an MOT inspection, a vehicle must be safely raised so the tester can inspect the underside in a secure and stable way.
Only an officially approved MOT lift may be used for this purpose.

4.0T APK Car Lift 4000KG

Why an MOT-Approved Lift is Required

The DVSA enforces strict safety requirements for MOT stations.
A properly approved lift ensures that both technicians and inspectors can work safely under the vehicle during testing.
Since 2025, the Lift Inspection Handbook has defined uniform procedures that ensure every inspection is carried out to the same high standard.
Each lift is inspected annually for its construction, safety systems, anchoring and CE certification.

Key Requirements for an MOT Lift

  1. Type plate and CE marking
    Every lift must have a permanent type plate showing the manufacturer, model, serial number, year of manufacture and rated capacity.
    A visible CE marking is mandatory. Without it, the lift will fail inspection.

    CE Mark MOT LiftMOT Lift Serial Plate

  2. Logbook and user manual
    Each lift must have a service logbook recording inspections, maintenance and repairs.
    An English-language user manual must also be available, either printed or digital.
    MOT Lift Manual

  3. Safety systems
    An MOT lift must include functional safety systems such as drive-off protection, foot protection or CE stop with audible signal, fall protection in the event of cable or hose failure, and an emergency stop switch.
    Fall-Protection-MOT-Lift

  4. Mechanical and hydraulic condition
    Cylinders, cables, chains and spindles must be free of leaks, corrosion and excessive wear.
    The lift must operate smoothly and without irregular sounds or movement.
    MOT Lift Cylinder

  5. MOT-specific requirements
    The area around the lift must have at least 0.5 metres of free space up to a height of 2.3 metres.
    Lighting under the lift must provide at least 200 lux, and the lift must reach a minimum lifting height of 1.65 metres for vehicles up to 3,500 kilograms.
    MOT Lift Lightning

MOT-Approved Sticker

When a lift meets all requirements, it receives the MOT Approved sticker.
This confirms that the lift can officially be used for MOT tests.
Temporary approval of up to three months may be granted only if no immediate safety risks exist.

MOT Lift Sticker

Summary

An MOT lift is a certified lifting system that complies with DVSA and EN 1493 standards.
It is inspected yearly, recorded in a service logbook and equipped with the necessary safety and lighting systems.
Maintaining a compliant lift ensures both safety and professional reliability within an MOT testing station.

Check out our MOT Lifts

Visit the Dutch MOT Lift certification website for more information