ADAS 34 www.aftermarketonline.net MAY 2026 MOT modernisation raises next question: What about ADAS? Changes to the MOT test, which took effect on 1 April 2026, highlight how vehicle safety regulation is evolving and, according to Iain Molloy, Managing Director of A1 ADAS Group, they should prompt workshops to prepare for future driver assistance checks. On 1 April, MOT testing introduced several updates designed to reflect the changing nature of the car parc. New requirements include specific visual safety checks for electric and hybrid vehicles, covering high-voltage cabling, battery mounting and charging ports. New MOT bays are also required to install lifting equipment with a minimum safe working load of two tonnes to accommodate heavier modern vehicles, particularly EVs. At the same time, the DVSA is continuing to trial and develop the use of photographic evidence during MOT testing as part of efforts to tackle socalled “ghost MOTs”, where certificates are issued without a vehicle being properly inspected. While these changes focus on immediate safety and compliance issues, Iain believes they highlight a broader shift in how roadworthiness testing will need to evolve as vehicle technology advances. What about ADAS? In Iain Molloy’s view, the question is no longer whether ADAS will eventually become part of the MOT conversation, but how that could realistically work in practice. “ADAS systems are now responsible for preventing a significant number of collisions on the road,” Iain said. “Features like automatic emergency braking, lane assist and driver monitoring aren’t theoretical safety aids anymore. They intervene in real-world situations every day. “But the key point is that they only deliver that safety benefit when they’re functioning correctly.” ADAS systems can be significantly out of calibration without displaying a dashboard warning light, meaning drivers may be unaware that systems designed to intervene during an emergency are no longer operating as intended. “As the car parc becomes increasingly reliant on these technologies, the question naturally arises about whether roadworthiness tests should also consider them,” Iain added. However, while the safety argument for ADAS checks is strong, the practical realities of MOT testing make the issue far from straightforward. “ADAS doesn’t behave like traditional MOT items,” Iain explained. “You can visually inspect brakes, tyres or suspension components and get a good sense of their condition. With ADAS, that simply isn’t the case. “A visual walkaround tells you nothing. And while a warning light may appear when a system is seriously compromised, Iain Malloy
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