MOT Checks
Change is something many of us don’t do well but in terms of MOT’s, it is for the better. Early in 2018, the way that MOT tests work in England, Scotland and Wales had changed. These MOT changes affect cars, vans, motorcycles and other light passenger vehicles. What comes to mind first is how car faults are categorised while also introducing stricter emission limits for diesel cars. We take a closer look to help you understand the changes and how it may affect you.
Major Changes To The New MOT Rules
If your vehicle is older than 3 years you are required to have an annual safety check, known as MOT. The purpose of the MOT is to ensure that your vehicle meets the minimum safety level required by law.
During the MOT the tester will conduct an inspection and a comprehensive series of checks around the vehicle, including the interior, exterior, under the bonnet and under the vehicle. Here is everything you need to know about the new MOT rules.
Different Categories For Defects
The most frequent causes for MOT failures include issues with lighting and indicators, suspension faults, and brake system defects. Regular maintenance and pre-MOT checks can help vehicle owners identify and rectify these common problems, increasing the likelihood of passing the test.
Defects identified in a MOT test are classified as minor, major or dangerous. During the MOT test, the defect category will depend on the type of problem and how serious it is. MOT testers will give advice on the items in question that need close monitoring and repair if necessary. These are also known as “advisories”. Take a look below at a breakdown of all the different defect categories and subsequent test results.
| Defect Category | Item Description | MOT Result |
| Dangerous | A defect that has a direct and immediate risk to road safety or presents a serious impact on the environment. Do not drive the vehicle until it has been repaired. | Fail |
| Major | Possible effect on vehicle safety and may put other road users at risk or have an impact on the environment. Repair the defect immediately. | Fail |
| Minor | No significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment. Repairs are required as soon as possible. | Pass |
| Advisory | Not a safety concern yet but could become more serious in the future. Monitor and repair if needed. | Pass |
| Pass | It meets the minimum legal standard. Ensure that it continues to meet the standard. | Pass |
MOT Test Changes For Diesel Cars
TMOT checks: here are stricter emission limits for diesel cars with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Testers are required to check if anyone removed or tampered with the DPF. If there is clear evidence of this, testers must refuse to test the car unless the owner provide a legitimate reason. Examples include cleaning or waiting on a replacement but it is already illegal to drive a diesel vehicle without a DPF.
Your vehicle will fail the MOT test if the tester can see smoke of any colour emitted from the exhaust or finds evidence that the DPF has been purposefully tampered with. If you are not sure whether your car has a DPF, always check the handbook first.
What Else Is New In The MOT Test?
Other areas that have the potential to cause serious accidents will be inspected more closely on all vehicle types. These include steering systems, reversing lights and brake discs. A heavy leak in the steering box with will now result in failing your MOT test. Reversing lights that don’t work or blown bulbs are next on the list. In addition, brake discs that are “significantly or obviously worn” will also result in an automatic fail.
The new MOT rules now categorise faults as minor, major or dangerous. Minor faults can be compared to the current advisory notices testers add on test certificates. These are only for items that are not serious enough to fail the car but need to be fixed at some point. Major faults need to be repaired before the car can pass the test. The good news is that owners can still drive the car from the test centre to another garage for repairs.
Dangerous faults will automatically fail and you cannot drive the car on a public road until it’s fixed. If you are caught driving with a dangerous fault, fines can reach up to £2500 and you will receive three penalty points on your licence.
Another major change is the design of the MOT certificate. It now lists any and all defects under the new categories making it clear and easy to understand. The service to check a vehicle’s MOT history also reflects the changes. Vehicles older than 40 years do not need an MOT unless they have ‘substantially changed’. You can check a vehicle’s registration date online if you are not sure. Before the new changes, only cars built before 1960 were not required to get the test.
Update on Recent MOT Changes
Fast forward to January 2023, the Department for Transport initiated a public consultation to modernise MOT testing in Great Britain, considering advancements in vehicle technology and the increasing prevalence of electric and hybrid vehicles. Proposals included altering the timing of the first MOT test for new vehicles and enhancing emissions monitoring to address pollution concerns. However, as of January 2024, the government decided to maintain the existing MOT schedule, requiring annual tests after the vehicle’s third year, following a comprehensive review and public feedback.
What Happens If I Fail My MOT?
In the likelihood of failing your MOT, test centres will issue a VT30 ‘Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate’. This will include the details of your car, the MOT test number and reasons why it didn’t pass. Remember to keep it somewhere safe as you will need to present it at the re-test or an appeal.
Why Book An MOT With Elite Garages
At Elite Garages, we offer a FREE re-test within 10 days. We remain in contact with you to discuss what your car has failed and provide you with expert advice on how to proceed and pass the MOT. Adding to our extensive industry knowledge and expert workmanship, you can trust our processes and professional staff. They will keep in touch throughout the process and always contact you before carrying out any work.
It’s important to ensure that your MOT is up to date and that you don’t miss your annual test. If you do, it carries a fine of £1000 and your insurance would be invalid so book your test before it’s too late. If you don’t know when your MOT is due, we can look it up for you and even send a service reminder via phone or email. Alternatively, why not sign up for our FREE MOT text reminder service? You will never miss an MOT again!
We understand the importance of trust, loyalty and transparency when it comes to the new MOT rules. With three generations of industry experience, we know all there is to know about getting the job done right the first time. If you would like see what real people have to say about us, take a look at some of our online reviews and testimonials.
When you are ready, get in touch with us for more information on the new MOT rules. Alternatively, book your MOT, a full service or tyre check among many of the other services we offer.
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