Buying Used: Navigating the MOT Landscape

When venturing into the market for a used motorcycle or car in the UK, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) test certificate stands as a critical document. It’s a snapshot of a vehicle’s roadworthiness at a specific moment in time. However, since 20 May 2018, significant changes to the MOT test have come into effect, introducing stricter rules and new failure categories. Understanding these revisions is paramount for any prospective buyer to make an informed and safe purchase. Our expert, Nick Nomikos, an MoT Tester since 2002 and Sales and Service Manager at The Two Wheel Centre in Harpenden, sheds light on what these changes mean for you.

The fundamental principle remains: your first MOT is due three years from the vehicle's initial registration date. So, if a vehicle was registered on 1 April 2016, its first MOT would have been due on 1 April 2019. This three-year grace period ensures that newer vehicles are still relatively fresh from the factory. But beyond this, the landscape for older vehicles has shifted considerably.

The Evolving MOT: Exemptions and 'Substantial Changes'

One of the most notable changes introduced in 2018 concerns vehicles over 40 years old. Previously, all vehicles required an annual MOT once they reached three years of age. Now, any motorcycle, car, van, or other light passenger vehicle that is over 40 years old is exempt from needing an MOT, provided it has not been 'substantially changed'. This exemption is designed to reduce the burden on owners of historic vehicles, acknowledging their limited use and often meticulous maintenance. However, this comes with a significant caveat and responsibility.

The term 'substantially changed' is crucial, especially for motorcycle enthusiasts. For cars and vans, the rules are quite clear regarding modifications to the chassis, axles/running gear, and engine. For motorcycles, the legislation defines a bike as 'substantially changed' if it has been issued with a Q plate, is a 'kit' assembled from components from different makes and models, is a 'reconstructed classic' as per DVLA guidance, or is a 'kit conversion' where new parts are added to an existing vehicle, or old parts are added to a manufactured chassis, altering its general appearance. These definitions aim to ensure that vehicles that have undergone significant modifications, potentially compromising their original design and safety characteristics, still undergo scrutiny.

Nick Nomikos voices a pertinent concern regarding these older, exempt vehicles: “There are forty-year-old bikes available that can reach pretty high speeds now, so I hope riders are cautious.” He stresses that owners of a historic vehicle, even if exempt, must declare that it meets the requirements each time they tax it. Furthermore, they remain solely responsible for keeping their bike or car in a roadworthy condition. Failure to do so can lead to severe penalties, including fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points, for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition. Essentially, by taxing an exempt historic vehicle, you are declaring its roadworthiness yourself every time it’s taken out on the road.

Nick also highlights a long-standing issue and potential future changes: “For a long time, testers have seen machines coming in that have a registration mark for the 1930s, yet have a more modern, powerful engine in.” He points to stricter legislation in countries like Spain, where bikes must exactly match their factory specifications. This suggests that custom motorcycles, while popular, might face increased scrutiny in the future, prompting buyers to be wary of heavily modified older bikes without a recent, valid MOT.

Understanding the New MOT Defect Categories

Perhaps the most impactful change for anyone buying a used vehicle is the introduction of new defect categories. Previously, an MOT pass might have come with advisories. Now, defects are clearly categorised, providing a much clearer picture of the vehicle's condition. While advisories can still be given, the new categories are:

Nick observes, “Too often, riders haven’t taken advisories seriously enough, and it’s not unusual to see a bike fail the next year for something that should have been sorted out; the new categories will tighten this up a bit.” This is a crucial point for buyers: a 'Minor' defect still means something needs attention, and a 'Major' or 'Dangerous' defect means the vehicle has failed and cannot be legally driven until repaired. The distinction between 'Major' and 'Dangerous' is particularly important. A 'Dangerous' defect means the vehicle should not be ridden or driven at all until it's repaired, posing an immediate and direct risk.

Most importantly, when buying a used bike or car, always remember that an MOT is only a certificate of roadworthiness at the time of issue. It’s NOT a guarantee that the vehicle is safe after that moment. A vehicle could pass its MOT today and develop a significant fault tomorrow. Therefore, a fresh MOT certificate should be viewed as a baseline, not an absolute assurance for the future. If a defect is reported as dangerous, the guidance is clear: you must not ride or drive the vehicle at all until it's been repaired.

New Checks and What They Mean for Your Vehicle

The 2018 changes also introduced several new items into the MOT test, enhancing the overall scrutiny of a vehicle's condition. These checks apply to various aspects of safety and environmental impact:

• Checking if the tyres are obviously underinflated.
• Assessing if the brake fluid is contaminated (visual check only).
• Identifying fluid leaks that pose a risk to the environment.
• Checking for illuminated brake pad warning lights.
• Inspecting for missing brake pads or discs.
• Testing daytime running lights (DRLs) on bikes and cars first used from 1 March 2018.

Some new items do not apply to motorcycles, such as reversing lights on vehicles used from 1 September 2009 and headlight washers (if fitted) on vehicles first used from 1 September 2009. These specific additions highlight the evolving standards for different vehicle types.

Nick offers valuable insights into these new checks, particularly how they address previous loopholes: “It has been known for people to, for instance, remove a disc and caliper from a twin-front-disc bike in order to avoid failing on a seized piston. An MoT tester can now use their knowledge in order to identify when parts are missing, rather than simply not being able to test what’s not there. The new legislation is going some way to closing some of the loopholes.” This means a more comprehensive and intelligent inspection, preventing owners from deceptively removing faulty components to pass the test.

Regarding brake fluid, Nick clarifies: “Checking the brake fluid for contamination will still only be a visual check as we’re not permitted to remove the cap. Of course, some bikes’ reservoir viewing windows look black, so there’s little that can be done here besides identifying if the fluid is low.” This underscores that while new checks are in place, some limitations remain due to practical testing constraints.

A significant point for buyers considering vehicles with modified lighting systems is the rule on aftermarket HID (High Intensity Discharge) lamps. Nick states, “One of the key items not listed above is that aftermarket HID lamps will fail. Of course, machines like the BMW K1200GT had them as standard, which is fine, but any standard halogen lamp that’s been converted to take HIDs won’t get a pass.” This is vital information, as incorrectly fitted HID lamps can cause numerous issues, from improperly focused beams to serious electrical problems, making them a safety hazard and an immediate MOT failure.

Leveraging the MOT Certificate and Online History

Your MOT test certificate has been redesigned to clearly list any defects under the new categories, providing a more transparent record of the vehicle's condition. Beyond the physical certificate, the online check of a vehicle’s MOT history has been updated and is an incredibly valuable resource for anyone looking to buy a used motorcycle or car. By simply knowing the vehicle's registration number, you can access a wealth of information at www.gov.uk/check-mot-history.

This online history provides details on any advisories issued on a pass, the recorded mileages at each test, and crucially, why a vehicle failed previous tests. Nick advises, “It shouldn’t be considered a definitive guide, but checking a bike’s MoT history can help identify a machine that’s been neglected if it has repeated advisories relating to poor maintenance.” This is a powerful tool for a buyer, allowing you to spot patterns of neglect or recurring issues that might indicate a problematic vehicle. Repeated advisories for things like worn tyres or brake issues suggest an owner who has consistently put off necessary repairs.

Furthermore, the mileage records can reveal significant insights into a vehicle's past. “The mileage records can show when peak use of the bike has been during its life, while if it’s got a low mileage but keeps getting picked up on things like worn tyres, chains and sprockets, it could have been ridden very aggressively. Or perhaps even on track, with the speedo disconnected,” Nick explains. Discrepancies in mileage or a history of low mileage coupled with wear-and-tear items failing can be red flags for potential abuse or undisclosed track use, which can significantly impact a vehicle's longevity and reliability.

Emissions and Noise: What Bikers Need to Know

For those considering a used diesel car, be aware that the laws on emissions have become stricter. If a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is fitted, you’ll receive a 'Major' fault (a fail) if the MOT tester finds evidence that the DPF has been tampered with or if smoke of any colour is coming from the exhaust. This targets illegal DPF removal or malfunctioning systems that contribute to air pollution.

Bikers, however, can breathe a sigh of relief on the emissions front. Nick confirms: “There are still no emissions tests carried out on bikes, besides the noise levels, which are purely down to the tester’s discretion.” This means your bike won't fail based on its exhaust gases. Regarding noise, while it's at the tester's discretion, there are guidelines. An aftermarket exhaust could pass as long as there’s no mark saying 'race use only' or 'not for road use'. However, a current reason for rejection is if “the type of noise emitted is clearly in excess of that which would be produced by a similar machine fitted with a standard silencer in average condition.” So, while a loud exhaust might be appealing, if it's excessively loud compared to a standard system, it could lead to a fail.

The Ultimate Question: Buying Used with an MOT

So, should you buy a used bike or car with an MOT? The answer is unequivocally yes, but with a critical understanding of what that MOT truly signifies. An MOT certificate, especially post-2018, provides a more detailed snapshot of a vehicle’s condition at the time of the test. It acts as a baseline safety check, ensuring that the vehicle meets minimum legal standards. However, it is not, and never has been, a guarantee of a vehicle's long-term safety or mechanical soundness beyond the test date. A smart buyer will always look beyond the pass certificate.

Ultimately, there are few issues in the new MOT laws that should genuinely worry bikers or car buyers, provided they approach the purchase with diligence. The enhanced testing criteria and clearer defect categories actually provide more transparency. From personal experience and Nick's expert advice, we’d always recommend using a trustworthy and thorough inspector for your MOT, or ensuring the vehicle you're buying has had one recently. You're paying for the work to be done, and if – like many – you do a lot of your own vehicle maintenance, having an expert check your motorcycle or car can provide invaluable peace of mind, helping to keep you, and those around you, safer on the roads. A recent MOT, coupled with a thorough independent inspection, remains the gold standard for buying any used vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Used Vehicles and the MOT

Q: Is an MOT a guarantee of safety for a used vehicle after I buy it?
A: No, absolutely not. An MOT certificate verifies a vehicle's roadworthiness only at the specific moment the test was conducted. It is not a guarantee that the vehicle will remain safe or fault-free for any period after that. Always consider an independent pre-purchase inspection in addition to a valid MOT.

Q: What does 'substantially changed' mean for a classic motorcycle that's over 40 years old?
A: For motorcycles, 'substantially changed' typically means it has been issued with a Q plate, is a 'kit' assembled from parts of different makes/models, is a 'reconstructed classic' according to DVLA guidance, or is a 'kit conversion' that significantly alters its original appearance by adding new or old parts to a manufactured chassis.

Q: Can an aftermarket exhaust system pass an MOT?
A: Yes, an aftermarket exhaust can pass, provided it doesn't have markings like 'race use only' or 'not for road use'. However, it will fail if the noise emitted is 'clearly in excess of that which would be produced by a similar machine fitted with a standard silencer in average condition.' The noise level assessment is at the tester's discretion.

Q: How can I check a vehicle's MOT history before buying?
A: You can check a vehicle's MOT history online for free at www.gov.uk/check-mot-history. You'll only need the vehicle's registration number. This service provides details on past advisories, recorded mileages, and reasons for any previous failures, offering valuable insights into the vehicle's maintenance history.

Q: What should I do if a vehicle I'm considering buying has a 'Dangerous' defect listed on its MOT history?
A: If a 'Dangerous' defect is listed, the vehicle should not be ridden or driven until it has been properly repaired. This category signifies an immediate and direct risk to road safety. Buying a vehicle with such a defect means you would be responsible for ensuring it's repaired before it can be legally and safely used on the road.

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