25/11/2019
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) test is a crucial annual check to ensure your vehicle is safe and roadworthy. Periodically, the rules and regulations governing the MOT test are updated to reflect advancements in vehicle technology and evolving safety standards. For many vehicle owners, particularly those who aren't deeply immersed in automotive mechanics, these changes can sometimes feel a little daunting. Understanding what's new, what's important, and how it might affect your car is key to a smooth and stress-free MOT experience. This article aims to demystify the latest MOT regulations, providing you with the essential information you need to keep your vehicle compliant and safe on the roads of the United Kingdom.
Understanding the Core Purpose of the MOT Test
Before delving into the specifics of new rules, it's important to reiterate the fundamental purpose of the MOT test. It's not about checking for general wear and tear or routine maintenance. Instead, the MOT focuses on critical safety and environmental aspects of your vehicle. These include:
- Structural integrity: Ensuring the vehicle's chassis and body are sound and free from excessive corrosion that could compromise safety.
- Braking system: Checking the effectiveness and condition of the brakes, including discs, pads, and fluid.
- Steering and suspension: Verifying that these components are functioning correctly and are not excessively worn.
- Tyres: Assessing tyre tread depth, condition, and proper inflation.
- Lights: Ensuring all lights, including headlights, taillights, and indicators, are working and correctly aimed.
- Exhaust emissions: Measuring the level of pollutants emitted by the vehicle's exhaust system.
- Visibility: Checking the condition of the windscreen, wipers, and washers.
The MOT test is designed to identify potential hazards that could put the driver, passengers, or other road users at risk. It's a vital component of road safety in the UK.
Key Changes and What They Mean
The most significant recent overhaul of the MOT test came into effect in May 2018. While these changes are now several years old, it's essential to be aware of them as they form the basis of current testing. If you're unfamiliar with them, here's a breakdown of the most impactful alterations:
New Defect Categories
One of the most notable changes was the introduction of a new grading system for defects found during the test. Previously, there was a simpler pass/fail system with advisories. The new system categorises issues into three levels:
- Dangerous: A defect that poses a direct and immediate risk to road safety or has a serious impact on the environment. Vehicles with dangerous defects automatically fail and must be repaired immediately. Driving a vehicle with a dangerous defect is illegal.
- Major: A defect that may not pose an immediate risk but could compromise the safety of the vehicle or have a more serious impact on the environment. Vehicles with major defects will fail the test and require repair, but they can usually be driven to a repair shop.
- Minor: A defect that has a slight impact on the safety of the vehicle or the environment. Vehicles with only minor defects will pass the MOT, but the defect should be repaired as soon as possible. These are recorded on the MOT certificate and will be monitored at future tests.
This tiered system provides a clearer indication of the severity of any issues found, helping owners prioritise repairs.
Stricter Emission Standards for Diesel Vehicles
In line with efforts to improve air quality, the 2018 changes introduced stricter limits for emissions from diesel cars. Specifically, a check was added for the presence of a diesel particulate filter (DPF). If a DPF has been tampered with or removed, the vehicle will fail its MOT. Furthermore, emission limits for all vehicles were tightened.
New Items Added to the Test
Several new checks were incorporated into the MOT test:
- Tyre Pressure: While tyre condition and tread depth were always checked, tyre pressure is now a specific point of inspection.
- Brake Fluid: The condition of brake fluid is now explicitly checked.
- Reverse Lights: For vehicles first registered after April 1, 2018, reverse lights are now a mandatory part of the test.
- Daytime Running Lights: For vehicles first registered after April 1, 2018, the condition of daytime running lights is also tested.
- Headlight Aim: The aim of headlights is checked more rigorously.
- Windscreen Visibility: The rules for what constitutes a failure due to windscreen damage were clarified, specifically concerning chips and cracks in the driver's line of sight.
Changes to What Constitutes a Failure
Beyond the new defect categories and added checks, some existing failure points were made more stringent:
- Engine Management Light: If the engine management warning light is illuminated on the dashboard, the vehicle will fail the MOT.
- Exhaust System: Any visible damage or leaks in the exhaust system will result in a fail.
- Horn: The horn must be functioning correctly and be the correct type for the vehicle.
- Fuel System: Any leaks in the fuel system will cause the vehicle to fail.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for the New MOT Rules
Being aware of the changes is the first step. The next is to ensure your vehicle is prepared. Here are some proactive steps you can take:
Regular Maintenance is Key
The best way to avoid MOT failures is to keep up with regular servicing and maintenance. This includes:
- Oil Changes: Regular oil and filter changes ensure the engine runs smoothly and efficiently, reducing emissions.
- Brake Checks: Periodically inspect your brake pads and discs. Don't wait for the MOT to discover worn brakes.
- Tyre Checks: Monitor your tyre tread depth (the legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread) and ensure they are properly inflated. Check for any cuts or bulges.
- Lights: Regularly walk around your car and check that all lights are working.
- Wipers and Washers: Ensure your wipers are not leaving streaks and that the washer fluid reservoir is topped up.
Understand Your Vehicle's Specifics
Different vehicles have different requirements. For instance, newer vehicles might have specific checks related to electronic systems or emission control devices like Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs).
Pre-MOT Checks
Many garages offer pre-MOT checks. These can help identify potential issues before you take your car for the official test, saving you the cost and inconvenience of a re-test.
What Happens if Your Car Fails the MOT?
If your vehicle fails the MOT, it's essential to understand the implications:
- Dangerous Defects: You cannot legally drive your car on the road. It must be repaired and re-tested. You can only drive it to a pre-arranged repair appointment.
- Major Defects: While you may be able to drive your car to a repair shop, it's not advisable to drive it for extended periods. It's best to get the repairs done promptly.
After repairs, your vehicle will need to undergo a partial or full re-test, depending on the nature of the failure and how soon after the original test the re-test is conducted. A partial re-test typically covers only the items that failed, and if done within a certain timeframe (usually 10 working days), it might be free of charge at the same test centre.
Common MOT Failure Points and How to Avoid Them
Here’s a look at some of the most common reasons for MOT failure and what you can do:
| Common Failure Point | What the Tester Checks | How to Avoid Failure |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Tread Depth | Minimum 1.6mm across 75% of the tread width. | Regularly check and replace tyres when worn. |
| Brake Performance | Effectiveness of braking system, including handbrake. | Regular brake checks, replace pads and discs as needed. |
| Lights | All lights functioning correctly and correctly aimed. | Periodically check all bulbs and ensure correct alignment. |
| Windscreen Visibility | Chips or cracks affecting driver's view. | Repair minor chips promptly; replace windscreen if damage is significant. |
| Worn Suspension Components | Ball joints, shock absorbers, springs. | Listen for unusual noises and have suspension checked during servicing. |
| Exhaust Emissions | Pollutant levels and presence of catalytic converter/DPF. | Regular servicing, use correct fuel, ensure catalytic converter/DPF is intact. |
| Horn | Functionality and type. | Ensure horn works and is the standard type for your vehicle. |
| Engine Management Light | Light illuminated on the dashboard. | Address any warning lights promptly; get the fault diagnosed. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When should I book my MOT?
You can get your MOT up to one month before your current MOT expires. The new expiry date will be exactly one year from the original expiry date, not from the date of the test. This means you can get your MOT done early without losing out on the time remaining on your current certificate.
Q2: Can I drive my car if it fails its MOT?
You can drive your car if it fails its MOT, provided it has a valid MOT certificate and you are taking it to a pre-arranged appointment for repair. If your car has a 'Dangerous' defect, you cannot legally drive it at all, except to a pre-arranged repair appointment. Driving a vehicle with a dangerous defect is an offence.
Q3: What is the difference between an MOT and a service?
An MOT is a legal requirement to ensure your vehicle is safe and roadworthy. A service is a routine maintenance check recommended by the manufacturer to keep your car in good working order. While they are different, regular servicing can help prevent your car from failing its MOT.
Q4: My car is less than three years old, does it need an MOT?
No, vehicles registered for the first time less than three years ago do not require an MOT. However, they must still be kept in a roadworthy condition. Once a vehicle is three years old, it will need its first MOT test.
Q5: Where can I find information about my vehicle's MOT history?
You can check your vehicle's MOT history online on the UK government website by entering your vehicle's registration number. This will show you past MOT test results, including any failures or advisories.
Staying Informed and Compliant
The MOT regulations are in place to ensure the safety of all road users. By understanding the current rules, performing regular checks, and addressing any potential issues promptly, you can ensure your vehicle remains compliant and safe. Don't be afraid to ask your mechanic if you're unsure about any aspect of the MOT test or your vehicle's condition. Proactive maintenance is always the most cost-effective approach to keeping your car on the road and passing its MOT with flying colours.
If you want to read more articles similar to Navigating New MOT Rules, you can visit the MOT category.