MOT Changes: What You Need to Know

Understanding the New MOT Directive and Its Impact

The world of vehicle testing is on the cusp of significant evolution with the implementation of the new MOT Directive. Following extensive consultations by the Department for Transport (DfT), these changes are set to reshape how vehicles are assessed for roadworthiness. While the full scope of the directive will be rolled out gradually, with most changes taking effect from May next year, it's crucial for vehicle owners and garages alike to grasp the anticipated shifts. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what these changes entail, focusing on key areas that will directly affect your MOT experience.

A New Era of Defect Classification

One of the most impactful changes introduced by the directive is the reclassification of defects identified during the MOT test. From 20 May 2018, all identified issues will be categorised into one of three distinct groups: ‘dangerous’, ‘major’, or ‘minor’. This new system is designed to provide greater clarity for drivers, highlighting the severity of any faults and emphasizing the most critical areas requiring immediate attention. The aim is to empower vehicle owners with a clearer understanding of their vehicle's condition, encouraging more proactive maintenance and ensuring safer roads for everyone.

Understanding the Categories:

The distinction between these categories is vital:

• Dangerous Defects: These are faults that pose a direct and immediate risk to road safety or have a serious impact on the environment. Vehicles with dangerous defects will automatically fail the MOT and must not be driven away from the testing centre. The directive aims to make these defects stand out prominently on the test documentation to leave no room for ambiguity.
• Major Defects: Similar to dangerous defects, major faults also result in an MOT failure. While not posing an immediate, critical risk, these issues are still significant enough to compromise the vehicle's safety or environmental compliance. Drivers will be informed of these faults and will need to have them rectified before the vehicle can be declared roadworthy.
• Minor Defects: These faults are comparable to the current ‘advisories’. They indicate issues that are not severe enough to cause an immediate MOT failure but should be monitored and addressed at the earliest opportunity. The intention is to provide drivers with proactive advice on potential future problems, promoting preventative maintenance.

Historic Vehicles: A New Exemption

The directive also addresses the treatment of ‘historic vehicles’. In response to DfT consultations, a significant change is being introduced regarding the MOT exemption for older vehicles. Instead of the current rule, which exempts vehicles manufactured before 1960, the new regulation will implement a ‘rolling 40-year old’ exemption. This means that vehicles that are 40 years or older, and crucially, have not undergone substantial modifications, will be exempt from the requirement for an annual MOT test. This change is a positive step for owners of classic and vintage vehicles, recognising their unique status while still ensuring that any modifications do not compromise their roadworthiness.

Advisories: Refining the Information Flow

The concept of ‘advisories’ is also under review, with the aim of making the information provided to drivers more relevant and actionable. Consideration is being given to ways of noting observations that are not directly aimed at the vehicle driver. For instance, if a component like an undertray prevents a tester from accessing certain parts of the vehicle for inspection, this information could be recorded. However, it might not be presented to the driver as a direct advisory, as it relates to the testing process itself rather than a fault with the vehicle that the driver needs to address. This distinction aims to streamline the information provided, ensuring drivers receive advice pertinent to their vehicle's condition and maintenance.

Furthermore, there's a discussion about moving away from manual advisories if all ‘test-related’ and standard advisories are easily accessible and integrated into the system. This potential shift could streamline the reporting process, but it’s acknowledged as a change that might be contentious for some. Detailed feedback will be sought on this matter to ensure a balanced approach.

Emissions Testing: Stricter Limits for Diesels

In line with a growing focus on environmental protection, the directive introduces changes to emissions testing, particularly for diesel vehicles. The limits for diesel emissions will be lowered, requiring adjustments to diesel smoke meter settings and software. This proactive measure aims to reduce pollution from diesel vehicles, contributing to improved air quality. Garage equipment manufacturers are being engaged to ensure they are prepared for these technical adjustments, and garages will be given ample notice to schedule the necessary work, with updates provided at least six months in advance.

The Inspection Manual and Vehicle Categories

These forthcoming changes necessitate an update to the MOT inspection manual. Feedback on early versions has already been gathered from VTS Council members, and this input will be incorporated into the revised manual, which will be published shortly. The directive also mandates a move to standard EU vehicle categories. This harmonisation aims to create consistency across the vehicle lifecycle, from initial approval to on-road use. However, for the purposes of garage authorisations, the existing MOT classes will be retained for the time being, minimising disruption to current testing procedures.

Research and Collaboration: Ensuring a Smooth Transition

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is committed to ensuring that the implementation of the directive is as smooth and beneficial as possible. This involves extensive research with garages and their customers to understand the practical implications of the changes and to gather feedback. Expect to see DVSA representatives actively engaging with the automotive community to refine the process and ensure that the new system accurately records MOT results and provides clear, helpful information to drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will the defect categorisation change?

Defects will now be categorised as 'dangerous', 'major', or 'minor'. 'Dangerous' and 'major' defects will result in an MOT failure, with 'dangerous' faults requiring immediate attention and preventing the vehicle from being driven. 'Minor' defects will be similar to current advisories.

Comparative Table of MOT Test Changes

The introduction of the new MOT Directive marks a significant step forward in ensuring vehicle safety and environmental standards. By understanding these changes and preparing accordingly, both drivers and the automotive industry can navigate this transition effectively, contributing to safer roads and a cleaner environment.

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