17/05/2011
The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a crucial annual check for vehicles over three years old in the United Kingdom. It ensures that your car meets minimum road safety and environmental standards. Over the years, the MOT testing service has undergone several revisions to keep pace with evolving vehicle technology and safety requirements. Understanding these changes is vital for all vehicle owners to ensure compliance and maintain the roadworthiness of their cars. This article will delve into the most significant alterations made to the MOT testing service, providing a comprehensive overview of what drivers need to know.
Key Changes to the MOT Test
The MOT test has been updated several times, with the most significant recent changes coming into effect in May 2018. These updates were designed to make the test more relevant to modern vehicles and to improve the clarity of the results. Here are the core modifications:
New Defect Categories
One of the most substantial changes was the introduction of a new three-tiered system for classifying defects:
- Dangerous: Vehicles with a dangerous defect will not be allowed to drive. This is a category for issues that pose a direct and immediate risk to road safety or have a serious impact on the environment. If your vehicle fails with a dangerous defect, you cannot drive it until it is repaired.
- Major: These are defects that could potentially compromise the safety of the vehicle, have an impact on the environment, or put other road users at risk. A vehicle with a major defect will still pass the MOT, but it must be repaired within a specified timeframe (usually by the next scheduled MOT).
- Minor: These are defects that do not have a significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or its impact on the environment. A vehicle with only minor defects will pass the MOT, and no immediate action is required, though it's advisable to get them fixed at your earliest convenience.
Previously, the MOT system used a pass/fail system with a list of reasons for failure. This new categorisation provides more nuanced feedback to drivers, highlighting the severity of any issues found.
Introduction of New Test Items
Several new items were added to the MOT test to reflect advancements in vehicle technology and safety features:
- Daytime Running Lights: For vehicles first registered after 1 April 2018, the functioning of daytime running lights will be checked.
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS): Systems that alert drivers to underinflated tyres will be inspected for their presence and function.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS): For vehicles first registered after 1 January 2012, the presence and operation of ESC and ABS warning lights will be checked.
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF): The DPF is now a mandatory check. A vehicle will fail if the DPF has been removed or tampered with, unless it has been removed for a genuine reason such as filter replacement.
Changes to What Causes an MOT Failure
Certain issues that were previously advisory points can now result in an MOT failure:
- Tyres: Tyres with a tread depth below the legal limit of 1.6mm are a failure. Any visible defects like cuts or bulges will also cause a fail.
- Headlights: Incorrectly aimed headlights (including daytime running lights) are now a failure item.
- Brake Fluid: If the brake fluid is contaminated or below the minimum level, the vehicle will fail.
- Windscreen: While minor chips in the windscreen were previously advisory, a chip or crack in the driver's field of vision larger than 10mm, or a chip or crack larger than 40mm in any other part of the windscreen, will now result in a fail.
New MOT Test Certificate
The design of the MOT test certificate has also been updated to reflect the new defect categories. It now clearly lists any defects found as ‘Dangerous’, ‘Major’, or ‘Minor’. This makes it easier for drivers to understand the outcome of their test and the actions they need to take.
What These Changes Mean for You
These changes are designed to improve road safety and environmental protection. For vehicle owners, it means being more vigilant about regular maintenance. Here’s a breakdown of how these changes might affect you:
Vehicle Age and Technology
If you own a newer vehicle (registered after April 2018), you’ll need to be aware of the checks on daytime running lights and TPMS. For vehicles registered after January 2012, the ESC and ABS checks are also relevant.
Tyre Maintenance
With tyres being a critical safety component, the MOT test now places a stronger emphasis on their condition. Regularly checking your tyre tread depth and looking for any signs of damage is more important than ever. Many garages offer free tyre checks, which can help you stay ahead of potential issues.
Diesel Vehicle Emissions
The inclusion of the DPF check is significant for diesel vehicle owners. Tampering with or removing the DPF can lead to a failed MOT, and also attracts penalties from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Ensure your DPF is in good working order.
Preparation is Key
To ensure your vehicle passes its MOT, consider carrying out some basic checks yourself before taking it to the test centre. This includes checking your tyre tread, lights, wipers, horn, and windscreen. Many MOT centres offer pre-checks or ‘MOT preparation’ services, which can help identify potential issues before the official test.
Comparison of Old vs. New MOT Test Requirements
To further illustrate the impact of the changes, here’s a comparative table:
| Feature | Previous MOT (Pre-May 2018) | Current MOT (Post-May 2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Defect Classification | Pass/Fail with advisories | Dangerous, Major, Minor defects |
| New Test Items | Limited | Daytime Running Lights, TPMS, ESC/ABS checks (for newer vehicles), DPF checks |
| Tyre Tread Depth | Advisory below 1.6mm | Failure below 1.6mm |
| Headlight Aim | Advisory if misaligned | Failure if misaligned |
| Windscreen Cracks (Driver's View) | Advisory if >10mm | Failure if >10mm |
| DPF Removal | Not explicitly tested | Failure if removed (unless for genuine replacement) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: My car failed its MOT. What happens next?
If your car fails its MOT, you will be given a ‘refusal of an MOT certificate’. You can either leave the vehicle at the test centre for repairs or drive it away if the existing MOT certificate is still valid and the failure items are not classified as ‘dangerous’. You must get the necessary repairs done and then have the vehicle retested.
Q2: How long do I have to get repairs done after failing an MOT?
If your vehicle has dangerous defects, you cannot drive it until they are repaired. For major defects, it’s advisable to get them repaired as soon as possible, and certainly before the vehicle’s next MOT is due. You can have the repairs done at any garage, and then take the car back to the original test centre for a partial retest (which may involve re-testing only the failed items).
Q3: Can I be fined for driving a car with an expired MOT?
Yes, you can. Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate is illegal, unless you are driving it to a pre-booked MOT appointment. You can face fines and penalty points on your licence.
Q4: Are there any exemptions from the MOT test?
Yes, vehicles that were first registered before 1 August 1962 are exempt from the MOT test. However, they must still be kept in a roadworthy condition.
Q5: What is the cost of an MOT test?
The maximum prices for an MOT test are set by the government and vary depending on the type of vehicle. For cars, the maximum fee is £54.85. Garages can charge less, but not more.
Staying Compliant and Safe
The evolution of the MOT testing service underscores the ongoing commitment to road safety and environmental standards in the UK. By understanding the current requirements, performing regular checks, and addressing any issues promptly, vehicle owners can ensure their cars remain safe, legal, and environmentally sound. Regular maintenance is not just about passing the MOT; it's about protecting yourself, your passengers, and other road users. Stay informed about these changes and keep your vehicle in top condition.
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