The new MOT test changes: Here is what you need to know

The year was 1960 – Chubby Checker and the Twist are the years hottest dance craze, Cliff Richard is every teenage girls pop star bedroom wall pin up, Australian Jack Brabham won his second Formula One World Championship, and the debut episode of Coronation Street hit our TV  screens for the first time. 

This was also the year that the MOT test was introduced. The test was originally a basic test including brakes, lights and steering check which was to be carried out after the vehicle was ten years old and every year thereafter.
Almost sixty years on, there have been many changes to the test. The latest changes will take effect from this May 20th 2018, which will be bringing the MOT test up to date with new new defect types and stricter rules for diesel car emissions.

So what exactly is changing? 

Defects will be categorised differently

Defects will be classed as dangerous, major and minor to protect people from unsafe vehicles. Advisories (items you need to monitor) will also still feature. Dangerous and Major defects are failures on the MOT test. The Minor category is a pass but would still require you to look at the failure and to get it repaired to prevent it becoming a major or possibly dangerous by the next MOT a year later.

Dangerous = A direct and immediate risk to road safety or has a serious impact on the environment. Do not drive until repaired

Major = It may affect the vehicles safety, put other road users at risk or have an impact on the environment. Should be repaired as soon as possible

Minor = No Significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment

Advisory = It could become serious in future. Monitor and repair if necessary

Pass = Meets minimum legal standards

Tighter limits for smoke on diesel vehicles to help improve air quality 

Do you own a diesel car? 

If so, this new rule change will definitely be one of interest to you.  There will be stricter limits for emissions from diesel cars with a DPF (diesel particulate filter) . If the MOT tester finds smoke coming from the exhaust or that the DPF has been tampered with this will result with a major fault defect on your certificate. 

Totally new checks

There is also some new items that will be tested during your MOT, including: 

•  If your brake fluid has been contaminated

• For fluid leaks posing an environmental risk

• Reversing lights on vehicles first used from September 2009

• Daytime running lights on vehicles first used from March 2018 (most of these will not have their first MOT till 2021)

  The MOT certificate also gets a make-over 

  The new changes not just see an overhaul of changes to the test itself, but this is also includes an update to your certificate.

  It will be much more clearer and list the defects under the new categories, so they are clear and easier to understand. 

  Vehicles that are more than  40 years old will no longer need to take the test (unless substantially changed)                                                                  

  Vehicles which are more than 40 years old and have not been substantially changed will be exempt from the MOT test. You won’t have to apply to stop getting an MOT for your vehicle.

  Got any questions about your MOT or would like to book your vehicle in? 

  Call us on 01323 769233 or email receptionist@suttonz.com and speak to our friendly team today! 

  Our MOT station is based in Westham, East Sussex, you can find out more about our MOTs here.