Defects Categorised Differently
Defects found during an MOT test are categorised as Dangerous, Major or Minor and will depend on the issue found and how serious it is. MOT testers will still give advice on items that you need to monitor. Below shows how each category will affect your MOT results:
• Dangerous – fail - do not drive the vehicle until it has been repaired
• Major – fail – repair it immediately
• Minor – pass -repair as soon as possible
• Advisory – pass – monitor and repair if necessary
• Pass – pass – ensure it continues to meet the standard
Tighter Rules For Diesel Car Emissions
For diesel cars with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), there are now stricter rules for the emissions. Your vehicle will get a major fault if the MOT tester:
• Can see smoke (of any colour) coming from the exhaust
• Finds evidence that the DPF has been tampered with.
You should check your vehicle’s handbook if you are unsure if your car has a DPF.
New Things Included On The MOT
MOT testers will now be tasked with inspecting new items that they previously did not have to; these include:
• Obviously underflated tyres
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Fluid leaks posing as environmental risk
• Brake pad warning lights/missing brake pads/discs
• Reversing lights on cars first used from 1st September 2009
• Headlight washers (if applicable) on vehicles first used from 1st September 2009
• Daytime running lights on vehicles first used from 1st March 2018 (most vehicles first MOT will be in 2021 for this check).
MOT Certificate Will Change
The current MOT Certificate seen below on the left, will change to the new style (on the right). The new certificate will list any defects under the new categories, so they are clear and simple to understand.
Some Vehicles Over 40 Years Old Won’t Need An MOT
Until now, only vehicles which were first built before 1960 were exempt from needing an MOT. Cars, Vans, Motorcycles and other light passenger vehicles wont need an MOT if they’re over 40 years old and have not substantially changed. You can check the date your vehicle was registered by clicking here.
You don’t need to apply to stop getting an MOT for your vehicle. However, each time you tax your historic vehicle (even if you don’t pay a fee), you will need to declare it meets the rules for not needing an MOT.
Other Information
• The maximum fee which MOT Centres can charge won’t change
• You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT. You can sign up for a free MOT reminder by text message or email a month before your MOT is due.
• In January 2018, the Government decided to keep the age a vehicle needs its first MOT at 3 years, rather than extending it to 4 years.
Want to find out more about the MOT changes? Contact our Centres today, our team of friendly experts are more than happy to answer questions you may have. You can also book your car in for its MOT test by clicking here today!
