Only three months to go until the new MOT changes come into force, on 20th May, 2018. Designed to make the test stricter, these changes are set to ensure the cars on our roads are safer than before. These will also ensure the MOT test adheres to the ‘EU Roadworthiness Package’, with closer scrutiny on the particulate filters of diesel cars and a new way of categorising faults; Minor, Major or Dangerous. After the “Dieselgate” situation, it’s clear emissions will continue to be a matter of close concern. Please bear in mind the following changes are working in conjunction with the rest of the checks conducted during an MOT.
MMD System; Minor, Major & Dangerous
- Minor: Minor issues will not fail the MOT, but will be recorded on the test and online record, in the same way as advisories are recorded at present
- Major: If any issue is classified as Major, the car will fail the MOT test and will need to be repaired then resubmitted for testing
- Dangerous: A Dangerous fault will also fail the MOT, and will be flagged to the owner with great urgency than a Major. More explicit warnings will be included on the failure notice, with notification of the potential penalties should the car be driven away in a dangerous condition (which is a criminal act).
Emissions
Nobody wants to follow a smoking car, and from May, it’s unlikely you will (not one that holds a legal MOT, anyway). If the exhaust on a vehicle fitted with a DPF emits “visible smoke of any colour”, it will be classed as a Major fault, and the MOT failed as a result.
Particulate Filter Checks
If you own a diesel car, read on closely, especially if your DPF has been removed or turned off. Following the VW DPF scandal, this crackdown will mean that cars that don’t have a DPF or have had it tampered with will be ineligible for testing at all, as well as being illegal to use on the roads. The only exception is if it has been removed for cleaning.
If this applies to your car, bear in mind that the penalties are high – £1,000 for a car and £2,500 for a van! With increases in technology making DPF detection easier for mechanics, don’t try to play the system!
Steering
The steering box will be looked at as part of the new test, to ensure it is not leaking or dripping oil. If it is, the car will be given a Minor or Major, depending on the severity of the leak.
Reversing Lights
These will now be checked as part of the MOT, whereas they are not included at the present time.
Brake Discs
Brake discs will now undergo additional tests to check how worn they are (with “significant or obviously worn” constituting as a Major fail). They will also be checked as to how securely they are attached to the wheel hubs, and whether there is any oil contamination.
Exemptions
In addition to the changes as above, cars over 40 years old (made in 1978 or before) will now be exempt from MOT tests; this is estimated to mean that around 1.5% of cars on our roads will now be road legal, but not MOT tested. The current cut off is for cars or motorcycles made before 1960.
The Department for Transport have stated that surveys show owners of older cars don’t use them enough for an MOT to be necessary, and also that they are typically kept in good condition.
Goods vehicles powered by electricity and tractors will also remain exempt.
