MOT Changes to take effect 20th May 2018.

The annual check all vehicles must pass annually after 3 years of age is set to change on 20th May 2018 with additional checks, stricter rules on diesel car emissions and some vehicles over 40 years of age becoming exempt.

The way the MOT test works in England, Scotland and Wales will change from Sunday 20th May 2018.

Here is a quick summary of the changes, full details of the changes to the MOT testing can be found on the DVSA website here; https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mot-changes-20-may-2018

  1. Defects found during the MOT will be categorised as either;
    1. Dangerous
    2. Major
    3. Minor

The category of each item will depend on the type of problem and how serious it is with Dangerous and Major will affect the result with a Fail.

  1. Stricter Rules for Diesel Car Emissions

There will be stricter limits for emissions from diesel cars with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). A DPF captures and stores exhaust soot to reduce emissions from diesel cars.

  1. New items to be tested during the MOT include;
    1. If tyres are obviously underinflated
    2. If brake fluid has been contaminated
    3. For fluid leaks posing an environmental risk.
    4. Brake pad warning lights & if brake pads/discs are missing.
    5. Reversing lights on vehicles first used from 1st September 2009
    6. Headlight washers on vehicles used from 1st September 2009 (if they have them)
    7. Daytime running lights on vehicles first used from 1st March 2018
  2. Some cars will no longer require an MOT.

When the rules change on 20th May 2018 vehicles won’t need an MOT from the 40th Anniversary of then they were first registered.

More information on MOT’s and the changes being put in to place on 28th April 2018 visit the DVSA website https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mot-changes-20-may-2018