The MOT is changing. Every driver’s least favourite day of the year has some new rules. If you keep good care of your car then you should still be able to pass. However, there are still a few things that you should consider before taking your test.

What is the MOT?

The MOT (Ministry of Transport Test) is a compulsory annual test of vehicle safety, aspects of roadworthiness and exhaust emissions. All cars over three years old have to have an MOT test carried out by an approved testing centre. The test makes sure that your vehicle is safe to drive and is not excessively harmful to the environment.

What has Changed?

The MOT has changed in a number of ways. The most noticeable of these is that faults are now divided into three categories: Dangerous, Major and Minor. While a minor fault will still allow you to pass, a major or a dangerous fault will fail you. Diesel engines are also set to receive more intensive testing on their emissions. The following elements are also going to be added to the check:

  • Underinflated Tyres
  • Contaminated Brake Fluid
  • Leaking Fluid
  • Non Functioning Reversing Lights
  • Missing Brake Pads

What do the New Categories Mean?

The new categories are meant to better classify issues the MOT finds. However, they can be a little tricky to understand at first. Where cars could previously pass or fail, now they have grades of failure.

  • Dangerous faults: Cars with dangerous faults are an immediate risk to other drivers, or would have cause major damage to the environment.
  • Major faults: A major fault in a car is enough to automatically fail the MOT, and needs to be repaired immediately.
  • Minor Faults: Finally, a minor fault is not enough to fail, but should still be repaired in the future. MOT testers will give you advice on what to do.

Why Make these Changes?

The changes to the MOT are a necessary part of the EU’s roadworthiness directive. As a result, the new rules exist to improve vehicle technology and maintenance practices. They are designed to improve vehicle emissions across Europe and to reduce road fatalities from faults.