Changes to the MOT test

A new European Directive has introduced a number of new items to be included in the MOT test. These are mainly because manufacturers have introduced new technology to make vehicles safer on the roads but also to further standardise inspection across Europe.

What are the main changes?

The main changes relate to vehicle electronic safety and warning systems and vehicle construction and use. They will affect cars, light goods vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, buses and trailers.

The new test items will not apply to every vehicle as, depending on age and type, they will not necessarily have the systems fitted. Details are listed below.

You will see little change to the current test system and there will be no increase in MOT test fees.

Remember, the new test items do not all apply to every vehicle.

Electronic safety and warning systems

Dashboard management lights and warning lamps are now relatively common in all makes of vehicles – the following have been added to the list of checkable items:

headlamp main beam and hazard warning lamps including switches
electronic power steering and malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
steering and brake fluid levels including warning lamps
electronic parking brake and electronic braking systems malfunction indicator lamp
electronic stability control system including switch and the malfunction indicator lamp
tyre pressure monitoring systems including warning lamps (only applicable to cars first used after January 2012)
supplementary restraint systems including airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters

Vehicle construction and use

With the development of both performance and design components by car manufacturers, the following have now been added to the list of checkable items:

high intensity discharge headlamps, washing and levelling systems
an increase of brake efficiency for cars first used on or after 31 December 2011 from 50 per cent to 58 per cent
steering, suspension, brake and transmission dust covers/gaiters
steering wheel locking mechanism
driver’s seat adjustment mechanism
tow-bar assembly
emission control systems including catalytic converter
illumination of speedometers

Additional items for goods vehicles, buses and trailers (where applicable)

Standardised regulations covering all vehicles across Europe make it easier to ensure the safety and maintenance of vehicles. The following have now been added to the list of checkable items:

tyre sizes compliance with tachograph plaque
additional braking devices, for example brake retarders
load sensing valve data plate on certain vehicles
conspicuity (high visibility) markings on certain goods vehicles
an increase of brake efficiency for drawbar trailers first used on or after 31 December 2011 from 45 per cent to 50 per cent