Changes to the reporting of MOT Test 2018

1. Defects are categorised differently

Defects found during the MOT test are now categorised as either dangerous, major, minor or advisory. The category the MOT tester gives each item will depend on the type of problem and how serious it is.

Dangerous and major defects are considered to be detrimental to the vehicle’s safety, put other road users at risk or have an impact on the environment, These defects will result in an instant fail and must be repaired immediately.

Minor defects are considered to have no significant effect on the safety of the vehicle but should be repaired as soon as possible, and advisories are things that should be monitored and are likely to require attention in the near future.

At BP Rolls we will share your advisories with you via a Citnow video so that you have a visual record of the items that need to be repaired or monitored. How’s that for transparency?

2. Stricter rules for diesel car emissions

There are 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.

Check your car’s handbook if you don’t know if your car has a DPF.

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

3. Some new things are included in the MOT

Some new items are tested during the MOT.

They include checking:

• if tyres are obviously underinflated
• if the brake fluid has been contaminated
• for fluid leaks posing an environmental risk
• brake pad warning lights and if brake pads or discs are missing
• reversing lights on vehicles first used from 1 September 2009
• headlight washers on vehicles first used from 1 September 2009 (if they have them)
• daytime running lights on vehicles first used from 1 March 2018 (most of these vehicles will have their first MOT in 2021 when they’re 3 years old)

There are other smaller changes to how some items are checked. Your MOT centre will be able to tell you about these

4. The MOT certificate will change

The design of the MOT certificate has changed.

It lists any defects under the new categories, so they’re clear and easy to understand.

The service to check the MOT history of a vehicle has been updated to reflect the changes.

5. Some vehicles over 40 years old won’t need an MOT

Cars, vans, motorcycles and other light passenger vehicles won’t need to have an MOT if they’re over 40 years old and have not been substantially changed.

Until now, only vehicles first built before 1960 were exempt from needing an MOT.

Now the rules have changed, vehicles won’t need an MOT from the 40th anniversary of when they were registered or manufactured. You can check the date the vehicle was registered online.

You won’t have 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’ll have to declare it meets the rules for not needing an MOT.

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

At BP Rolls Automotive we have four qualified MOT Testers who are all experienced and skilled NVQ certified vehicle technicians. In fact, each of our team members is trained to a high level with continuous professional development a key part of our business strategy - keeping us ahead of the competition.

To book your car in for an MOT Test at BP Rolls call 01264 361516

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