Major changes to the MOT test are now live!

The DVSA has introduced changes to the MOT test with new rules effective as of Sunday 20th May.

As the first Ministry of Transport test – MOT’s – are carried out under the new legislation, Stockport based John Delany Motors have put together a summary of the changes.

Although there won’t be much difference to the way that your MOT is carried out, it’s worth being aware of the changes to the MOT test and adjustments.

New Categories

Your vehicle will no longer ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’ its MOT, instead it’ll be put into one of the following categories:

PASSES
Pass- If your vehicle meets the minimum legal standard it will pass it’s MOT test.

Pass with Advisories– If small faults are found, your vehicle will pass with an advisory. You should “monitor and repair (the fault) if necessary”.

Pass with Minor Fails (in addition to advisories)- Cars that fall into this category will pass and faults will be recorded. For example, cars with a fault posing “no significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment” will be regarded as minor and will pass, although you are expected to repair the fault as soon as possible. The minor fails are pre-written by the DVSA, you will still receive a pass but will need to get the vehicle repaired as soon as possible.

FAILS
There are two categories of fails. Now, rather than the tester decide the severity of the fail (major or dangerous) the failure category is now pre-determined.

Major Fails– if the fault “may affect the vehicle’s safety, put other road users at risk or have an impact on the environment.”

Dangerous Fails– the vehicle poses “a direct and dangerous risk to road safety or has a serious impact on the environment.” You are not able to drive the vehicle until it is repaired.