Vehicles must pass tougher and updated MOT tests

The new MOT comes into force on Sunday (John Stillwell/PA) Credit: PA Archive/PA Images

A tougher and updated MOT has come into force in Britain to improve air quality and make roads safer.

Diesel cars are now subjected to tighter smoke limits, while new fail categories state when a vehicle should not be driven until a dangerous defect is repaired.

A number of components and functions will be tested for the first time under the refreshed regulations.

Gareth Llewellyn, chief executive of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), said: “DVSA’s priority is to help you keep your vehicle safe to drive.

“You can start to look forward to cleaner, safer vehicles, with greater clarity on any defects identified by the tester.

“A properly maintained vehicle should have no problem passing the new MOT.”

  • What are the changes?

The changes to how defects are categorised – minor, major or dangerous – are designed to make it simpler for motorists to know if their vehicle is safe to drive.

Among the checks being carried out for the first time under the new regime are:

– if tyres are obviously underinflated

– for fluid leaks posing an environmental risk

– reverse lights on vehicles first used from September 2009

Motoring groups have expressed concern that many drivers are confused or unaware of the new test.

Breakdown cover provider Green Flag found 58% of 1,023 drivers surveyed did not know the changes came into effect on Sunday.

Under the new testing regime MOTs will need to check if tyres are obviously underinflated. Credit: PA

  • What happens if my car fails its MOT?

Faults which are deemed “dangerous” or “major” will result in the MOT being failed. DVSA advises that a “minor” issue should be repaired as soon as possible.

There will be stricter limits for emissions from diesel cars with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), which captures soot.

Vehicles will get a “major” fault if the MOT tester can see smoke of any colour coming from the exhaust or finds evidence that the DPF has been tampered with.

The new rules could lead to expensive bills for people who have previously taken their cars to unscrupulous garages where DPFs have been removed because they are costly to replace when faulty.

New DPFs often cost more than £1,000, which is more than the value of many cars on the road.

Nick Reid, head of automotive technology at Green Flag, said: “The majority of drivers are going to get caught out and potentially face fines.

“We are urging drivers to read up on the new rules and ensure that they book MOTs in early.”

Some 49% of 1,866 drivers questioned by the RAC mistakenly believe vehicles found to have a “minor” fault will fail the test.

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

Vehicles must undergo the test on the third anniversary of their registration and every 12 months if they are over three years old.

A number of vehicle parts are checked during MOTs to ensure they meet legal standards, such as lights, seatbelts, tyres and brakes.

Twenty-eight people were killed and 413 were seriously injured in accidents on Britain’s roads in 2016 when a vehicle defect was a contributory factor.