Over 30% of MOT tests for classes 3 & 4 (cars/Cars, vans and passenger vehicles with up to 12 seats) had an initial fail rate between July & September 2019.

Historically there have been a few major changes and additions to the MOT test –

  • 1968 – a tyre check
  • 1977 – checks of windscreen wipers and washers, indicators, brake lights, horns, exhaust system and condition of the body structure and chassis
  • 1991 – checks of the emissions test for petrol engine vehicles, together with checks on the anti-lock braking system, rear wheel bearings, rear wheel steering (where appropriate) and rear seat belts
  • 1992 – a stricter tyre tread depth requirement for most vehicles
  • 1994 – a check of emissions for diesel engine vehicles
  • 2005 – introduction of a computerised administration system for issuing non-secure test certificates, and the creation of the ‘Automated Test Bay’ which differed from traditional testing by installing equipment in the bay to obviate the need for a tester’s assistant during the test
  • 2012 – checks of secondary restraint systems, battery and wiring, electronic stability control (ESC), speedometers and steering locks.

So it’s worth knowing what new changes are coming to the test this year. There are new categories for defects with cars which drivers will have to understand, which are:

  • Dangerous – Direct risk to road safety or the environment. Results in a fail.
  • Major – Could affect safety or the environment. Results in a fail.
  • Minor – No effect on safety, but should be repaired as soon as possible.
  • Advisory – Could have an effect in future.
  • Pass – Meets the current legal standards.

There’s also a variety of new requirements are also being included in the MOT for the first time:

  • These include checks for:
  • Under-inflated tyres
  • Contaminated brake fluid
  • Brake pad warning lights and missing brake pads or discs
  • Reversing lights (for vehicles newer than September 2009)
  • Daytime running lights (for vehicles newer than March 2018)

Happy motoring in 2020!