Get ready for MOT changes

MOTORISTS in Halton are being reminded that changes to MOT testing will come into force in just a few months time.

The changes from Sunday, May 20, will according to the Driver And Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), improve air quality and make roads safer.

They include new and tougher defect categories which includes classing them as dangerous, major and minor to highlight unsafe vehicles.

There will also be tighter limits for smoke on diesel vehicles to help improve air quality.

New checks added to the test include reversing lights on vehicles first used from September 2009, as well as daytime running lights and front fog lights on vehicles first used from this March.

There will also be emission control equipment checks and fluid leaks posing an environmental risk will be assessed.

The MOT failure documents and certificate will be clearer and show the new defect category, and vehicles which are more than 40 years old and have not been substantially changed will be exempt from the test.

DVSA chief executive Gareth Llewellyn said: “DVSA’s priority is to help you keep your vehicle safe to drive.

“The MOT test checks that important parts of your vehicle meet the legal roadworthiness standards. These changes to the MOT test will help make sure vehicles are safer and cleaner.

“I’d urge all motorists to familiarise themselves with the new items that will be included in the test so that they can avoid their vehicle failing its MOT.”

The changes come nearly 60 years after the MOT test was introduced.

Drivers can check the date their car’s MOT is due at www.gov.uk/ check-mot-history