Confusion ahead of new rules for MOTs

New MOT test rules coming into force on Sunday are causing confusion among some motorists, a survey suggests.

A total of 49% of 1,866 drivers questioned by the RAC mistakenly believe vehicles with a “minor” fault will fail the test.

Such a scenario will actually be a “pass with defects” that need remedied as soon as possible.

Three new categories of fault are being introduced: dangerous, major and minor.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “Changes to the MOT that make vehicles using our roads safer are undoubtedly a positive step so we hope testers everywhere interpret and apply the new rules fairly and consistently.

“The last thing we want to see is a lowering of MOT standards and an increase in the number of unroadworthy vehicles.”

Another key alteration to the test is stricter limits for emissions from diesel cars with a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

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

This could lead to expensive bills for people who have previously taken their cars to unscrupulous garages.

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

Many drivers surveyed thought they cost £250 to £500.

Mr Williams said: “Those unlucky enough to discover their vehicle has a faulty or tampered with diesel particulate filter will, unfortunately for them, be burning a big hole in their pocket due to the very high cost of replacement.”

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

Vehicles must take the test on the third anniversary of registration then every 12 months.

A number of vehicle parts are checked at MOTs to ensure they meet legal standards, such as lights, 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.

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.”