MoT changes: half of drivers still in the dark

Half of British drivers are unaware that the MoT test has recently changed, according to a new study.

In a poll examining knowledge and driver attitudes towards the MoT, researchers found that a full 50 per cent of motorists didn’t realise the test was toughened in May.

A further 23 per cent were aware that there had been changes but didn’t know what they were.

The research was carried out by aftercare comparison site MyCarNeedsA.com.

Commenting on the survey, its managing director, Scott Hamilton, said: “The change to the MoT test may be a few months old now, but there’s clearly still a lack of understanding of what the changes mean for some motorists.

“While half of drivers said they didn’t know the test had changed, we’re more concerned about the one in four drivers who don’t know the new rules.

“Brushing up on your knowledge of the new test will save time, cost and hassle as you’ll be better informed before your visit to the local MoT test centre and this will increase your chances of passing first time.”

Any motorist caught driving a car without a valid MoT can be fined up to £1,000 so it’s worth making sure you’re up to speed with all the changes, outlined below.

FAULT CLASSIFICATION

Most obviously, the way faults are classified has changed. Previously a vehicle either passed or failed and testers issued advisory notices for issues which did not constitute a fail but which the tester felt needed attention.

Under the new system faults and defects fall into one of three categories – Dangerous, Major or Minor. Any car with a dangerous or major fault automatically fails the MOT while a vehicle with a minor fault passes but with a record of the fault made on the MOT certificate.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) says the change makes it clearer for drivers when a car shouldn’t be removed from the test centre without repairs but some, including the RAC, argue it creates more room for confusion.

EMISSIONS TESTING

Owners of diesel cars will find their cars are even more rigorously checked than before. Any car fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) – that’s any built after 2009 – will now automatically fail if it emits any visible smoke.

Testers also check if the DPF has been removed or tampered with. Any sign of this will earn it a fail unless the owner can prove a “legitimate” reason for it, such as cleaning of the DPF.

EXEMPTIONS

From May 20, cars more than 40 years old have not required an MOT, as long as they haven’t been “substantially altered”.

The Government says that as most cars that age are of “historical interest” they are owned by enthusiasts who will keep them well maintained. It also argues that most classic cars aren’t driven regularly and, when they are, it’s usually for shorter journeys.

NEW CHECKS

The DVSA has added several items that must be checked as part of the test. These include looking for underinflated tyres, contaminated brake fluid or faulty daytime running lights.