MOT changes - New Items that come into the MOT test from May 2018

May 20th 2018 was an important date in the world of MOT testing as it brought some of the most significant changes to the MOT in recent times. 

Below are a list of the items that are now tested in the MOT. 

• brake fluid contamination
• additional braking device performance
• daytime running lamps
• front fog lamps
• reversing lamps
• bumpers
• prop shafts
• all rear drive shafts
• cab security
• cab steps
• floors
• passenger hand grips (quads and heavy trikes only)
• noise suppression material
• undertray security
• emission control equipment:
  • oxygen sensor
  • NOx sensor
  • exhaust gas recirculation valve
  • other emission control equipment
• engine malfunction indicator lamp
• diesel particulate filter (DPF) tampering
• fluid leaks - engine, transmission and so on

MOT Category Changes

May the 20th sees some major changes to the MOT testing system and the MOT test itself. Here is the first short explanation of one of the changes that are coming...

Firstly the update sees a change in the categories of "Pass, Fail & Advise." The principles are the same, but the new categories are as follows (with a summary of what it means):

Item result	What it means about the item	How it affects the MOT result
Dangerous	A direct and immediate risk to road safety or has a serious impact on the environment. Do not drive the vehicle until it’s been repaired.	Fail
Major	It may affect the vehicle’s safety, put other road users at risk or have an impact on the environment. Repair it immediately.	Fail
Minor	No significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment. Repair as soon as possible.	Pass
Advisory	It could become more serious in the future. Monitor and repair it if necessary.	Pass
Pass	It meets the minimum legal standard. Make sure it continues to meet the standard.	Pass