New MOT Rules Come into Force in May

MOT test changes in 2018 are set to shake up the annual road-worthiness inspection. A whole raft of updates are set to be introduced to the Ministry of Transport's long-running test, changing the way cars and vehicles are evaluated and leaving many wondering; just what are the new MOT rules?

In order to shed some light on the subject, let's look at all of the coming MOT test changes in 2018.

MOT test changes and what they mean

So, just what are the new MOT rules? Well, the most radical changes coming centre around the new failure categories. Defects and faults will now be graded in accordance to severity, and placed into corresponding categories. There will be three of these new categories, 'dangerous', 'major', and 'minor', and those vehicles with issues that fall into the dangerous or major heading will automatically fail the MOT.

Despite the new system, it will still be possible for a vehicle to pass the MOT with minor faults listed that are later specified on the MOT certificate and advisory notes. Minor faults can include small leaks, but as soon as the problem worsens it will be upgraded to a major fault. Dangerous faults, the most severe label, constitute an issue that would make the car unsafe to even leave the garage or MOT test centre. These faults can include extremely worn brake discs or a loose steering wheel.

The other major MOT test changes in 2018 focus on diesel cars. The government is cracking down on diesel cars in a bid to improve emissions, and as diesel is still less clean than petrol (not to mention electric and hybrid cars), it will now be harder for a vehicle with a diesel engine to pass the MOT test.

Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) are to be checked more thoroughly, and the car will fail if it has found to have been removed or modified in any way. A stricter smoke limit test will also see any DPF emitting visible smoke receiving a major fault label.

The final big change to the MOT is a free notification system to remind you that your test is due. The Ministry of Transport is hoping that the simple online application and messaging tool will work to lower the number of vehicles on the road that are driving without a valid certificate, and since you can be fined for driving without an MOT, it really is worth joining the scheme.

When do the new MOT rules come into force?

The MOT test changes in 2018 come into force on Sunday 20th May and will apply to all road using passenger vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, vans, and others.

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