Major MOT Changes Are Coming in May 2018

There are some significant changes coming to the MOT test next month.

From 20 May 2018, new MOT testing rules will come into force across England, Scotland and Wales, including changes to the way defects are categorised and additional checks for certain vehicle components.

At Meadowfield Auto Centre in Ponteland, we've been reviewing the changes ahead of their introduction so that both our MOT testers and our customers know what to expect.

There are more than a few changes involved, so here's a summary of some of the most important ones.

A new way of categorising MOT defects

One of the most noticeable changes will be the introduction of three defect categories:

Dangerous – Major – Minor

Dangerous and Major defects will result in an MOT failure, while a Minor defect won't result in a failure but will be recorded on the MOT certificate.

Advisories will also continue to be used where appropriate.

For motorists, this should make it easier to understand the seriousness of defects identified during an MOT.

New and changing MOT checks

The revised test also introduces or changes requirements affecting a number of vehicle systems.

Depending on the vehicle and its age, these include areas such as daytime running lights, reversing lights, brake warning systems, fluid leaks and emissions-control equipment.

There are also important changes affecting diesel vehicles, particularly those fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), alongside tighter diesel smoke requirements.

The exact requirements depend upon the vehicle, its age and specification, which is why we've linked customers directly to the government's information about the changes.

Getting ready at Meadowfield

As an authorised MOT testing station in Ponteland, keeping up with changes to the MOT testing standards is simply part of the job.

Our original customer notice about the forthcoming changes was published on 27 April 2018, giving Meadowfield customers several weeks' notice before the new rules came into effect.

The response was considerable, with the information being shared 80 times on Facebook as local motorists tried to understand what the new MOT rules would mean for their vehicles.

From 20 May 2018, MOT tests carried out at Meadowfield Auto Centre will follow the revised testing requirements.

If your MOT is approaching and you're unsure what the changes mean for your vehicle, just ask us.

MOT testing may be changing. Our job remains the same: making sure you understand exactly what your vehicle needs – and why.