2018 MOT Test Changes

From 20th May 2018


There will be some changes that are going to be introduced to the MOT test from the 20th May 2018.

These will consist of stricter rulers and changes for: diesel cars, vehicles over 40 years old and new defect types for your car, van, motorcycle or other light passenger vehicles as well as some new checks included in your MOT test.

Book an MOT

Dealership near me

Find out more

2018 MOT Test Changes

New defect types


Before, the defect types that were categorised during your MOT test were known as either: dangerous, major or minor. Look at the table below to view the new defect types, their meanings and how they will affect your MOT result.

ResultWhat does this mean?How will it affect
my MOT result?
Dangerous An immediate risk to road safety to has a serious impact on the environment.

Do not drive the vehicle until it has 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 effect on the safety of the vehicle or any impact on the environment.

Repair as soon as possible.
Pass
Advisory It may 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

Diesel car emissions


​There will be stricter limits for the emissions from diesel cars with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). A DPF is used to capture and store exhaust soot to reduce the emissions produced from diesel cars. If you are unsure that your vehicle has a DPF you can check the vehicle's handbook. Your vehicle will get a major fault if the MOT tester will find the following:

  • ​smoke of any colour coming from the exhaust
  • evidence that the DPF has been tampered with

New Additions


​​It is always best to check on a regular basis that all the lights, tyres and fluids are topped up and working to ensure your and the safety of other road users. Here is a list of the new items that will be checked on your MOT test:

  • ​If your tyres are obviously under-inflated
  • If the brake fluid has been contaminated
  • For fluid leaks posing an environmental risk
  • Brake pad warning lights and if brake pad/ discs are missing
  • Reversing lights on vehicles first used from 1st September 2009
  • Headlight washers on vehicles first used from 1st September 2009 (if they have them)
  • Daytime running lights on vehicles first used from 1st March 2018 (most of these vehicles will have their first MOT in 2021 when they are 3 years old)

MOT Certificate


Once your MOT test has been completed you will receive an MOT certificate. On the new MOT certificate it will list any defects under the new categories so it is more clearer and easier for the driver to understand what needs doing on their vehicle - unless it has passed.

Vehicles over 40 years old


If you own a vehicle that is over 40 years old you do not have to take it in for an MOT test - so long as it has not been substantially changed.

Until now, vehicles that were first built before 1960 were exempt from needing an MOT. Now the rules have changed and vehicles won't need an MOT from the 40th anniversary of when it was registered or manufactured. You can check the date of when your vehicle was registered here.

You won't need to apply to stop getting an MOT for your vehicle - although every time you tax your vehicle you will have to declare that it meet the rules for not needing an MOT.

Important information


In January 2018, the government decided to keep the age of the vehicle being 3 years old to qualify for its first MOT rather than it being extended to 4 years.

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