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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.
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.
| Result | What 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 |
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:
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:
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.
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.
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!