Guidance

Other important information for MOT testers

Updated 27 September 2018

Overview

The way that the MOT test works in England, Scotland and Wales changed from 20 May 2018.

This guide covers some of the main points that MOT testers have asked questions about.

Check the overview of MOT changes for more information about what’s changed and why.

1. New defect categories

You can read about the new defect categories, including the category descriptions and how it affects the test result.

If a vehicle only has minor defects, it doesn’t fail the MOT test. It doesn’t matter how many minor defects it has.

Minor defects are not the same as advisories

A minor defect means there is a defect which is not severe enough to fail the test, but should be repaired soon. Minor defects are in legislation, so you need to apply them when you identify them.

Advisories are not set in legislation. They show components that are not defective yet but have wear or similar to the component, which means it won’t be long until they become defective.

What happens when dangerous defects are identified

It was already illegal for a dangerous (unroadworthy) vehicle to be driven on the road at any time - including to and from an MOT. This hasn’t changed.

However, defects are now clearly marked where they are dangerous, making it clearer to drivers. While it’s illegal for them to drive the vehicle, MOT centres have no authority to stop them.

The police are not told when a vehicle fails the MOT due to a dangerous defect being identified.

The MOT tells the driver about the condition of their vehicle so they can have it repaired if necessary and remain safe.

Items that were a fail that are now a pass (minor defect)

You can read a list of defects that will no longer cause an MOT test fail.

2. A vehicle’s first MOT test

Vehicle categories have aligned to the European type-approval categories, and these appear on the MOT certificate.

When a vehicle has its first MOT, you don’t have to enter the EU category - this will be done automatically.

Find out more about the vehicle categories

3. Retests

If a vehicle that failed before 20 May 2018 returns for a retest from 20 May 2018, the new standards will apply. You must fail the vehicle again if you identify a ‘new’ defect that wasn’t testable before 20 May 2018.

You do not need to carry out a full retest after 20 May 2018 to make sure all new items are checked.

Checking minor defects at retests

If a vehicle is having a retest and minor defects were identified during the initial test, you should:

• check if the minor defects have been repaired
• remove the repaired minors as required

4. Detailed guidance on inspections and recording defects

Brake fluid contaminated

On many vehicles, you won’t be able to see if the brake fluid is contaminated. However, if you can see and the fluid is clearly contaminated, you should use this fail item.

‘Likely to become detached’ and ‘insecure’

‘Likely to become detached’ means the component is likely to fall from the vehicle.

‘Insecure’ means that the component has relative movement to an associated component.

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)

An engine MIL that doesn’t work or that shows there’s a malfunction is a major defect.

Dangerous fumes entering the cabin

Currently, only exhaust fumes are assessed.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will monitor the issue of other dangerous fumes entering the cabin (for example, from a failed diesel injector) and review this as necessary.

Brake pedal spongy indicating air in the hydraulic system

This is seen as excessive travel or no reserve travel.

A 13-pin trailer electrical socket not working

A 13-pin trailer electrical socket not working a dangerous defect.

Under the new rules, no brake lights working from the trailer socket is dangerous. This is the same as no brake lights on a vehicle, which is also dangerous.

Excessively corroded brake hose ferrule

Under the new rules, an excessively corroded brake hose ferrule is no longer a failure item. DVSA will monitor this and review as necessary.

Steered axle on the brake test

The out of balance calculation can be categorised as a ‘major’ or ‘dangerous’ defect depending on whether or not it’s across a steered axle. So, you need to specify which is the steered axle on the brake test.

Adhesive bonding

Adhesive bonding is mentioned in both ‘unacceptable methods of repair’ and in ‘acceptable methods of repair’.

Unacceptable method of repair states ‘you can’t accept the following bonding processes for repairs to load-bearing members’ ‘adhesive bonding’ (solely).

Some vehicle manufacturers have repair methods that use:

• a combination of adhesive bonding and riveting
• a mix of these with other joining methods

These repairs are therefore acceptable unless they’re clearly inadequate.

Fluid leaks

Leaks of fluids such as engine coolant, screen wash and fluid required for Selective Catalyst Reduction aren’t reasons for failure.

You should fail a vehicle if a fluid leak creates a pool on the floor within 5 minutes that’s more than 75mm in diameter or if there are many leaks which collectively leak fluid at the same rate.

‘Major’ is leaking excessively, posing a safety risk (more than 75mm patch in 5 minutes).

‘Dangerous’ is leaking continuously, posing a serious risk.

Marker lights on large class 4 vehicles

You must inspect end-outline marker lamps on vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1991 that are wider than 2,100mm.

Class 7 test: front wheel locks and 100kg on each rear wheel

Vehicle category N1 covers all goods vehicles under 3,500kg.

However, the ‘front wheel locks and 100kg from each rear wheel’ still only applies to an unladen class 7 vehicle.

Items and defects you can’t find in the MOT testing service

‘Broken coil springs’

The defect has been amended to say ‘fractured or broken’.

‘CV boot/gaiter insecure’

‘Constant velocity boot insecure’ has been added to the defect reasons.

‘Driveshaft’

Drive shafts can be found under Body, chassis, structure > Transmission > Drive shafts.

You can also search for ‘drive shafts’ (2 words) to take you to the relevant section.

‘Heat shields’

Heat shields can be found under either:

• Body, chassis, structure > Fuel system >Tank
• Body, chassis, structure > Exhaust system

‘Heat shields’ will also be added as a recognised search term.

‘Handbrake reserve travel’

‘Excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment’ is the correct defect to use.

Damaged steering gaiter that lets in dirt

The defect description now has ‘no longer prevents the ingress of dirt’ added to it.

Perished tyre valves

Tyre valves are not a testable item under the new rules. However, there is an advisory for valve stem damaged.