Guidance

MOT special notice 03-24: MOT testing service browser versions and applied parking brake roller brake testers

Updated 22 November 2024

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mot-special-notice-03-24-mot-testing-service-access-and-applied-parking-brake-tests/mot-special-notice-03-24-mot-testing-service-browser-versions-and-applied-parking-brake-roller-brake-testers

1. MOT testing service browser versions

From 31 October 2024, the MOT testing service will no longer support older versions of some web browsers. This is to keep the service secure.

The MOT testing service will no longer support:

  • Google Chrome – version 30 and older
  • Mozilla Firefox – version 27 and older
  • Apple Safari – version 7 and older

What you need to do

Check which browser version you use to access the MOT testing service.

If you’re using one of the versions listed, you need to update your browser to the latest version.

You may have issues using the MOT testing service if you do not update your browser.

2. Applied parking brake roller brake testers (RBTs)

Some class 4 and class 7 roller brake testers (RBTs) have been approved to use for applied parking brake tests (APB).

You must only carry out APB tests using approved APB RBTs. They are suitable for all vehicles, regardless of the vehicle’s transmission or parking brake systems.

What you need to do when carrying out applied parking brake tests

Check the EIN number plaque on the machine or the certificate of compliance. The last 3 letters of approved RBTs are ‘APB’.

When carrying out APB tests, you should:

  • check the manufacturer’s instruction manual
  • make sure the vehicle is in neutral unless the specific vehicle information states otherwise
  • check if you need to chock any wheels that are not being tested
  • record the readings at which the maximum brake effort is achieved and whether the wheels locked

3. Parking brakes on Porsche 911 (992) manufactured from November 2021

Some 911 (992) models manufactured from late 2021 are only fitted with one parking brake actuator on the nearside rear.

Check if the vehicle is fitted with a single parking brake actuator

Follow these steps to check if the vehicle has a single parking brake actuator.

  1. Park the vehicle on a flat surface.

  2. Select drive mode (‘D’) with the brake pedal pressed and the electronic parking brake (EPB) off.

  3. Engage the parking brake by pulling the parking brake switch. The parking brake will operate regardless of the system fitted to the vehicle. 

If the transmission shifts to ‘P’ (indicated on the central display), it means the vehicle is fitted with a single-actuator EPB.

What you need to do if the vehicle has a single parking brake actuator

If the vehicle is fitted with a single-actuator EPB, you must:

  • use a roller brake tester with applied brake test function to test the parking brake efficiency – you cannot use a roller or plate brake tester without this function
  • carry out a gradient test

You must not carry out a decelerometer test.

If the vehicle has an EPB that activates on both sides, you must test it in the normal way. Use a roller or plate tester at speeds of about 4mph.

Testing service brakes

Test the service brake on 2 wheel drive vehicles with a roller or plate brake tester.

You must not test the service brake on 4 wheel drive vehicles with a roller brake tester.

4. Opening Mercedes EQE and EQS bonnets 

The bonnet release on the Mercedes EQE and EQS is not intended to be opened by normal users, but it must be opened at MOT to gain access to testable items.

The bonnet release is next to the on-board diagnostics (OBD) port in the driver’s compartment.

Step 1: Open the bonnet release cover

The release has a cover. You may need to remove a small ‘self-tapper’ screw or plastic rivet to open it.

A bonnet release cover.

Step 2: Pull the release lever or cable

Once you’ve removed the cover, there will be a normal release lever or cable. Pull this to release the bonnet catches.

The bonnet release cover has been removed to show a release cable.

Step 3: Open the bonnet

Open the bonnet and use a suitable prop or assistant to hold the bonnet open.

The bonnet is open.

Step 4: Remove the central cover and ‘scuttle’ trims

There was a clarification about how to do this published in MOT special notice 04-24.

The trim cannot be fully removed due to the wiper arms. You must remove the trim clips and lift the trim to find the brake components, as shown in the picture. You do not need to remove the wiper arms.

Remove the central cover and ‘scuttle’ trims at the offside by turning several small securing  clips through 90 degrees. This will give you access to the:

  • 12v battery
  • cabling
  • brake master cylinder
  • pump

The bonnet is open and the trims have been removed to show the 12v battery.

The bonnet is open and the trims have been removed to show the master cylinder and pump.

Step 5: Refit the trims and secure the bonnet

When you’ve finished your inspection, make sure all the trims are refitted correctly and the bonnet is secured on both latches.

5. MG ABS lamps

The ABS warning lamp does not light up in some MG vehicles when the ignition is switched on.

If an ABS warning lamp does not go on and off when you switch the ignition on, you should not fail the vehicle for ‘Warning device not working’.

If the ABS system detects a fault when you switch the ignition on and the lamp remains on, you must fail the vehicle for ‘Warning device shows a system malfunction’.

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