Updates: MOT inspection manual: cars and passenger vehicles

14. Inspection procedure – updated the information about access to testable items.

1.1.21. Complete braking system – added new information for locking and retaining devices.

1.1.21. Complete braking system – added new defect category (f).

3.4. Windscreen wipers – added that windscreen wipers must continue to operate automatically when switched on.

5.3.6. Complete suspension system – added new information about retaining and locking devices.

5.3.6. Complete suspension system – added new defect category (b).

Appendix A: Structural integrity and corrosion

7.1.2. Seat belt fitment and condition – added new information about assessing seat belt webbing.

7.1.2. Seat belt fitment and condition – updated defect category (b).

7.7. - Audible warning (horn) – added a description of a two or more tone horn.

11. Unacceptable methods of repair – changed sentence from 'If you cannot tell which the repair method, you should accept the repair and tell the vehicle presenter' to 'Sometimes it’s difficult to identify the repair method, especially after the repair has been covered in paint or underseal. If you are not sure what the method of repair is, you should pass and advise'.

2 April 2024 published amendments

Introduction - Abbreviations and definitions - Added L6 sub category of L6e-BP and L6e-BU

Introduction - Abbreviations and definitions - Update to N1 category vehicles

Introduction - Application (Classes 3, 4, 5 and 7) - Update to Class 4 vehicles

Introduction - Application (Classes 3, 4, 5 and 7) - Update to dual purpose vehicles and dual purpose vehicle flow chart added to identify class

Introduction - Tricycle and quadricycle test classes - Update to light quadricycle (L6)

Brakes - 1.2.2. Efficiency - Calculating brake efficiency - Update to section for quadricycles

Brakes - 1.2.2. Efficiency - Brake test results - Update to section to include quadricycles and Class 4 three-wheeled vehicles

Brakes - 1.3.1. Performance - Using a roller brake tester - Update to step 2

Brakes - 1.4.1. Performance - Using a roller brake tester - Update to step 2

Steering - 2.1.4. Steering linkage operation - Added "Vehicles with a beam axle can alternatively be checked with the wheels raised above the ground."

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment - Daytime running lamps - 4.2.3. Compliance with requirements - Added "Vehicles do not need to be fitted with daytime running lamps, that do not have front and rear position lamps, or have such lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked that are only used during daylight hours and not used at times of seriously reduced visibility."

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment - Reversing lamps - 4.6.2. Compliance with requirements - Added "Vehicles do not need to be fitted with reversing lamps, that do not have front and rear position lamps, or have such lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked that are only used during daylight hours and not used at times of seriously reduced visibility."

Axles, wheels, tyres and suspension - 5.2.3. Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) - Information update to section

Axles, wheels, tyres and suspension - 5.1.3. Wheel bearings - Update on how to check wheel bearings

Body, structure and attachments - 6.2.2. Cab and body mounting - Section wording changed to add additional information.

Nuisance - 8.2.1.2. Gaseous emissions - Added Visual inspection (all vehicles)

2023

6 February 2023 published amendments

1.2.1 added paragraph - "Not tested” or “Unable to be tested” must only be used where it becomes apparent during the test that the particular item cannot be tested, and this could not have been identified prior to starting the test. The reason for selecting the failure must be included in the additional information box.

1.7 - Electronic braking system (EBS)
Removed the word 'air' from braking system to cover all forms of EBS

Amend 3.3 View to the rear - obligatory mirrors
Add new categories for vehicle first used from 26 Jan 2010

| Passenger vehicles with fewer than 8 passenger seats M1| First used on or after 1 August 1978 but before 26 January 2010 | Two mirrors/devices, one of which must be in position ‘a’ |
| Passenger vehicles with fewer than 8 passenger seats M1 | First used on or after 26 January 2010 | Three mirrors/devices, in position ‘a’, 'b' and 'c' - unless internal mirror does not give view to rear |
| Passenger vehicles with 8 or more passenger seats (excluding buses and minibuses) M2| First used before 1 August 1978 | At least one mirror/device in any of the above positions |
| Passenger vehicles with 8 or more passenger seats (excluding buses and minibuses) M2| First used on or after 1 August 1978 but before 26 January 2010 | Two mirrors/devices, one of which must be in position ‘a’ |
| Passenger vehicles with 8 or more passenger seats (excluding buses and minibuses) M2| First used on or after 26 January 2010 | Two mirrors/devices, in position ‘a’ and 'b' - No requirement for internal mirror |
| Goods vehicles | First used before 26 January 2010 | Two mirrors/devices, one of which must be in position ‘a’ |
| Goods vehicles | First used on or after 26 January 2010 | Two mirrors/devices, in position ‘a’ and 'b' |

4.1.2 Content added to clarify items not test

4.2.1 under sub heading 'All lamps' Changed wording from "You must assess damaged or repaired lamps for security, colour, light output and durability." to "Check the presence, condition, security and function of the required lamps. Assess any damaged or repaired lamps for security, colour, light output and durability."

4.5.1 add further guidance for front foglamp requirement.
"Front fog lamps that are not wired up and do not have a corresponding switch are not required to work. If you are not sure that they’re connected, you should give the benefit of the doubt."

5.3.2 - Shock absorbers
Add additional content "Slight seepage causing a film of fluid on a shock absorber is not a reason for rejection."

7.1.2 - Seat belt fitment and condition
Update paragraph from "You must check any visible parts of:

* all seat belts fitted
* all child seat restraints fitted"

to

"You must check any visible parts of all seat belts fitted. This includes:

* seat belts fitted to child seats and restraints
* any disabled persons belts or wheelchairs straps"

8.2.1.1 - Exhaust emission control equipment
Update paragraph from “This inspection is only for vehicles that must have a full catalyst emissions test (disregarding the basic emissions test). You only need to check components that are visible and identifiable, such as catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, and exhaust gas recirculation valves.”

To

“You only need to check components that are visible and identifiable, such as catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, and exhaust gas recirculation valves.
You should reject all vehicles first used on or after 1 September 2002, where original emissions control equipment components are missing, obviously modified or obviously defective.
Vehicles used prior to 1 September 2002 should only be rejected, where a full catalyst test could apply. Use the flowcharts 1, 2 and 3 to decide which emission test is applicable for the vehicle being tested.”

8.2.2.2 - Opacity
Update from "The vehicle has passed the opacity test if any of the following happens:

* the first acceleration showed that the smoke level was at or less than the limit for the vehicle
* the mean smoke level from the first 3 readings was at or less than the limit for the vehicle
* the mean smoke level from any consecutive 3 readings was at or less than the limit for the vehicle"

to

"
The vehicle has passed the opacity test if any of the following happens:

* the first acceleration showed that the smoke level was at 60% or less than the limit for the vehicle
* the mean smoke level from the first 3 readings was at or less than the limit for the vehicle
* the mean smoke level from any consecutive 3 readings was at or less than the limit for the vehicle"

2022

2 March 2022 published amendments

Introduction - 14. Inspection procedure - Paragraph added 'Although no assistant is generally required for one person test lanes, one must be used if it is necessary to conduct a proper inspection.'

Introduction - 19. Retest following failure - Bullet point added 'carry out another brake performance test and record the results in the MOT testing service, where the braking system may have been affected by the repairs'

1.1. Condition and operation - 1.1.13. Brake linings and pads - Sentence added 'An illuminated brake wear indicator is not a reason for failure.'

4.2. Front and rear position lamps, daytime running lamps and end-outline marker lamps - 4.2.3. Compliance with requirements - Sentence added 'A DRL is permitted to switch off when the same side indicator is operating.'

4.5. Front and rear fog lamps - 4.5.3. Switching - Removed the sentence 'The function of a fog lamp must not be adversely affected by the operation of any other lamp.'

4.5. Front and rear fog lamps - 4.5.4. Compliance with requirements - Sentence added 'Rear fog lamps may extinguish when main-beam is switched on or when dipped beam headlamps are switched off.'

4.11. Electrical wiring - Sentence changed from 'You should be mindful of high voltage components and cabling as these may be capable of delivering a fatal electric shock.' to 'You should be mindful of high voltage components and cabling as if these are damaged they may be capable of delivering a fatal electric shock.'

4.13. Battery(ies) - Sentence changed from 'You should also be mindful of high voltage components and cabling as these may be capable of delivering a fatal electric shock.' to 'You should be mindful of high voltage components and cabling as if these are damaged they may be capable of delivering a fatal electric shock.'

6.1. Structure and attachments - 6.1.1. General condition - Paragraph added 'Vehicles should only be failed under (a), (c) or (d) in this section if the overall structural rigidity of the vehicle is significantly reduced.'

9. Supplementary tests for buses and coaches

7.1. Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (SRS) - 7.1.1. Seat belt security - 'You must inspect:' changed to 'You must inspect anchorage points for:'

7.1. Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (SRS) - 7.1.1. Seat belt security - Bullet point 2 changed from 'child seats and restraints that are permanently attached to the vehicle using Isofix mountings or nuts and bolts' to 'child seats and restraints that are securely attached to the vehicle using Isofix, carabiners, ratchet straps, nuts and bolts etc'

7.1. Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (SRS) - 7.1.1. Seat belt security - Bullet point 3 changed from 'anchorages for the securing of disabled persons belts or wheelchairs' to 'disabled persons belts or wheelchairs'

7.1. Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (SRS) - 7.1.2. Seat belt fitment and condition - Sentence added 'Where a child seat is fitted that prevents access to the seat belt buckle, you must check as much of the seat belt as possible and issue an advisory that the buckle could not be checked.'

9.1. Doors - 9.1.2. Emergency exits - Paragraph removed ' All designated emergency exits must be clearly marked with words such as ‘EMERGENCY DOOR’ or ‘EMERGENCY USE ONLY’. Letters must be upper case and must be at least 25mm high.'

9.1. Doors - 9.1.2. Emergency exits - Paragraph added 'The exact wording/pictogram used for exit markings may vary but variations are acceptable as long as it is clear that it is an emergency exit and the means of operation are present.'

Appendix A: Structural integrity and corrosion

5. Failure criteria not within ‘prescribed areas’ - Bullet point 2 changed from 'The strength or continuity of a main load-bearing structural member is seriously reduced' to 'the strength or continuity of the overall vehicle structure is significantly reduced'

2021

14 October 2021 published amendments

4.10. Trailer electrical socket - after the sentence 'On vehicles fitted with a trailer 13 pin Euro-socket, use an approved device to check that the socket is wired to correctly operate the trailer:' bullet point 4 'rear fog lamp' has been removed.

26 August 2021 published amendments

0. Identification of the vehicle

Introduction - New section 20. added 'Testing electric and hybrid vehicles'

Introduction - 2. Application (Classes 3, 4, 5 and 7) - Example of a manufacturer's plate added

Introduction - 4. Refusal to test - Amendments to last paragraph

Introduction - 17. Health and safety - Removed information on testing electric and hybrid vehicles

Introduction - 20. Testing electric and hybrid vehicles - New information added

0.1. Identification of the vehicle - Registration plates - Sentence changed from 'Registration plates fitted to vehicles manufactured on or after 1 January 1978 must:' to 'Registration plates fitted to vehicles manufactured on or after 1 January 1980 must:'

0.1. Identification of the vehicle - Registration plates - Sentence changed from 'You do not need to inspect the following items:' to 'You do not need to check:'

0.1. Identification of the vehicle - Registration plates must not - Sentence changed from 'have any feature or fixing that has the effect of changing the appearance or legibility of any of the characters' to 'have any feature or fixing that has the effect of changing the appearance or legibility of any of the characters including the use of tints or films'

0.1. Identification of the vehicle - Registration plates - Registration plates may - Bullet point 1 changed

0.1. Identification of the vehicle - Registration plates - Registration plate characters - Bullet point 1 changed from 'may contain grey, possibly to achieve a 3D effect' to 'may contain grey, possibly to achieve a 3D or highlighting effect (only on vehicles first used before 1 September 2021)'

0.1. Identification of the vehicle - Registration plates - Registration plate characters - New bullet point 2 added 'may be raised or 3D'

0.1. Identification of the vehicle - Registration plates - Sentence added 'Registration plates fitted to vehicles first registered on or after 1 September 2021:' and new bullet points added

1.2. Service brake performance and efficiency - 1.2.1. Performance - New brake testing weight information added for various vehicle classes

1.2. Service brake performance and efficiency - 1.2.2. Efficiency - New heading 'Manufacturer’s plates' and new associated content

2. Steering - 2.1.3. Steering linkage condition - step 4 changed from 'Visually check the steering components for wear, fractures and security.' to 'Visually check the steering components for wear, fractures and security, including any rear wheel steering components.'

2. Steering - 2.1.3. Steering linkage condition - New sentence added 'If rear wheel steering is fitted but is inoperative, check that the rear wheels are pointing straight ahead.'

2. Steering - 2.1.3. Steering linkage condition - New information added for unsafe modifications

2. Steering - 2.1.3. Steering linkage condition - New defect (h) added

2. Steering - 2.2.2. Steering column or forks and yokes - New information added for unsafe modifications

4.1. Headlamps - 4.1.1. Presence, condition and operation - The sentence 'You do not need to test headlamps on vehicles if:' and its following bullet points removed

4.1. Headlamps - 4.1.1. Presence, condition and operation - New sentence and bullet points added 'You do not need to test headlamps on vehicles that are not fitted with position lamps, or have such lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked, that are:

- only used during daylight hours, and
- not used at times of seriously reduced visibility'

4.1. Headlamps - 4.1.4. Compliance with requirements - New information added for replacement HID and LED headlamps

4.2. Front and rear position lamps, daytime running lamps and end-outline marker lamps - 4.2.1. Presence, condition and operation - Information changed for position lamps

4.2. Front and rear position lamps, daytime running lamps and end-outline marker lamps - 4.2.3. Compliance with requirements - End-outline marker lamps - Sentence changed from 'Vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1991 that are wider than 2,100mm must have their end-outline marker lamps inspected.' to 'Vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1991 that are wider than 2,100mm, excluding the side mirrors, must have their end-outline marker lamps inspected.'

4.3. Stop lamps - 4.3.1. Presence, condition and operation - Sentence changed from 'Stop lamps are not needed for vehicles that:' to 'Stop lamps are not required on vehicles:'

4.3. Stop lamps - 4.3.1. Presence, condition and operation - New bullet points added after the sentence 'Stop lamps are not required on vehicles:'

4.3. Stop lamps - 4.3.3. Compliance with requirements - Sentence changed from 'Stop lamps are not needed for vehicles that:' to 'Stop lamps are not required on vehicles:'

4.3. Stop lamps - 4.3.3. Compliance with requirements - New bullet points added after the sentence 'Stop lamps are not required on vehicles:'

4.4. Direction indicators and hazard warning lamps - 4.4.1. Presence, condition and operation - Sentence changed from 'Direction indicators and hazard warning lamps are not needed for vehicles that:' to 'Direction indicators and hazard warning lamps are not required on vehicles:'

4.4. Direction indicators and hazard warning lamps - 4.4.1. Presence, condition and operation - New bullet points added after the sentence 'Direction indicators and hazard warning lamps are not required on vehicles:'

4.8. Rear reflectors - 4.8.1. Presence, condition and operation - Sentence changed from 'Rear reflectors are not needed on vehicles:' to 'Rear reflectors are not required on vehicles not fitted with front and rear position lamps, or have such lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked and are:'

4.8. Rear reflectors - 4.8.1. Presence, condition and operation - New bullet points added after the sentence ''Rear reflectors are not required on vehicles not fitted with front and rear position lamps, or have such lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked and are:'

4.8. Rear reflectors - 4.8.2. Compliance with requirements - Sentence changed from 'Rear reflectors are not needed on vehicles:' to 'Rear reflectors are not required on vehicles not fitted with front and rear position lamps, or have such lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked and are:'

4.8. Rear reflectors - 4.8.2. Compliance with requirements - New bullet points added after the sentence ''Rear reflectors are not required on vehicles not fitted with front and rear position lamps, or have such lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked and are:'

5.2.3. Wheels and tyres - Tyres - After the sentence 'The following vehicles must have 1.0mm tread depth' new bullet point added 'tricycles with an ULW not exceeding 410kg which are electrically powered'

5.2.3. Wheels and tyres - Tyres - New paragraph added 'Tricycles with an ULW not exceeding 410kg with an engine capacity not greater than 50cc do not need to have 1mm of tread. However, they must have a visible tread pattern around the entire circumference and across the whole breadth of the tread.'

5.3.1. Suspension - Springs - New information added for unsafe modifications

5.3.1. Suspension - Springs - Sentence added 'A missing bump stop rubber is not a reason for failure.'

5.3.3. Suspension - Suspension arms, rods, struts, sub-frames, anti-roll bars etc - Sentence added 'A missing bump stop rubber is not a reason for failure.'

5.3.3. Suspension - Suspension arms, rods, struts, sub-frames, anti-roll bars etc - New information added for unsafe modifications

6.1. Structure and attachments - 6.1.1. General condition - New defect (d) added

6.1. Structure and attachments - 6.1.7. Transmission - Defect (g) (ii) changed from 'missing, split, insecure or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt' to 'missing, split or insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt'

6.2. Body and interior - 6.2.3. Doors and door catches - New first paragraph added

6.2. Body and interior - 6.2.3. Doors and door catches - Sentence changed from 'A lack of door handles due to the original design or a specialist modification is not a defect as long as the door can be latched securely in the closed position.' to 'A lack of door handles due to the original design or a specialist modification is not a defect so long as the door can be latched securely in the closed position and the door can still be opened using the relevant control, for example, a button or a fob.'

6.2. Body and interior - 6.2.6. Passenger seats - New sentence added 'Original design characteristics and specialised modifications (e.g. to enable wheelchair access, or changed to a fixed seat) are to be accepted.'

7. Other equipment - 7.1.2. Seat belt fitment and condition - New sentence added 'Child seat(s) retained by seat belt(s) must not be removed. A visual examination is required of only those parts of the seat belt(s) which are readily accessible.'

7. Other equipment - 7.1.6. Supplementary restraint system (SRS) - New information added

7. Other equipment - 7.7. Audible warning (horn) - Amendments to defect (a)

Appendix C: Seat belt fitment tables

8.2. Exhaust emissions - 8.2.2.2. Opacity - New heading added 'Retesting a vehicle that failed for smoke emissions'

8.2. Exhaust emissions - 8.2.2.2. Opacity - Retesting a vehicle that failed for smoke emissions - New information added

Appendix C: Seat belt fitment tables - Passenger vehicles, motor caravans and ambulances with up to 8 passenger seats - New sentence added 'A goods vehicle which has been converted to a 'passenger vehicle' specification (for example, fitted with rear seats and side windows) must comply with the relevant 'passenger vehicle' requirements.'

22 March 2021 published amendments

Appendix C: Seat belt fitment tables

4.1.4. Headlamps - Compliance with requirements - Changed 'Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.' to 'Existing halogen headlamp units on vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1986 must not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp for light source and lamp not compatible.'

First published

11 January 2021 published amendments

0. Identification of the vehicle

2 Application (Classes 3, 4, 5 and 7) - Added paragraph 'If the vehicle is too heavy or powerful to qualify as an L7 quadricycle it is an M1 vehicle and must be tested as if it was a car, for example, it must meet the full lighting, brake efficiency and emissions requirements.'

11 Definition of insecure - Changed bullet point 3 from 'a safety critical component is not safely or completely attached at its fixing or to an associated component' to 'a safety critical component (braking, steering or suspension system component) is not safely attached at its fixing or to an associated component'

11 Definition of insecure - Added new paragraph and bullet points.

17 Health and safety - Added heath and safety advice for testing vehicles with gas, fluid or air suspension.

18 Recording defects - Added information on best practice.

0.1. Identification of the vehicle - Registration plates - Sentence changed from 'display white, grey or silver characters on a black background - only on vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1978' to 'display white, grey or silver characters on a black background - only on vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1980'

1.1.11 Brakes - Rigid brake pipes - Added paragraph 'Repairs to the pressure lines of hydraulic brake systems are unacceptable unless suitable connectors are used. Compression joints of a type using separate ferrules are not suitable.'

1.1.11 Brakes - Rigid brake pipes - Added sentence 'Unacceptable repairs to brake lines should be failed using RfR 1.1.21 (d)'

1.2.1 Service brake performance and efficiency - Performance - Paragraph changed from 'If the primary brake tester is not suitable for the vehicle’s drive configuration, transmission type or braking system, a full or partial decelerometer test may be appropriate. You should take into account any additional information from the vehicle manufacturer.' to 'The primary brake tester must be used unless the vehicle is unsuitable due to its drive configuration, transmission type or braking system. If this is the case, a full or partial decelerometer test may be appropriate. You should consider any additional information from the vehicle manufacturer.'

1.2.2 Service brake performance and efficiency - Efficiency - Calculating brake efficiency - New paragraph added 'When conducting a test on a roller brake tester (RBT) where more than half of the wheels of a brake system lock the efficiency requirements for that system are considered to be met.'

1.2.2 Service brake performance and efficiency - Efficiency requirements - Added L7 vehicles with a single service brake control that operates the brakes on all wheels. Efficiency requirement, 50%.

1.3.2 Secondary brake performance and efficiency - Efficiency - New paragraph added 'When conducting a test on a roller brake tester (RBT) where more than half of the wheels of a brake system lock the efficiency requirements for that system are considered to be met.'

1.4.1 Parking brake performance and efficiency - Performance - New paragraph added 'The primary brake tester must be used unless the vehicle is unsuitable due to its drive configuration, transmission type or braking system. If this is the case, a decelerometer or gradient test may be appropriate. A gradient test must only be carried out if the parking brake cannot be tested using the primary brake tester or decelerometer. This will usually only be necessary on certain all-wheel drive vehicles with electronic parking brakes where no vehicle technical information is available.'

1.4.1 Parking brake performance and efficiency - Performance - Using a gradient tester - Sentence changed from 'A gradient tester can be used on vehicles that are not suitable for a parking brake test with the primary brake tester or decelerometer.' to 'A gradient test must only be carried out on vehicles that are not suitable for a parking brake test with the primary brake tester or decelerometer. This will usually only be necessary on certain all-wheel drive vehicles with electronic parking brakes where no vehicle technical information is available.'

1.4.2 Parking brake performance and efficiency - Efficiency - New paragraph added 'When conducting a test on a roller brake tester (RBT) where more than half of the wheels of a brake system lock the efficiency requirements for that system are considered to be met.'

1.6 Brakes - Anti-lock braking system (ABS) - New sentence added 'Not all vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2010 will have ABS, so the failure only applies where the system has obviously been removed.'

1.6 Brakes - Anti-lock braking system (ABS) - Applicable from 1 February 2021 - Defect added (f) ABS system obviously removed - Major

2.6 Electronic power steering (EPS) - Sentence added to start of section - 'For the purpose of this inspection, electronic power steering includes any steering system that incorporates an electric motor to control or assist the steering.'

3.1 Visibility - Field of vision - Applicable from 1 February 2021 - Defect (a) (i) the word materially changed to significantly.

3.1 Visibility - Field of vision - Applicable from 1 February 2021 - Defect (a) (ii) the word materially changed to significantly

4.1.4 Headlamps - Compliance with requirements - Changed sentence from 'Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with HID bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.' to 'Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.'

4.2.3 Front and rear position lamps, daytime running lamps and end-outline marker lamps - Compliance with requirements - Daytime running lamps - Changed sentence from 'You only need to inspect daytime running lamps (DRLs) fitted as original equipment to vehicles first used on or after 1 March 2018.' to 'You only need to inspect daytime running lamps (DRLs) fitted as original equipment to M1 vehicles first used on or after 1 March 2018.'

4.3.1 Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment - Stop lamps - Presence, condition and operation - Added sentence 'On some vehicles with LED rear lamps, a proportion of the stop lamp LED's may extinguish when the rear fog lamp is illuminated. This is not to be regarded as a defect.'

4.3.3 Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment - Stop lamps - Compliance with requirements - Added sentence 'Stop lamps must show a steady red light.'

4.3.3 Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment - Stop lamps - Compliance with requirements - Added sentence 'On some vehicles with LED rear lamps, a proportion of the stop lamp LED's may extinguish when the rear fog lamp is illuminated. This is not to be regarded as a defect.'

4.3.3 Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment - Stop lamps - Compliance with requirements - Applicable from 1 February 2021 - Defect (a) (i) changed from 'emitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements' to 'position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements'

4.3.3 Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment - Stop lamps - Compliance with requirements - Applicable from 1 February 2021 - Defect (a) (ii) changed from 'showing white light to the rear or significantly reduced light intensity' to 'not showing a steady red light or has significantly reduced light intensity'

4.4.3 Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment - Direction indicators and hazard warning lamps - Compliance with requirements - Changed paragraph from 'On vehicles first used on or after 1 September 1965 with direction indicators combined with position lamps, the position lamp must go out when its direction indicator is flashing. The direction indicator must flash amber only, with no white or red light.' to 'On vehicles first used on or after 1 September 1965 with direction indicators combined with position lamps, the position lamp may or may not go out when its direction indicator is flashing. The direction indicator must flash amber only, with no white or red light.'

4.5.3 Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment - Front and rear fog lamps - Switching - Applicable from 1 February 2021 - Defects (a) (i) and (a) (ii) combined to make defect (a) front or rear fog lamp switch inoperative or not operating in accordance with the requirements - Major

4.10. Trailer electrical socket - New information added for 13 pin Euro-socket testing

4.11. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment - Electrical wiring - Changed sentence from 'You must inspect all visible electrical wiring, other than on Class 3 vehicles.' to 'You must carry out a visual only inspection of all visible electrical wiring. The check does not apply to Class 3 vehicles.'

4.11. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment - Electrical wiring - Added sentence 'You should be mindful of high voltage components and cabling as these may be capable of delivering a fatal electric shock.'

4.13. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment - Battery(ies) - Added paragraph

5.2.3 Wheels and tyres - Tyres - Added paragraph 'You only need to inspect the tyres fitted to the road wheels at the time of the inspection. If you notice a defect on a spare tyre, you should advise the vehicle presenter.'

5.2.3 Wheels and tyres - Tyres - Applicable from 1 February 2021 - New information and defects added for tyre age and date codes on vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats.

5.2.3 Wheels and tyres - Tyres - Condition and fitment - Added paragraph 'Asymmetric tyres are marked with correct fitment information on the sidewall, such as 'outside'. However, if an asymmetric tyre is fitted the wrong way around it is not to be considered a reason for rejection. The presenter should be advised.'

5.3.2 Shock absorbers - Applicable from 1 February 2021- Added new sentence 'A shock absorber must be rejected if negligible damping effect becomes evident at any point during the inspection.'

5.3.2 Shock absorbers - Applicable from 1 February 2021- Defect added (d) A shock absorber which has negligible damping effect - Major

5.3.4. Suspension - Suspension joints, pins and bushes - Added new item 'Rock and shake the wheels to check for play.'

5.3.4 Suspension - Suspension joints, pins and bushes - Added Information for jacking rear axles.

5.3.5 Suspension - Gas, air and fluid suspension - Added sentences 'When testing vehicles with these suspension types, you should be aware of the health and safety hazards.' and 'See the Introduction health and safety section for guidance.'

6.1.3 Structure and attachments - Fuel system - Added sentence 'Only fail a vehicle for missing heat shields if there’s a risk of fire with other fuel system components.'

6.2.5 Body and interior - Driver’s seat - Section has new information.

6.1.6 Structure and attachments - Coupling mechanisms and towing equipment - Added sentence 'You must also inspect the vehicle structure within 30cm of any towbar mounting point and assess its strength and continuity.'

6.1.6 Structure and attachments - Coupling mechanisms and towing equipment - Added sentence 'Towbar mounting points are not prescribed areas and the vehicle structure should only be rejected if its strength or continuity is significantly reduced.'

6.1.6 Structure and attachments - Coupling mechanisms and towing equipment - Applicable from 1 February 2021 - Defect (a) changed from 'A towbar component damaged, defective or fractured' to 'A towbar component damaged, defective, fractured or corroded'

10. Seat belt installation checks

8.2.1.2 Exhaust emissions - Gaseous emissions - Basic emissions test - Paragraph changed from 'If the vehicle passes the test, the analyser will print out 2 copies of the results. Give a copy to the vehicle presenter. the VTS must keep the second copy for 3 months.' to 'If the vehicle passes the test, the VTS must keep a readily retrievable record for 3 months. The customer must be provided with a printout of the result if one is requested.'

8.2.1.2 Exhaust emissions - Gaseous emissions - Full catalyst test - Item number 6 changed from 'Follow the EGA prompts until the full catalyst test is completed, at which point the analyser will produce 2 printouts' to 'Follow the EGA prompts until the full catalyst test is completed.'

8.2.1.2 Exhaust emissions - Gaseous emissions - Full catalyst test - Item number 7 changed from 'Give one of the printouts to the vehicle presenter. VTS must keep a copy for 3 months' to 'If the vehicle passes the test, the VTS must keep a readily retrievable record for 3 months. The customer must be provided with a printout of the result if one is requested.'

8.2.1.2 Exhaust emissions - Gaseous emissions - Full catalyst test - Item 8 added 'If the vehicle fails the emissions test, a copy of the result print out must be given to the customer. The VTS must keep a readily retrievable record of the result for 3 months.'

8.2.2.2 Exhaust emissions - Opacity - Updated information when you cannot get a reading or the DSM shows an error.

8.2.2.2 Exhaust emissions - Opacity - Test procedure - vehicles manufactured in or after 1980 - Paragraph added 'If the vehicle passes the test, the VTS must keep a readily retrievable record for 3 months. The customer must be provided with a printout of the result if one is requested.'

8.2.2.2 Exhaust emissions - Opacity - Test procedure - vehicles manufactured in or after 1980 - Paragraph added 'If the vehicle fails the emissions test, a copy of the result print out must be given to the customer. The VTS must keep a readily retrievable record of the result for 3 months.'

8.2.2.2 Exhaust emissions - Opacity - Test procedure - vehicles manufactured in or after 1980 - Clarification to smoke level limits.

10.2. Seat belt installation guidance notes - Changed bullet from 'mandatory seat belts as specified in Section 5.1 of this manual' to 'mandatory seat belts are specified in Appendix C of this manual'

Appendix C: Seat belt fitment tables

Appendix C: New section added - How to use the look up tables

Appendix C: Seat belt fitment tables - Heading changed from 'All motor vehicles' to 'Look up tables'

Appendix C: Seat belt fitment tables - Look up tables - Added sentence under table 1 'A specified front passenger seat is the seat which is foremost in the vehicle and furthest from the driver’s seat.'

2019

30 October 2019 published amendments

5.3.4 Axles, wheels, tyres and suspension

14 Inspection procedure. Paragraph changed from 'The tester who registered the vehicle for test must personally carry out the test, without avoidable distraction or interruption and only the tester is empowered to make decisions about the test results' to 'The tester who registered the vehicle for test must personally carry out the test, using the approved equipment, without avoidable distraction or interruption and only the tester is empowered to make decisions about the test results'

4.11 Electrical wiring

4.1.5 Headlamps - Levelling devices - Sentence added 'The check of headlamp levelling devices does not apply to motor caravans'.

4.2.2 Front and rear position lamps, daytime running lamps and end-outline marker lamps - Switching - Sentence added 'Military vehicles may have a multi-position switch which cannot turn the front and rear position lamps on with a single operation of the switch. This should not be regarded as a defect'.

4.4.1 Direction indicators and hazard warning lamps - Presence, condition and operation - Sentence added 'Direction indicators that function sequentially/dynamically are not to be considered a reason to fail'.

4.4.3 Direction indicators and hazard warning lamps - Compliance with requirements - Sentence added 'Direction indicators that function sequentially/dynamically are not to be considered a reason to fail'.

4.6.1 Reversing lamps - Condition and operation - Sentence changed from 'You must inspect all reversing lamps fitted to vehicles first used from 1 September 2009' to 'You must inspect all reversing lamps fitted to vehicles first used from 1 September 2009 other than quadricycles and Class 3 vehicles'.

4.6.2 Reversing lamps - Compliance with requirements - Sentence changed from 'You must inspect all reversing lamps fitted to vehicles first used from 1 September 2009' to 'You must inspect all reversing lamps fitted to vehicles first used from 1 September 2009 other than quadricycles and Class 3 vehicles'.

4.6.3 Reversing lamps - Switching - Sentence changed from 'You must inspect all reversing lamps fitted to vehicles first used from 1 September 2009' to 'You must inspect all reversing lamps fitted to vehicles first used from 1 September 2009 other than quadricycles and Class 3 vehicles'.

4.8.1 Rear reflectors - Presence, condition and operation - Sentence changed from 'You must inspect the 2 mandatory rear reflectors that must be fitted' to 'You must inspect the 2 mandatory red rear reflectors that must be fitted'.

4.8.2 Rear reflectors - Compliance with requirements - Sentence changed from 'You must inspect the 2 mandatory rear reflectors that must be fitted' to 'You must inspect the 2 mandatory red rear reflectors that must be fitted'.

4.11 Electrical wiring - Sentence added 'This inspection does not apply to electrical wiring to brake pads'.

5.3.4 Axles, wheels, tyres and suspension - Suspension joints, pins and bushes. Added item 4 to method of inspection 'Use an assistant to shake the wheels as per item 3, whilst observing the relevant components'.

8.2.2.2 Opacity

8.2.2.2 Opacity - Added a new heading and information 'Vehicles fitted with a different engine'.

8.2.2.2 Opacity - Added a new heading and information 'Kit cars'.

Table 3. Rear seat belts

Table 3. Rear seat belts - Seat belt type 'R' changed from 'Any of the following' to 'In forward and rearward facing rear seats any of the following'.

24 September 2019 published amendments

0. Identification of the vehicle

Moved this section to GOV.UK. No changes were made to this section between 20 May 2018 and 24 September 2019.

Moved this section to GOV.UK. The following changes were made to this section between 20 May 2018 and 24 September 2019.

20 June 2019

0.1 Registration plate. Paragraph changed from 'Imported vehicles that don’t have the space for standard sized registration plates can have smaller registration plates' to 'Tricycles, quadricycles and imported vehicles that do not have the space for standard sized registration plates can have smaller registration plates.'

13 September 2018

0.1 Registration plate. Updated the items that do not need to be inspected.

0.2 Vehicle identification number (VIN). Sentence added about testers needing to check that there is not more than one VIN displayed on the vehicle. New defect 'More than one different VIN displayed' (defect 0.2.c).

Moved this section to GOV.UK. The following changes were made to this section between 20 May 2018 and 24 September 2019.

20 June 2019

1.1.10 Brake servo units and master cylinder (hydraulic systems). Method of inspection added: 'If a vacuum servo is fitted, then with the engine off, totally deplete the stored vacuum by repeatedly applying the service brake. Then fully apply the brake and hold at a constant pressure. Note whether the pedal can be felt to travel further, when the engine is started.'

13 September 2018

1.1.6 Parking brake lever or control. Information about hydraulic parking brakes and electronic parking brakes added. New defect 'For vehicles first used on or after 1 January 1968 the parking brake is not capable of being maintained in operation by direct mechanical action only' (defect 1.1.6.f)

1.1.12 Flexible brake hoses. New defect for corroded brake hose ferrules (defect 1.1.12.f). An existing defect updated to 'Flexible brake hose excessively damaged, deteriorated, chafed, twisted or stretched' (defect 1.1.12.b.ii).

1.1.13 Brake linings and pads. Information added to clarify how to identify when a brake pad needs to be replaced. An existing defect updated to 'Worn down to wear indicator' (defect 1.1.13.a)

1.1.19 Additional braking device (retarder), if fitted. Section heading changed from 'Endurance braking system (where fitted)' to 'Additional braking device (retarder), if fitted'.

1.8 Brake fluid. Information added to clarify how to check if brake fluid is contaminated.

Moved this section to GOV.UK. The following changes were made to this section between 20 May 2018 and 24 September 2019.

20 June 2019

2.2.2 Steering column or forks and yokes. Defect 2.2.2c wording changed from 'Excessive deterioration of a flexible coupling' to 'Excessive wear or play in a universal joint or a flexible coupling excessively deteriorated'.

Moved this section to GOV.UK. The following changes were made to this section between 20 May 2018 and 24 September 2019.

20 June 2019

3.3 View to rear. Information about bodied tricycles' and quadricycle's obligatory mirror positions added to a table: Bodied tricycles and quadricycles of any age, must have two mirrors or devices, one of which must be in position 'a'. Information about unbodied tricycles' and quadricycles' (other than mopeds) obligatory mirror positions added to a table: Unbodied tricycles and quadricycles other than mopeds of any age, must have two mirrors or devices, one in position 'a' and one in position 'b'. Information about unbodied tricycles' and quadricycles' (classed as mopeds) obligatory mirror positions added to a table: Unbodied tricycles and quadricycles class as mopeds, first registered on or after 1 August 1978, must have at least one mirror or device in position 'a'.

Moved this section to GOV.UK. The following changes were made to this section between 20 May 2018 and 24 September 2019.

20 June 2019

6.1.7 Transmission. New defect 6.1.7g(ii) added 'Missing, split, insecure or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (Major)'.

13 September 2018

6.1.2 Exhaust system. Existing defect changed (defect 6.1.2.a).