Changes to the MOT test

The Vehicle and Operators Service Agency (VOSA) changes to the MOT test do not ring much of a bell with drivers.

Drivers usually cut this short to ‘the MOT’ which often strikes fear and dread in many vehicle owners.

The Department for Transport is adding a number of new mandatory test items to the annual MOT from 1st January 2012 to comply with a revised European testing directive.

This is to harmonise the minimum test requirements across Europe.

The items to be more closely inspected and adopted from January, 2012 are listed briefly below and summarised as follows:

Electronic Parking Brakes to be included

Checks of antilock brakes will be extended to include Electronic Stability control – if fitted

Warning lights – where fitted

Steering suspension.

Lighting (headlights)

Electrical wiring and battery.

Trailer/caravan electrical socket.

Tyres. Specifically for pressure monitoring systems fitted to vehicles first registered after 1st January, 2012.

Supplementary restraints. Including (air bags, seatbelts)

SRS malfunction lights

Seats

Doors

Exhaust

Fuel System

It is rumoured that because of the increased number of items to be included in the test the cost of the test is likely to be increased. Also that new vehicles will not be subjected to the MOT test until they are four years old and that the space between tests will become biannual instead of yearly. These specific details are yet to be confirmed.

! As with any MOT test, always check your Certificate carefully. the responsibility lies with you if there are any 'inaccuracies'. You may think these are saving you money at the time, but in the end the motorist always pays.

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