On the 20th May 2018 the rules regarding MOT testing changed significantly. These new MOT rules affect all cars, vans, motorcycles and other light passenger vehicles.
Dangerous – Major and Minor Defects
Most vehicle owners will be aware of the “old system”. Your car passes or fails and you may get a list of advisory notes from the mechanic undertaking the MOT test. Under the new system if your vehicle is awarded a DANGEROUS or a MAJOR issue it has FAILED the MOT. However, your vehicle may be awarded MINOR – ADVISORY or PASS for other, less dangerous issues. The table below summarises the new MOT rules that came in to affect on 20th May 2018
Table of new MOT Rulings
Result | What it means | How it affects MOT test |
| Dangerous | A direct and immediate risk to road safety or has a serious impact on the environment. Do not drive the vehicle until it’s 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 significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment. Repair as soon as possible. | PASS |
| Advisory | It could 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 |
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Is your Car’s MOT valid?
If you can’t remember if your MOT is valid – don’t worry, use our free MOT checker to get an updated status of your vehicles last test date. Remeber, it’s illegal to drive a vehicle on the road without an MOT unless you are on your way to a pre-booked MOT test. If your vehicle’s MOT has expired then please check availability for a test at National Cars and Autocare (over 200 centres around the UK)
What’s the Fine?
If you are caught driving a vehicle without a current MOT you are liable for a fine of up to £1000. If you are lucky, you may get off with a £100 on the spot fine. However, if you are caught driving a vehicle that has FAILED a recent MOT with a DANGEROUS failure you could be fined up to a maximum of £2500 and possibly gain 3 points on your driving licence.
Things to check before your MOT
If you want to perform some basic checks on your vehicle before submitting it for an MOT there are some key things to look out for. Some are very basic and require no mechanical skill – eg windscreen washer water. Others are far more complex and require professional assesment eg. suspension and brakes. Here’s some basic DIY things to check before putting your vehicle in for an MOT …
External References
For more information please refer to one of these further reading articles
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