MOT Changes 2018 – The New Rules & Procedures

Last updated on February 26th, 2021What does this mean?

An MOT is an important test to establish whether your vehicle is safe enough for the road, and now there are new rules coming in to further improve the safety of vehicles and roads. Are you up to speed with the 2018 MOT changes and how they could impact you and your results?

Let’s take a look at what is changing and what you’ll need to bear in mind if you want your car to pass the new MOT test.

Cars over 40 years old won’t need an MOT

Good news for those who love their classic vehicles. Cars, vans and motorbikes which are over 40 years old won’t require an MOT. It used to be that only vehicles pre-1960s were exempt from an MOT, but now it will simply be a case of vehicles no longer needing an MOT once they’ve had their 40th birthday.

This is welcome news for those who look after their classic cars and treat it as a hobby, with the idea being that they aren’t driven much anymore, but could mean there are more cars on the road which aren’t actually road-worthy.

Categories for defects

You’re probably used to having passes and fails on certain aspects of your MOT, as well as advisory notes where things might need attention in future, but there are now specific categories which affect the outcome of your MOT:

Dangerous – This is a serious fault or environmental risk resulting in a fail

Major – This may have an impact on the safety of a vehicle, results in a fail

Minor – Not a significant risk to safety or the environment but should be repaired, results in a pass

Advisory – An issue which might need attention in the near future, results in a pass

Pass – This means it has met the legal standard, results in a pass

Diesel MOT changes 2018

Bad news for diesel drivers, the rules are now stricter. Essentially the limits have been tightened on emissions where a vehicle is fitted with a DPF – or diesel particulate filter. Your vehicle will fail the test if smoke of any colour can be seen coming out of the exhaust or if there is evidence of tampering on the DPF.

MOT certificate changes

The design of your MOT certificate is set to change as part of the rules changes. This is in the hopes that the new categories and details will make it easier to understand the different aspects of passes, fails and advisory measures.

New things to be tested

In addition to the above, there are a number of other things to be tested as part of the MOT on your vehicle. These include:

• Checking for under-inflated tyres
• Checking for contaminated brake fluid
• Checking for fluid leaks
• Checking brake pads, discs and warning lights
• Checking reverse lights for vehicles made since 1st September 2009
• Checking headlight washers – if the vehicle has them

An MOT is a vital test to have, not only because it is the law, but also to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive on the road and that it is as environmentally friendly as possible.

One common reason cars fail MOT tests is because of damaged windscreens. If you know your vehicle has an MOT coming up, and you’d like to get your windscreen chip or crack repaired to avoid a fail, simply contact The Windscreen Company today to book an appointment with our mobile team.

All information was taken from independent research and was correct at the time of publishing.

The Windscreen Company

+ posts

The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.

• How to Drive Safely in Winter
• Does Rubbing a Potato on Your Windscreen Actually Work?
• How to Keep Your Car Warm in Winter
• How to Properly De-ice Your Windscreen