With BIG CHANGES to the MOT from 20 May 2018, it’s important to highlight the ones that will affect Club members. So we turned to Kate Streets and The Test Centre in Deptford, London for advice.
The Test Centre is a FOXY Lady Approved MOT testing station which carries out over 30,000 tests per year, making it the busiest MOT testing station in the UK.
When we interviewed Kate about the upcoming changes to the MOT test this is what she told us.
We know that new defect categories have been introduced to the MOT but can you explain how these will work and affect motorists?
“There’s now going to be three defect categories; dangerous, major and minor. ‘Dangerous’ and ‘major’ defects will cause the MOT to be failed. These defects are pre-defined and approved by DVSA.
“A dangerous defect has been added and means you shouldn’t drive the vehicle away in that condition. It tells the motorist that their car is a direct and immediate risk to road safety or has a serious impact on the environment and should be repaired immediately.
“From 20 May 2018 driving a vehicle with ‘dangerous’ or ‘major’ defects is illegal and it is the motorist’s responsibility to repair these defects immediately.
“Minor defects are added so motorists are fully aware that there’s a defect on the vehicle – but it isn’t serious enough for the vehicle to fail.
“These are all pre-written & approved by DVSA. You will still get a pass, but they will be noted on your test certificate. The purpose of advisories remains so you know that a component will become defective soon.
“The MOT certificate will reflect the new defect categories and also try and explain things more clearly to motorists about what they need to do on their vehicle. Where in doubt, motorists shouldn’t panic about these new changes but take advice from the MOT tester.
“At The Test Centre, MOT testers happily take motorists under the car to see where problems lurk and answer any questions, even if it has nothing to do with your MOT. This is all a part of the service so our customers feel confident and at ease.”
The new MOT test has new checks – what should we be aware of?
“The MOT test is changing in several ways. There’ll be some changes to the content of the MOT, although the basic essence of the MOT is staying the same. Some of the big changes from 20 May 2018 include:
“Stricter rules for diesel car emissions mean that your vehicle will get a major fault if the MOT tester can see smoke of any colour coming from the exhaust and/or finds evidence that the DPF (diesel particulate filter) has been tampered with.
“Reverse lights are now part of the MOT for any car registered from 1st September 2009 (59 plate onwards). Looking ahead, daytime running lamps (DRLs) & front fog lamps must work on vehicles registered from March 2018 (18 plate onwards).
“Engine Management Light anomalies are now a major fail. The light must come on with the ignition and then turn off when the engine is started.
“Brake pad warning lights are a major fail.
“A handbrake with excessive travel (ie requiring pulling up to far) is now a major defect and constitutes an MOT fail.
“Oil leaks (from the engine, gearbox etc) can be a major defect which constitutes an MOT fail, assuming they are deemed large/serious enough.”
How are testers being trained to implement these new changes?
“All testers have access to current legislation on all MOT changes and they are kept updated through special notices on the MTS (MOT Testing Service) government system.
“MOT testers also need to complete annual training and assessments each year to keep their testing status.
“The Test Centre’s sister company, The Test Centre Training, is a leading MOT training provider with experienced teachers who ensure that all testers they train remain compliant and keep up-to-date with the new changes.”
These are some of the biggest changes the MOT industry has seen. How can Club members make sure they aren’t ripped off in the process?
“Yes, it is a complete overhaul of the MOT to get it in line with the EU directive. Even the layout and style of the MOT certificate will change. With all these changes, it is likely that some garages could mislead the public to obtain repair work, costing motorists thousands.
“The best way for members to protect themselves, is to get their MOT done from a reputable and trusted garage. At The Test Centre, we pride ourselves on the fact that we are 100% unbiased because we carry out zero maintenance, repair or service on any vehicles. Our customers can be safe knowing that their MOT continues to be fair and is in trusted hands with over 20 years of reputable experience.
FOXY comment – If you get your MOT done by a FOXY Lady Approved garage you know that they have signed a promise to never overcharge, patronise or sell you anything you don’t need. If you ever have any cause to complain, you can involve FOXY and we’ll investigate this with you. It’s more reassuring than going it alone, using a garage you don’t know or buying an MOT that’s so cheap they MIGHT be expecting to sell you services you don’t need.
Final comment from Kate
“We are so pleased to be a part of the FOXY Lady Approved network and believe that all motorists should be able to trust that they are receiving quality service regardless of gender. We even have 3 female testers and test over 30% of vehicles for females. We are so confident in our blueprint that we offer a no pass, no fee testing structure so Club members can be 100% sure that if their vehicle should pass, it will at The Test Centre.”
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NB: You can check for your nearest FOXY Lady Approved garage here. NB: Not all carry out their own MOTs so please check they offer MOT services and always book well in advance.
NNB: Here are some MOT Preparation Tips, prior to new added checks/higher safety standards, explained above, applying from 20 May 2018.
