Brief MOT history and new MOT rules

by Matthew Thomas V-Tech Auto

To make sure all the vehicles run on the roads with properly roadworthiness, a test called MOT test was introduced in 1960. This test was introduced under the direction of the Ministry of Transport and got its power from the Road Traffic Act, 1956. At the initial stage, the test included car components like lights, brakes, and steering checkup after 10 years of the registration date of the vehicle.

After the test started, a lot of vehicles failed the test. Due to this high rate of failure, the age for taking the test was reduced to seven years on 31 December 1961. The age for MOT test was reduced again to three years in April 1967. As the age for the test reduced, the list of items to check increased over the years.

For example, tyres, windscreen wipers, washers, indicators, brake lights, horns, exhaust, bodywork, emission etc.

Also, the vehicles were categorized as different classes like class 1, class 2, and class 3 and so on. With many changes in the past, nowadays, the MOT test is annual to ensure safety and roadworthiness.

As mentioned above, a large list of car items is included in the MOT test. According to new rules, you have to clear the test every year to keep the certificate valid for driving. Minor, major and dangerous categories are set by the MOT authorities to determine the results of the test.

Let us have a look at the results according to fault category.

Minor:

When your car is found with minor faults, you will get an advisory to remove the faults as soon as possible. After that, you will be able to drive on the road with the updated certificate.

Major:

Major faults in your car make it clear that your vehicle is going to fail its test. In this case, you have to repair the faults in the same center or it is possible to repair the car in another garage.

Dangerous:

Like major faults, dangerous faults also cause failure in the test but in this case, the tester will not allow you to drive your car to another service station. However, you can use a towing vehicle to repair your car.

What should you do after your vehicle fails its test?

You have mainly two options after your vehicle is unable to pass the test.

Retest:

After the failure, you can go for a partial retest. To have this option for free, you have to repair the fault before the end of the next working day. It is also possible you repair your car in another service station. If you get your car back to the original center after repairing it within 10 working days, a partial retest is possible at a reduced fee.

If you are failed to get your car to the center within 10 working days, the partial retest will not be possible and you have to go for a full test again.

Appealing the test:

You can go for this option if you are not satisfied with the results of the test. After you choose this option, you will not be able to repair your vehicle since you need to keep your car in its original condition. The center will arrange a full MOT Reading test with full test fee that is usually refundable after a successful appeal.

Finally, you can use these options after your car is unable to clear the test. If you want to avoid failures in the test, you have to maintain your car effectively. Poorly maintained cars may have several faults that are detected by the MOT center.

Therefore, make sure your car is always free of faults on the road.