From January the MOT test is set to change to incorporate all the modern advances and technology that vehicles now have as standard. The last major change to the MOT was in the 1990s when car emission tests were included for the first time, and these proposed new changes will bring MOT tests in line with EU requirements.
One of the major changes to the new MOT test would mean that people would have to fix any problems straight away in order to get the MOT certificate, the grace period that currently exists to get repairs done will be scrapped.
Under the new MOT test items to be checked would include: dashboard controls and warning lights to make sure they are working effectively, headlights to assess whether they are too bright for oncoming vehicles, anti-lock brake and electronic stability control systems, and power steering in particular checking the amount of fluid in the system.
Ignition Driving School believes these changes and updates make sense as modern cars are now fitted with electronic aids and technology to help improve our safety on the road and it is important that they are checked out along with all the other parts of the vehicle. It also gives you peace of mind when buying a second hand car that all these things will have been tested as part of its MOT.
The proposed changes were announced by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to be implemented in January. Due to the standard of modern cars increasing, the Government is also considering plans to extend the validity of the MOT test certificate to two years from one, with the initial MOT being after four years instead of three.