Changes to the MOT for cars and large vehicle tests come into force later this month as new European requirements on roadworthiness take effect.
From 20 March 2013, revised European legislation will introduce new requirements to annual vehicle tests to reflect advances in technology. The changes include additional checks for some of the vehicle systems already examined such as brakes, steering, suspension and lighting. These changes will not affect the basic cost of a test.
Tests carried out on cars, vans, heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches will be affected.
Vehicle and Operator Services Agency chief executive Alastair Peoples said: “The MOT test is designed to make sure that a vehicle is fit to be on the road and so it needs to be updated to reflect new vehicle technology.
“We at VOSA have worked closely with the industry to make sure they are prepared for the changes; and testers have been letting customers know about the new items at the MOT test for more than a year to make sure they are ready for the changes.”
There will be new checks on a number of items including:
- Electronic power steering malfunction indicator lamp
- Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated or inoperative
- Engine mountings
- Speedometer