A revised MOT test will come into force on the 20th March 2013 with more checks for modern cars.
New European requirements on roadworthiness will introduce new legislation to annual vehicle tests to reflect advances in technology. Tests carried out on cars, vans, heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches will be affected but the cost of an MOT test will not change.
Newly introduced checks affecting class 4 vehicles (cars, trikes, quads, ambulance and taxi’s) include:
- Headlamp levelling and cleaning devices when fitted for HID or LED headlamps
- Main beam ‘tell-tale’ warning
- Battery (including batteries for electric or hybrid vehicles)
- Electrical wiring and connectors
- Trailer electrical socket security and damage
- Operation of 13-pin trailer electrical sockets using an approved trailer socket tester
- Operation of the steering lock (where fitted) including a malfunction warning in respect of an electronic steering lock
- Electronic power steering malfunction indicator lamp
- Electronic parking brake control and malfunction indicator lamp
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) components, including the switch (if fitted) and malfunction warning
- Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated or inoperative
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
- SRS components including airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners, seat belt load limiters and SRS malfunction warning lamp
- Engine mountings
- Speedometer
- Indirect vision devices (where they replace obligatory mirrors)