The start of May 2018 has seen preparations for the proposed changes to the new Ministry of Transport test, where cars over 40 will be road legal, but with no obligation to partake in an annual MOT test. We have previously discussed how 1970s vehicles are now classed as a classic car, and the implications this may cause. 1.5 percent of cars in Britain will not have an MOT certification but will be on the road, but this shouldn’t be a cause for concern says the Department for Transport. On the 20th of May, the changes will be in full effect and the Department for Transport has stated that owners of most classic cars take great pride in maintaining their vehicle.
The new MOT includes other changes for cars, vans, motorcycles and other light passenger vehicles. During MOTs, tougher emissions tests will be performed, and faults will be rated in categories of dangerous, major and minor. If a car is rated in the dangerous category it will fail its MOT examination, but if it has minor faults it will pass but the ‘advisories’ or areas of concern will be recorded.
Neil Barlow, MOT service manager at the DVSA states, “The changes to the MOT will help ensure that we’ll all benefit from cleaner and safer vehicles on our roads.” The new MOT is following the government’s 25-year Environment Plan, to help improve our existing environment. After 2040 the government will ban the sales of any new diesel and petrol cars, following this initiative they have implemented tougher tests for diesel engines. Cars with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) that produce any visible smoke will get an automatic major fault and might fail their MOT.
Do you need an MOT test for your car? Contact the Sunrise experts on 01258 459798.