More rigorous MoT tests start in March

More rigorous MoT tests start in March

Motorists wanting to book their vehicles for their MoT test will find they are scrutinised more closely and will be put under more severe testing, in line with overhauled European regulations on roadworthiness.

The revised laws, which are due to come into effect on the 20th March this year, cover the mechanical fitness of vehicles from small cars to heavy goods vehicles and commuter coaches. As part of the amendment to vehicle laws, the MOT test has been revised to keep abreast of modern technology used in today's cars.

Updated vehicle checks will include checks for malfunctioning brake fluid warning lights, errors in electronic power, speedometer malfunctions, and defective engine mountings. These checks are on top of the usual checks such as steering, lights, brakes and suspension tests.

Almost 2.7 million vehicles are thought to be MoT'd during March, which by tradition is the most busy time for MoT testing, and with these additional checks coming into force, it is thought that more and more cars will be expected to fail. The average national spend last year to fix faults picked up by an MoT test was £72 per car.

The chief executive of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), Alastair Peoples, commented: "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".

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