Changes to MOT testing take effect from 20 March 2013 06 March 2013

Vehicle MOT test changes come into force later this month (March 2013), as new European requirements on roadworthiness, reflecting advances in technology, take effect.

From 20 March 2013, additional checks will be required, including on some of the vehicle systems already examined – such as brakes, steering, suspension and lighting.

The advisory period will also cease and any vehicle or trailer failing to meet the required standards will be failed.

Items affected include: electronic power steering malfunction indicator lamp; brake fluid warning lamp illuminated or inoperative; engine mountings and speedometer.

These changes affect vans, heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches.

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

"We at VOSA have worked closely with the industry to make sure they are prepared for the changes," he adds. "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."

Both the HGV and PSV consolidated inspection manuals have been updated and the relevant pages dated 20/03/2013. This includes the revision pages that list each update by section and the reason for failure or page number.

Electronic versions of each inspection manual are available via VOSAnet and the VOSA website has now been updated.

These changes will not affect the basic cost of an MOT test.

Author
Brian Tnham

Related Companies
Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)

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