New items added to annual MOT
12th December 2011
If you've been ignoring a warning light because it's not checked in the MOT, you could be facing an MOT failure and an expensive repair bill in 2012 because of changes to the test.
The Department for Transport is adding a number of new mandatory items to the annual MOT from 1 January 2012, to comply with a revised European directive (2009/40/EC) intended to harmonise minimum test requirements across Europe and to make sure the test reflects the electrical/electronic complexity of modern vehicle safety features.
The new checks will include inspecting a series of dashboard warning lights telling drivers if there is a problem with their airbags, tyre pressures, power steering and main headlight beam. Power steering will be subject to inspection, with the MOT demanding a minimum level of fluid. Anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control systems will also be checked, as will the new generation of powerful headlights to ensure they do not dazzle oncoming motorists.
VOSA, the government agency responsible for the MOT, has indicated that 'failures' relating to the new test items will be treated as 'advisories' in the first three months. This means that if you have any of the above problems with your van, you've got until the first MOT renewal date after 1 April 2012 to get it fixed.