At a time when the government are talking about cars not needing to have an MoT until they are four years old and extending the regular test to every two years, rather than one, a whole raft of changes are being implemented which will make the current MoT test even tougher.
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) say the changes are to comply with EU requirements. Clearly, the cars we drive have changed and become more sophisticated, so I guess its right the MoT reflects these changes. However, the changes announced include such simple things as checking that the dashboard warning lights are working for things like main beam, airbags, tyre pressures or power steering.
New technology such as Anti-Lock brakes and electronic stability control systems will be checked in the test, as will checks to ensure that the new generation of mega powerful headlights won’t dazzle oncoming motorists.
The changes to the MoT become operative from January 2012 and initially, there will be a period of grace, allowing drivers to get the repairs done, but by the end of 2012 a pass certificate simply won’t be issued unless the items pass at the time of the MoT
Whilst things like dashboard warning lights might seem insignificant, the cost of repairing them can be substantial as it mostly involves the dashboard or binnacle being removed and of course, on some cars it might not be the bulb that’s at fault, requiring more investigation or maybe replacement of the entire dashboard electronics, so its something to watch out for when you buy a used car
