Mike Westerman of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency recently gave a presentation at Derby College, attended by Banwells engineer, Malcolm Sladden. This was an informative talk on how the MOT test is evolving in 2012 to include the additional testing of the items shown in the diagram below.

Click on the diagram to view in a new window, then click the diagram again for full screen view.

The majority of the additional testable items were introduced as reasons for refusal to issue a test certificate as of 1st January 2012, but several are initially only advisory items. However Mike advised that in spring 2012, they will all become items which can be reasons for refusal to issue a test certificate, if deemed defective in accordance with the MOT Testers manual, which can be viewed on line at: www.motuk.co.uk/manual.

The components and systems which are advisory until spring 2012, when they will become potential test failure items, include:

• Main beam warning lamp
• Headlamp wash and levelling systems
• Steering Lock
• Tyre pressure monitoring (2012 models onwards only)
• Airbag and/or seatbelt pretensioner (SRS) warning light
• Speedometer condition
• Visible wiring condition
• Engine Mountings
• 13 pin trailer socket continuity (a 7 pin socket will be subject to a visual check only)

The traditional MOT test certificates which don’t list advisory items have been scrapped in favour of a new style MOT test certificate, which lists the advisory items on the same page.

MOT 2012 Test Certificate

Effectively the new style certificate will draw the attention of anyone buying a 3 year or older used car to any advisory items. Subsequently many advisory items may well be replaced or repaired prior to the sale of a car to satisfy the purchaser. The old system of providing a separate advisory notice form effectively discouraged disclosure of any advisory items to purchasers. Therefore the new all in one style certificate will be welcomed by many purchasers at least.

There is also a new Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate form which is shown below. This also lists any advisory items, as well as the reason/s the vehicle did not comply with the statutory requirements.

MOT Test Refusal

Looking to the future, there is the possibility of legislation for a biannual MOT test, European standardisation and historical vehicle exemption.