New MoT test rules came into force yesterday - Sunday 20 May - and there are some big changes you need to know about.

Your car will now be categorized as either

​Dangerous [FAIL]
            A direct and immediate risk to road safety or has a serious impact on the environment.

Do not drive the vehicle until it’s been repaired.
This means even if you still have a valid MOT (you can test up to a month early) your car is not safe to drive and unless you plan on your MOT station fixing the vehicle, you will need to organise recovery of the car and transport from the test centre.
Example
Major leak on steering.

Major
            It may affect the vehicle’s safety, put other road users at risk or have an impact on the environment.

Repair it immediately.
This is just about what people are used to now. Don’t use the vehicle, but you can take it to a repair centre of your choice.
Example
Minor leak on steering.

Minor
No significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment.

Repair as soon as possible.
This is another new category which advises of defects already present and in need of your attention.
Example
            Cracked number plate.

Advisory
The advisory part of the MOT remains and informs you about possible future defects you need to be aware of.           
 
What happens if you fail?

You will be advised by the MOT tester and given the new MOT form which explains what you should do.
If you decide to drive a dangerous vehicle after an MOT failure, then you are open to a £2500 fine and 3 points on your licence. If caught a second time it’s a six month ban.
The results of the test are uploaded to the DVLA and available online straight away. Although the police will not be out looking for dangerously maintained cars, if you have or cause an accident, the MOT results and your actions will count against you.

What’s new?
The major thing that might affect vehicles is the check on DPFs (Diesel Particulate filters). Up until now, you only failed if it was physically missing.
Now it must be fitted and not tampered with (you can’t cut it open and remove the filter). If you have a filter fitted, make sure it is in good order as any sign of smoke is a fail.
For all you slow drivers out there, a good blast down the motorway at 70mph will help clean the filter out if performed regularly.
This failure could cost you £1000 to have it replaced.
Other new checks
            Tire inflation is correct
            Brake pad warning lights.
            Oil leaks posing an environmental risk.
            Reversing lights on vehicles first used from September 1 2009
            Headlight washers on vehicles first used from September 1 2009 (if they have them)
            Daytime running lights on vehicles first used from March 1 2018 (most of these vehicles will have their first MOT in 2021 when they’re 3 years old)
             Correct type of bulb for the reflector (no fitting a Xenon kit without a full headlight change).

Classic cars that are more than 40 years old will no longer require an MOT. This will affect over 300,000.
​This can be taken from either the day of manufacture, if known, or the day it is first registered.

One thing to remember when taking your car in for MOT is you might not be bringing it back, and might need alternative transport for a few days. The MOT test centre might not be able to fix you vehicle for a while and parts are not always available.