Motorists ‘confused over upcoming MOT changes’

Many motorists are confused by changes to the MOT test, new research has revealed.

The revamped test, which is introduced on Sunday, sees three new defect categories – ‘dangerous’, ‘major’ and ‘minor – but they have left many drivers baffled as well as concerned.

In addition, five per cent thought that a ‘dangerous’ fault wouldn’t stop the vehicle from passing the test and six per cent thought the same of a ‘major’ fault. However, both categories equal a fail and the vehicle must be repaired immediately – with those labelled ‘dangerous’ forbidden from being driven until the repairs have been carried out.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “It is important everyone quickly gets to grips with the changes to the MOT, and that test centres and garages do a good job of explaining the new fault categories so motorists understand correctly the severity of faults with their vehicles.

“Changes to the MOT that make vehicles using our roads safer are undoubtedly a positive step, so we hope that testers everywhere interpret and apply the new rules fairly and consistently. The last thing we want to see is a lowering of MOT standards and an increase in the number of unroadworthy vehicles on our roads.”

Six out of 10 respondents thought the new rules would mean more vehicles failing, while 11 per cent thought that the changes would result in an increase in pass rates. That said, a quarter believed that the new MOT test would be introduced fairly, and would mean that no unsafe cars would be passed.