With less than a week to go until the introduction of the new MOT, motorists are being reminded again of the changes that come into force on May 20, 2018.
Test stations should now have the final version of the new MOT testing manual and testers can access an on-line training package on the changes.
MOT examiners are required to make sure their garages meet the standards set out in the MOT guides and inspection manual and DVSA carries out risk assessments and inspections to make sure they are maintained and the needs of customers are being met.
DVSA chief executive, Gareth Llewellyn said: “DVSA’s priority is to help you keep your vehicle safe to drive.
“With just a week to go until the new MOT you can start to look forward to cleaner, safer vehicles with greater clarity if you own a car on any defects identified by the tester.
“A properly maintained vehicle should have no problem passing the new MOT.”
DPF emissions
Among the changes, there will be stricter rules on emissions from diesel vehicles fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Diesel cars will automatically fail their MOT if there’s any smoke coming from the exhaust, if the DPF has been removed or there is evidence it has been tampered with.
If legitimate work has been carried out on the DPF, the tester will need to see proof of that, like a receipt from the garage that did the work.
Related: DVSA issues MOT guidance on inspection manual changes
The DVSA has said changes to the MOT defect categorisation are focused on making it simpler for motorists to know if their vehicle is safe to drive.
The agency said: “Our advice is that a vehicle with a dangerous defect should not be driven until the defect is repaired, because it’s dangerous both to the driver and other road users.
“In addition, any driver attempting to do so runs the risk of being fined or receiving points on their licence.
“This would apply whether they were not aware of the defect or had found out through the MOT.
Car maintenance
“This re-affirms the importance of keeping a vehicle well maintained all of the time.”
Each year around 30 million MOTs are carried out in Great Britain.
With 28 per cent of cars turning up late for test, DVSA also provides a free service for drivers to receive MOT reminders by text message or email four weeks before their car’s MOT is due.
Over 600,000 drivers have signed up for the service since it launched in November 2017.