The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is encouraging motorists to embrace a greener approach to MOT testing with the switch to digital certificates.
Michelle Glasscock, Manager at The Test Centre, offers advice to help drivers pass their MOT and secure their digital certificate.
The Environmental Impact of Paper Certificates
In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, the DVSA is no longer automatically providing paper certificates for MOT passes. Digital results are now the norm, with physical copies only available for those who “really need” them due to limited internet access.
The environmental benefit is significant. From October to December 2023 alone, over 8 million MOT tests were conducted. If paper certificates were printed for all these tests, they would cover an area exceeding 1,000 miles – the distance from London to Madrid. This translates to the equivalent of over 920 trees worth of paper.
Top 5 MOT Failure Categories and How to Avoid Them
While digital certificates are the new standard for MOT passes, paper printouts remain available (for now) for MOT failures. Glasscock shares the top 5 reasons for MOT failure and how to improve your chances of passing and going green with a digital certificate:
1. Ensure All Lights Function Properly (11.9% of Failures)
- Check headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, and fog lights regularly.
- Replace faulty bulbs promptly.
- Clean lenses for maximum visibility.
2. Maintain Your Suspension (9.7% of Failures)
- Look for signs of worn bushings, leaking shock absorbers, or damaged springs.
- Excessive bouncing or swaying may indicate worn suspension components.
- Listen for unusual noises when going over bumps.
3. Regularly Check and Maintain Your Brakes (7.2% of Failures)
- Monitor brake fluid levels and top up if necessary.
- Inspect brake pads and discs for wear, replacing them if below the minimum thickness.
- A spongy or overly firm brake pedal could indicate air in the lines or worn components.
4. Maintain Safe and Legal Tires (6.4% of Failures)
- Regularly check tread depth using a gauge or built-in indicators.
- Replace tires worn below the legal limit of 1.6mm.
- Look for cuts, bulges, or uneven wear patterns.
- Check and adjust tire pressure according to manufacturer recommendations.
5. Repair Windscreen Chips and Cracks (4.6% of Failures)
- Address chips or cracks promptly to prevent them from spreading.
- Replace worn windscreen wiper blades that leave streaks or residue.
- Ensure the windscreen washer system functions correctly with adequate washer fluid.
Go Digital and Go Green!
For more information on the DVSA’s switch to digital MOT certificates, please visit the Gov website here.