The new 2012 MoT test

The new MoT test comes in on 1 January 2012.

It has been described as the biggest change in the test since emissions were included. Some of the new failure classifications have little effect on Griffs and Chims. To help clarify the provisions here’s something that I gleaned from the VOSA website, not the most friendly I’ve been on.

VOSA reckon that failures of the new items will be given as advisories in the first three months so 1 April is the cut off date.

The main changes from 2012 As well as electronic parking brake and electronic stability control warning lights (see later) the MOT test will also include checks for the correct function of the

Headlight main beam warning light,

Brake fluid level warning light,

The new test includes a check on the presence and correct function of the steering lock where fitted as standard.

Also included are the following:

Electronic power steering warning light

Tyre pressure monitoring system warning light

Air bag warning light

Seat belt pretensioner warning light

Steering & suspension

Also failures are missing, split or damaged dust covers on steering and suspension ball-joints if they allow dirt to enter the joint. If the power steering fluid is below the minimum level it is also a failure.

Products on the lens or light source including front and rear position lamps, number plat illumination, stop lights, fog and direction indicators would cause failures. Headlamp regs have been updated to include high intensity discharge (HID) lamps.

Vehicles fitted with aftermarket HID systems must be fitted with properly working washer and levelling systems.

An insecure battery will be a reason for failure as will a battery that is leaking electrolyte. Visible wiring that is insecure, inadequately supported or likely to cause a short will also result in a failure as will wires bared by damaged insulation.

The car will fail if a speedometer is not fitted, is incomplete, inoperative, has a dial glass broken/missing or cannot be illuminated.

It must be possible to secure the driver's seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism in two or three different positions.

Doors must be easy to open and close – hinges, catches and pillars will be inspected.

Inappropriate repair or modification to the towbar assembly will be a reason for failure if judged likely to affect the road-worthiness of the vehicle/trailer. Towing electrics, the 7 and 13 pin sockets, will be checked.

A catalytic convertor fitted as original equipment but missing will be a reason for failure.

Damaged or chafed fuel pipes will result in failure.

Also included in the new test:

A rear door that cannot be opened from the outside using the relevant control is a new reason for failure.

Electronic parking brake controls must be present and not inappropriately repaired or modified and the electronic parking brake warning lamp must illuminated to indicate a malfunction.

Electronic stability control will be tested. Mandatory headlamp cleaning or levelling systems must work, and not be missing, or defective.

Tyre pressure monitoring systems fitted to vehicles first registered after 1 January 2012 must be working correctly and not indicating a malfunction.

A missing or defective airbag fitted as original equipment will be a failure, as will a missing seatbelt pre-tensioner, incuding one that has been deployed.

Seatbelt load limiters are also subject of a test.

The vehicle will also fail if an SRS malfunction light is missing, not working or indicating a fault.

On electric seats the motors must move the seat fore and aft.

All in all, very few of the provision will affect Griffs and Chims. Or indeed, kit cars and RV8-engined Land/Range Rovers