How the New MOT Rules Could Impact on your Driving Test

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

How the New MOT Rules Could Impact on your Driving Test

Outline

1. Introduction
   • The Importance of MOT Rules for Your Driving Test
   • Why Understanding the New Rules Matters
2. The Key Changes in MOT Rules
   • New Restrictions on Using Your Own Car for the Test
   • Understanding the Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
   • The Reversing Light Rule and Its Impact on Modern Cars
3. What’s Considered a Major Defect Under the New MOT Guidelines?
   • The Impact of an Inoperative MIL on Your Driving Test
   • How a Malfunctioning MIL Affects the Test Outcome
4. What Happens if Your Car Has a Malfunction During the Driving Test?
   • Will the Test Continue if the MIL Light Comes On?
   • What Other Issues Could Lead to Test Cancellation?
5. How to Make Sure Your Car is Test-Ready
   • Step-by-Step Checklist for Pre-Test Car Inspections
   • Common Test-Ready Mistakes to Avoid
6. Understanding the DVSA’s Car Requirements
   • Essential Car Features for a Successful Test
   • Why Your Car Needs to Be Taxed, Insured, and MOTed
7. Importance of the MIL Light
   • What Does the MIL Light Indicate?
   • Steps to Take if Your MIL Light Is On
8. Other Car Warnings That Can End Your Test
   • The Danger of Warning Lights (e.g., Airbag)
   • Ensuring Your Tyres Are Legal and Safe
9. Rules Regarding Space-Saver Tyres and Speed Limits
   • Why You Should Avoid Space-Saver Tyres
   • Minimum Speed Requirements for the Driving Test
10. Essential Safety Features for Your Test Car
    • Seat Belts and Headrests: What You Need to Know
    • The Importance of an Extra Interior Rearview Mirror
11. L Plates and D Plates: What Are the Requirements?
    • Proper Placement of L or D Plates
    • The Role of the Examiner’s Mirror
12. Cars That Are Not Allowed for the Test
    • Why Some Cars Are Banned from Driving Tests
    • A List of Common Banned Cars
13. The Dangers of Smoking in Your Car Before the Test
    • Why Smoking Can Lead to a Test Refusal
    • Tips for Keeping Your Car Test-Ready
14. What to Do If You Are Unsure About Your Car’s Readiness
    • How to Check MOT and Insurance Details
    • What to Do If You Have Concerns About Your Vehicle
15. Conclusion
    • Recap of the Key Changes and How They Impact Your Test
    • Final Thoughts on Preparing Your Car for the Test
16. FAQs
    • Common Questions Learners Have About the New Rules

How the New MOT Rules Could Impact Your Driving Test

Taking your driving test in your own car is a convenient and popular choice for many learners. However, with recent updates to the MOT rules, there are new considerations you must be aware of before your big day. These new rules could directly impact whether you’re allowed to use your vehicle during the test. If you aren’t prepared, your test could be cancelled on the spot. So, let’s dive into how these new changes could affect your driving test and how you can ensure your car is ready.

The Key Changes in MOT Rules

If you’re planning to use your personal vehicle for your driving test, it’s essential to stay on top of the new MOT rules. These changes, which took effect on June 4th, 2023, include two specific rules that directly affect the eligibility of your vehicle for the driving test.

1. Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) The MIL is a warning light that illuminates when there’s a problem with your car’s engine or exhaust system. Under the new MOT regulations, a faulty or inoperative MIL is considered a major defect. If this light is on or broken, you can’t use your car for the test.
2. Reversing Lights If your car was manufactured after September 1st, 2009, and its reversing lights are not working, your vehicle will be disqualified from being used for the test. This rule is in line with new MOT regulations introduced earlier in 2023, which classify any issues with reversing lights as a serious defect.

Understanding these changes is crucial to avoid unnecessary complications on the day of your test.

What’s Considered a Major Defect Under the New MOT Guidelines?

The term “major defect” might sound a bit intimidating, but it’s simply a classification for issues that are considered dangerous or likely to affect the safety of the vehicle. Under the updated MOT rules, both an inoperative MIL and non-functioning reversing lights now fall under this category. If these defects are present, the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) won’t allow your vehicle to be used for the driving test.

If your MIL light comes on during the driving test but your car is still running fine, the examiner may still continue the test. However, this could be problematic if other safety issues arise, or if your car’s performance is compromised in any way.

What Happens if Your Car Has a Malfunction During the Test?

So, what happens if something goes wrong during your test? For example, if your MIL light illuminates while you’re driving but the car continues to perform as expected, the test can still proceed. However, if the issue causes the car to malfunction, or if another serious fault occurs, the examiner may have no choice but to stop the test.

Make sure your car is in good condition to minimize the chances of any issues cropping up on the day.

How to Make Sure Your Car is Test-Ready

Before you show up for your test, take some time to do a thorough check of your car. Here’s a quick checklist to ensure your vehicle is test-worthy:

• Check for Warning Lights: Make sure no lights are showing on the dashboard, particularly the MIL or airbag warning.
• Inspect the Tyres: They should have legal tread depth and be free of damage. Space-saver tyres are not allowed for driving tests.
• Confirm the Car Is Insured and MOTed: Ensure that your insurance covers the driving test, and that the car has a valid MOT certificate (if applicable).
• Add an Extra Rearview Mirror: You’ll need an additional interior rearview mirror for the examiner’s use.
• Install L Plates: Make sure the car has L plates (or D plates in Wales) clearly visible on the front and rear.

Understanding the DVSA’s Car Requirements

The DVSA has clear guidelines on what is required for a car to be used during the test. Some key factors include:

• Legal Documentation: Your car must be taxed, insured, and have an up-to-date MOT (if the car is over 3 years old).
• Visibility and Safety Features: The vehicle should offer good all-round visibility for the examiner, and the seat belts, headrests, and mirrors must meet safety standards.

Other Car Warnings That Can End Your Test

Aside from the MIL light, other car issues can cause your test to be canceled before it even begins. For example, if your car has an active airbag warning light or if the tyres don’t meet the legal requirements, the test will not proceed. It’s a good idea to inspect your car thoroughly before the test day to avoid these common pitfalls.

Rules Regarding Space-Saver Tyres and Speed Limits

Space-saver tyres, which are typically used as temporary replacements in case of a flat, are not permitted for your driving test. The car must also be able to achieve a minimum speed of 62mph. Therefore, older cars or those that cannot safely reach this speed may not be eligible.

Essential Safety Features for Your Test Car

Your vehicle should be equipped with essential safety features, including seat belts for all passengers, properly adjusted headrests, and a functioning rearview mirror for the examiner. Don’t forget the L Plates, which are necessary for all learners taking their driving test in the UK.

L Plates and D Plates: What Are the Requirements?

In the UK, learners are required to display L plates on the front and rear of their vehicle. If you’re taking your test in Wales, you’ll need to use D plates. These plates are a clear indication that the driver is a learner, and failing to display them can lead to your test being canceled.

Cars That Are Not Allowed for the Test

There are certain vehicles that the DVSA will not allow for the driving test due to safety and visibility concerns. For example, the BMW Mini Convertible, Toyota iQ, and VW Beetle Convertible are on the banned list because they do not offer the necessary all-round visibility for the examiner.

The Dangers of Smoking in Your Car Before the Test

It may seem like a good idea to have a quick cigarette to calm your nerves before your test, but this can actually backfire. If your car reeks of smoke when the examiner enters, they have the right to refuse to conduct the test. To avoid this, make sure your car is smoke-free and smelling fresh before you arrive.

What to Do If You Are Unsure About Your Car’s Readiness

If you’re uncertain whether your car meets all the requirements, it’s always a good idea to contact the DVSA or your driving instructor for guidance. Checking your car’s MOT status and confirming your insurance details can help ensure that there are no surprises on the day of the test.

Conclusion

The new MOT rules have introduced a few important changes that could affect your ability to use your own car for the driving test. By understanding these rules and ensuring that your car is in good condition, you can help ensure that your test day goes smoothly. Remember, preparation is key, and the small details matter!

FAQs

1. Can I still take my driving test if my MIL light comes on during the test? Yes, if the car is still operating normally, the test can continue. However, if other issues arise, the test may be stopped.
2. What happens if I show up for my test with a car that doesn’t have working reversing lights? If your car’s reversing lights are broken and your vehicle was manufactured after September 1, 2009, your test will be canceled.
3. Can I use a car with space-saver tyres for my driving test? No, space-saver tyres are not allowed for the driving test. Your car must have regular tyres that are legal and safe.
4. Do I need to display L plates on my car for the test? Yes, L plates must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle for the test.
5. Is it okay to smoke in my car right before the test? No, smoking in your car before the test could cause the examiner to refuse to conduct your test.

   Student and examiner © ODOT’s Driver and Motor Vehicle Services