MOT EXTENSION COMES TO AN END
The 2020 MOT extension finally comes to an end following a 6 month extension during the pandemic.
Although there was a surge in MOT tests last Christmas, there are still many vehicles on UK roads which pose potential risks to motorists.
Our insightful guide breaks down the MOT extension, the current MOT test changes and the new MOT rules for 2021.
We will also discuss and provide sustainable alternatives for your vehicle or classic car if it fails its MOT.
The After-Effects Of The MOT Test
The 6 month MOT extension given to cars, motorcycles and vans in 2020 has made for an unsettling 2021 for most MOT centres.
Although useful for garages that were closed during lockdown, the expansion has now caused an increased backlog of vehicles that require MOT tests in 2021.
This trend looks to continue for the foreseeable future as an additional 339,000 new cars that were bought from September 2018 are now due to have an MOT test for the very first time!
With more than 5.5 million cars deferring an MOT, it is crucial that they are tested to ensure they are safe to use.
MOT Test Changes In 2021
The MOT test has undergone a few changes in 2021.
The most significant MOT changes have come under the new categories for defects. In addition to this, stricter standards have been given for diesel vehicles and classic cars.
New MOT rules came into force as early as May 2020 where the traditional fail or pass rating was replaced with a dangerous, major and minor rating.
- A dangerous rating means the vehicle poses an immediate risk to a person’s road safety and also has a deadly impact on the environment. The DVSA states that a vehicle cannot be driven under any circumstance until it is fully repaired.
- A major defect can affect the safety of your car, adds risk to other road users and may also impact the surrounding environment. In such a case, the DVSA states a major vehicle defect needs to be repaired immediately.
- A minor defect is classified as not directly affecting the safety of a vehicle or impacting the environment. These will need to be repaired appropriately although a minor defect will still pass a test.
2021 MOT TEST RULES
Drivers are responsible to book an MOT test every 12 months to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy.
Vehicles are checked for various safety parameters on certain car parts which include:
- Brakes
- Light
- Seat Belts
- Tyres
- If a vehicle’s power steering has been negatively affected by damage or corrosion to its wiring, pipe or hose, then this defect would become dangerous and the MOT certificate will flag this to the car owner.
- If the power steering fluid in your car is below a minimum mark, then the car will be given a minor defect. However if the reservoir is empty, then you will receive a major defect and will fail your MOT test.
After the test has been conducted a valid MOT certificate will be missed to state that your vehicle or classic car has passed its MOT.
It’s important to understand how to pas your MOT to avoid a potential fine of £1000 as well as expensive repairs. Thankfully, we have a quick guide that offers top tips on how to pass your MOT test for 2021!
Our data shows that millions of MOT failures can be avoided by performing a series of basic checks before taking a vehicle to the garage. it takes as little as 10 minutes to examine a car for simple defects, such as faulty light bulbs and flat tyres.
MOT Test Changes For Classic Cars
MOT tests for classic cars follow different rules than normal vehicles.
Previously classic cars produced before 1960 did not require an MOT test, however a change in 2018 alongside the recent requirements for headlights now changes this.
There is a 40-year roll date that is used for classic car MOT tests. This can be broken down as:
- A classic car manufactured in 1981 will require an MOT test from 2021.
- A classic car that is over 40 years old will be MOT exempt until it has been declared as a VHI (vehicle of interest)
- To ensure your classic car is exempt from VED tax, you will need to provide your vehicle log book (V5C) as well as an MOT certificate from a previous test.
- Due to the recent changes to classic car MOTs, vehicle owners who have converted their headlights into LEDs will now fail their MOT test.
As recent classic car MOT changes have negatively affected vehicles it’s important to understand where you stand. Find out more on classic cars and what to do if your vehicle has failed its MOT with Scrap Local’s complete guide!
Car Failed Its MOT?
With 8 million vehicles failing their MOT test in 2020 and a further 5.5 million delaying their MOT test in 2021, it’s now more important than ever to ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and safe for both yourself and other motorists.
If your diesel, petrol or classic car has failed its MOT and you want to escape a potential £1000 fine and expensive garage repairs, then why not scrap your vehicle with us!
Scrap Local’s award-winning network of vehicle recyclers can arrange a hassle-free scrap car collection and removal service near you.
Receive one of the best scrap car prices and enquire with Scrap Local today for a FREE quote with NO hidden admin fees!
MOT Extension Post-Covid: What Comes Next?
It’s clear that MOTs are getting harder to pass and it’s highly likely that more stringent rules will follow these recent MOT changes.
- The 2021 MOT test changes will impact many more vehicles and classic cars so it’s important to understand the best practices before you book your MOT.
- Conveniently, Scrap Local’s top tips on how to pass your MOT covers everything you need to know on how to pass your test.
- Due to lockdown there are many vehicles on the road which are unroadworthy and dangerous. Our award-winning network has seen a large increase in MOT failures put up for scrap.
Thankfully, we work with vehicle recyclers and ATFs who ensure that all unroadworthy vehicles are removed hassle-free and for a great price!
Your Questions Answered!
The MOT extension was due to end in March 2021, although the deadline was moved to August to discourage non-essential travel and free up garages for essential workers.
MOT tests for 2021 are now due following the MOT extension coming to an end.
Drivers are to book an MOT test every 12 months.
MOT changes for 2021 include stricter rules for defects.
Instead of being marked as a pass or fail, the new changes will class defects as dangerous, major or minor.
If your vehicle was manufactured in 1981 it is now due to have an MOT test this year.
It’s important to ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and adheres to the changes made to classic cars in 2018 and the requirements for headlights set in March 2021.
If you have undertaken and failed your MOT test under the new rules, then our specialist team of classic and salvage buyers can help! Enquire today for a FREE scrap car quote for your classic car.
As MOT tests receive stricter changes it’s important to ensure you follow some quick and effective tips to pass.
From performing the 20p tyre tread test to checking your windshield washer fluid is full, you can find a full breakdown on how you can pass your MOT test in 2021 in our quick guide!
If your vehicle has repeatedly failed its MOT and you want to avoid potential fines and exceedingly high repair costs, then scrapping your car is the best option for you.
Scrap Local works nationwide with trusted vehicle recyclers and ATFs that can remove your diesel, petrol or classic vehicle for a great scrap price.
We can arrange a stress-free scrap car collection service that provides an effective solution to scrap car removal near you.
We’ll even handle all of the paperwork for you and provide a hassle-free approach to vehicle recycling.
Enquire today for a FREE quote with NO hidden admin fees!
