DRIVERS have been warned of a major change to MOT tests with the DVSA scrapping a key feature.
The well-known Driver Vehicle Standards Authority (DVSA) system necessitates an annual comprehensive mechanical inspection of an entire motor once it surpasses three years old.
But they have now implemented a sweeping change that has already come into force this week.
As of April 29, the way drivers receive their MOT test results will be altered.
Normally, a mechanic would hand you a summary of the MOT along with the elements which passed or failed.
This will usually include checks on brakes, tyres, headlights, mirrors and other vital elements of the car.
But the DVSA has scrapped paper printouts in most cases and says test certificates from now on will be issued digitally in order to be more “environmentally friendly”.
The DVSA’s Gordon Thomson told the Express: “Now that we’re able to offer certificates digitally via the MOT history service, we want to move away from issuing a paper copy of pass certificates at the time of test.
“The MOT history service contains the digital test record for every vehicle.
“It provides the most up to date and secure way to check the MOT history.
“Using this service also reduces the need for paper and is more environmentally friendly.
“Now that digital certificates are available, from 29 April this year we are going to stop printing MOT pass certificates, by default, at the time of the test.
“In most cases, you won’t need the physical piece of paper and I’d encourage you to view the vehicle’s record on MOT history instead ensuring the details on the certificate are correct and check for any advisory items.
“But, by exception, the VSA will still print a copy if you really need one – for example, if you have any difficulties accessing the internet.”
He continued: “We will continue to print failure certificates for the time being.
“We are considering whether to take the same approach with failures in the future and it would be useful to receive any thoughts or comments you may have.
“We will of course let you know if we intend to change or approach moving forward.”
It comes after a motors expert revealed three key tips to keep the cost of your MOT down.
Sorting out your car if it fails annual safety checks can mean brutal payouts.
But taking a few steps ahead of the yearly MOT, can make all the difference to your bank balance.
Remember, you can be fined up to £1,000 for driving without a valid MOT.
It comes after an experienced mechanic revealed the “stupidest” reason for drivers failing their MOT tests.
THIS is the one-stop checklist that will make sure you are prepared to pass your next MOT.
Tyres and wheels – Look out for damage to the sidewall of your tyres and make sure they’re sufficiently inflated.
Use the 20p coin test to make sure your tyres have the right tread depth, which should be 1.6mm all the way around across the central three-quarters of the tread pattern.
The outer edge of a 20p coin will be completely obscured if the tread is deep enough.
Also, be careful space-saver spare tyres could catch you out in the test, so replace them with standard tyres of the right type and size that fit properly before the test.
Lights – Check all of the car’s lights are working properly and are the right colour to pass an MOT test.
Have someone walk around the car and make sure they don’t flicker when tapped which could mean they need tightening or replacing.
This includes headlamps, parking lights, reversing lights, indicators, registration plate bulbs and, on more recent vehicles, daytime running lights.
Wipers and windscreen – Replace wipers that smear because they are probably worn out and top up the washer bottle.
Check your headlight washers if you have any.
Make sure there are no chips or cracks longer than 1cm on your windscreen and remove any stickers that could obstruct your view.
Number plates – Registration plates legally have to be in good condition, tightly fastened to the car and easily read from 20 metres away, so checking these is a must if you want to pass your MOT test.
Doors – Fix any broken doors or ones that don’t stay properly closed.
Front doors need to be openable from inside and out for safety reasons.
General condition – Make sure the exterior of your car is up to scratch.
Any sharp edges or pieces of metal sticking out could cause a danger to other road users and will definitely fail the MOT test.
Inside a car – Your dashboard will pop up with flashing warning lights if anything needs to be fixed under the bonnet like power-steering or brake-fluid warnings.
Make sure you have a fully functioning speedometer or you will fail the MOT test
