Breaking down Special Notice 01-23

The MOT Manual

SECTION 1 – Brakes 1.2.1 added paragraph –
“Not tested” or “Unable to be tested” must only be used where it becomes apparent during the test that the particular item cannot be tested, and this could not have been identified prior to starting the test. The reason for selecting the failure must be included in the additional information box.
1.7 – Electronic braking system (EBS)
Removed the word ‘air’ from braking system to cover all forms of EBS

SECTION 3 – Visibility – 3.3 View to the rear – obligatory mirrors
Add new categories for vehicle first used from 26 Jan 2010
Three mirrors/devices, in position ‘a’, ‘b’ and ‘c’ – unless internal mirror does not give view to rear
Passenger vehicles with 8 or more passenger seats (excluding buses and minibuses) M2
First used on or after 26 January 2010  – Two mirrors/devices, in position ‘a’ and ‘b’ – No requirement for internal mirror.
Goods vehicles
First used on or after 26 January 2010
Two mirrors/devices, in position ‘a’ and ‘b’

SECTION 4 – Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment
4.1.2 Content added to clarify items not test.
4.2.1 under sub heading ‘All lamps’ Changed wording from “You must assess damaged or repaired lamps for security, colour, light output and durability.” to “Check the presence, condition, security and function of the required lamps. Assess any damaged or repaired lamps for security, colour, light output and durability.”
4.5.1 add further guidance for front foglamp requirement.
“Front fog lamps that are not wired up and do not have a corresponding switch are not required to work. If you are not sure that they’re connected, you should give the benefit of the doubt.”

SECTION 5 –  Axles, wheels, tyres and suspension
5.3.2 – Shock absorbers
Add additional content “Slight seepage causing a film of fluid on a shock absorber is not a reason for rejection.”

SECTION 7 – Other equipment
7.1.2 – Seat belt fitment and condition
Update paragraph to
“You must check any visible parts of all seat belts fitted. This includes:
* seat belts fitted to child seats and restraints
* any disabled persons belts or wheelchairs straps”

SECTION 8. Nuisance
8.2.1.1 – Exhaust emission control equipment
Update paragraph To
“You only need to check components that are visible and identifiable, such as catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, and exhaust gas recirculation valves.
You should reject all vehicles first used on or after 1 September 2002, where original emissions control equipment components are missing, obviously modified or obviously defective.
Vehicles used prior to 1 September 2002 should only be rejected, where a full catalyst test could apply. Use the flowcharts 1, 2 and 3 to decide which emission test is applicable for the vehicle being tested.”
8.2.2.2 – Opacity
Update to
The vehicle has passed the opacity test if any of the following happens:
* the first acceleration showed that the smoke level was at 60% or less than the limit for the vehicle
* the mean smoke level from the first 3 readings was at or less than the limit for the vehicle
* the mean smoke level from any consecutive 3 readings was at or less than the limit for the vehicle”