Your car could pass its MOT but be 'less safe to drive'

The current MOT test risks overlooking some key features of modern cars, it has been claimed. The annual test is a legal requirement to check your vehicle is up to standard, covering essential aspects such as the wheels, tyres and brakes.

But motoring experts warn this may not be sufficient for newer vehicles featuring the latest tech. Lorna Macpherson, motor finance expert at Ocean Finance, said: "While the fundamentals of checking brakes, tyres, lights and emissions are important, modern vehicles bring a whole new layer of technology that the traditional MOT doesn’t really touch.

"We’ve seen some small updates to the MOT, such as stricter rules on diesel emissions and clearer categories for defects, but nothing that really addresses how digital today’s cars have become." She spoke about some of the features or newer cars that are not be checked as part of an MOT and yet are really important to have in good working order.

Ms Macpherson said: "Many newer vehicles now rely heavily on driver assistance features like lane-keeping systems, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. But these are not assessed in a standard MOT. If a sensor or camera is slightly off, a car might still pass its MOT but be less safe to drive.

"A review could help bridge that gap and give drivers confidence that their car's tech is working as it should." The DVSA has been trialling a new feature of MOTs, where testers take a picture of the vehicle going through its test, to be uploaded to the MOT testing service. This is intended to prevent ghost MOTs, where a certificate is issued for a vehicle even though it didn't actually go through the test.

A first phase involved 170 MOT testers at 62 garages taking pictures of cars, and this is now being expanded with more garages taking part. A DVSA spokesperson said: "While only a small number of testers and garages are involved in MOT fraud, it does happen and puts our roads at risk.

"DVSA wants to create a level playing field for all and we’ve taken action, helping to reassure drivers that their vehicle’s MOT will be conducted to the correct standard. Alongside investigation of potential instances of MOT fraud our recent Photos of Vehicles at MOT trial has shown real promise so far and we're excited to roll it out further."

Ms Macpherson also said the MOT test could be improved with some changes to better accommodate electric vehicles. She explained: "The test still leans heavily towards combustion engines, even though there are over 1.5 million EVs on UK roads.

"Things like battery health, charging components, and electric braking systems are not part of the MOT yet, but they will be central to car safety in the years ahead. Introducing digital diagnostics as part of the MOT could be a game-changer.

"Modern vehicles record a lot of data, and a simple plug-in scan could quickly highlight electronic or software issues that might otherwise go unnoticed." If you have you MOT coming up, the finance expert said it's a good to plan ahead.

Ms Macpherson said: "I’d always recommend booking it at least a month before your current certificate expires. That gives you time to deal with any repairs without losing the validity of your MOT if something needs fixing.

"The test itself usually costs around £55, but most people should budget at least £200 in case any repairs crop up. Common issues like worn tyres or faulty lights can often be sorted cheaply if you catch them early."

She said it's a good idea to regularly check over your car to make sure everything is working well. The expert said: "Regular maintenance can save money too. Simple checks, like topping up fluids, changing windscreen wipers and making sure your lights all work, can help your car sail through. Keeping up with your service schedule can prevent small faults from turning into bigger expenses."