Advisories are being replaced with minor fails. These are all pre-written & approved by DVSA. You will still get a pass but they will be noted on your test certificate. Manual advisories are still being worked out but may disappear completely.

If HIDs have been fitted to standard headlights they will now get a major fail even if the aim is correctly adjusted. The MOT is now in line with current legislation which prohibits that conversion.

Reverse lights are now part of the MOT for any car registered from 1st September 2009 (59 plate onwards). Daytime running lamps (DRL's) & front fog lamps must work on vehicles registered from March 2018 (18 plate onwards).

The engine management warning light is now subject to testing and a major fail. It must come on with the ignition and then turn off when the engine is started.

Brake wear warning lights are a major fail

Handbrake with excessive travel is now a major fail. Before it would only a fail if there was no reserve travel.

Contaminated (dirty) brake fluid is a major fail. Not sure how that will work as the MOT tester isn't allowed to remove the fluid cap.

Oil leaks (engine, gearbox etc.) can be a major failure if they are deemed large enough.

It seems the failure for tyres not being fitted according to sidewall instructions has been removed. Inner/outer or rotation incorrect.

Any modifications/removal to emissions related devices, this includes DPF'S and EGR's is now a major fail.

Where a DPF canister has clearly been cut open and re-welded, it will now fail.

A vehicle fitted with a DPF that emits any kind of visible smoke during the metered test will now fail

Emissions limits for diesels registered on or after 1st of January 2014 have been reduced. All diesels will now need to pass the limit that was set by the manufacturer when the car was new. This can be found on the VIN plate. For example the current limit for your diesel car may be 1. 50. That could change to as low as 0. 30 with the new rules.

Some vehicles may be fitted with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. It is not permitted to convert existing halogen headlamp units for use with HID bulbs. If it is clear that such a conversion has been carried out, rather than replacing the entire unit with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs, the headlamp should be rejected.

Will the HIDs guidance apply to LEDs too?

For 1) I usually

a) loosen rear wheel bolts, jack up car or reverse onto ramps, chock front wheels, support rear axle on stands, leave in gear
b) slacken off handbrake and remove cables, remove rear wheels
c) check rubber bellows on handbrake cables, pour oil down cable at both ends, replace cables if necessary
d) remove rear calipers and pads, screw pistons back in, inspect and clean or replace items as required
e) re-grease slider pins with correct grease*
f) re-assemble everything, pump brake pedal a few times to reset rear pistons
g) tighten handbrake cable so it needs 3-4 clicks
h) take it for a drive, testing handbrake and brakes, make sure rear discs get some heat in them to prove they are working

You get the idea.

* see recent post on this topic, copper grease not ideal

This is me every February day

Mine just failed its MOT due to the LED lights I installed

I have brought a pair of Osram nighbreaker unlimited will give them a try as soon as my headlight has been refurbed
They have all the usual hype of 110% more light 35metres more light on road blah blah blah blah
Will compare to my hids

New checks are set to be introduced across Britain on May 20. These include:

for fluid leaks posing an environmental risk
brake pad warning lights and if brake pads or discs are missing