This might help although its aimed at the bfg test it incorporates the same principles as the mot.
Steering
The law requires that vehicles are fitted with some sort of anti-theft mechanism as minimum security protection. Commonly, this is achieved by use of steering locks, transmission locks or gearshift locks. Where a steering lock mechanism is fitted as standard, testers must now check if one is present and operational.
Steering system
Previously suspension ball joint dust covers that were missing or split was not a failure and only an Advisory. With the changes to the inspection manual these items will now be included in the test – so if a ball joint dust cover is missing or no longer keeps the dirt out, testers will be able to fail the vehicle.
Sub-section 2.2D of the Inspection Manual covers the steering lock-to-lock check, and will now also cover any significant oil leaks from the steering box and whether any ‘fitted as standard’ steering lock stops are missing.
Power steering
Checks to power steering will now include a check of the fluid level. However, as there is no need to remove the reservoir cap, the check will only apply where the fluid level is visible in the reservoir.
Any inappropriate repair or modification to a power steering component will result in a failure – so a pair of tights in place of the drive belt will not be acceptable! The serious misalignment or fouling of power steering components is also a Reason for Rejection (RfR).
The inspection of fluid pipes for damage and fouling will now also include excessive corrosion. If a malfunction indicator lamp – fitted to warn the driver of a problem with electronic power steering – is illuminated, indicating a failure in the system, this will be an RfR.
Suspension, wheel bearings and drive shafts
Modified or repaired suspension components that are classed as unacceptable repairs to the tester will be an RfR.
All front drive shafts and those at the rear that form part of the suspension are already inspected, however, as a result of the Directive, a tester will also have to check, where fitted, support bearings for excessive wear, and drive shaft inner coupling gaiters that are missing. The RfR for gaiters has also been changed to cover all aspects of the gaiter failing to keep the dirt out.
Front to rear propshafts still remain outside the scope of the test
Parking brake lever mechanism and associated mountings
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) controls have been added to this section, and testers will have to make sure that all parking brake controls have not been ‘inappropriately repaired or modified’. This has been defined as:
1
‘When the repair is obviously likely to adversely affect the roadworthiness of the vehicle or if any modification has seriously weakened the component’
.
If the vehicle is fitted with an EPB, testers must also check that the EPB warning lamp does not indicate a fault.
Service brake control
As before, testers will have to check that the control has not been inappropriately repaired or modified.
Anti-lock braking systems
Included under this section are checks to any Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system fitted – called variously ESC, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), etc.
The new checks will cover the condition of ABS/ESC components (which are generally common to both systems), electrical wiring, the ESC switch, and the presence and operation of the ESC malfunction indicator lamp.
Mechanical brake components
Additional checks of the security of brake cables, rods and joints must be made and testers will fail any mechanical brake component if it has been inappropriately repaired or modified. The condition and operation of brake slack adjusters – usually only fitted to very large vehicles with air braking systems – will also be checked.
Braking systems and additional braking devices
All Braking Systems’ will be checked for leaks, security, condition and operation. Checks for inappropriate repairs or modifications to braking system components will also be included.
As well as brake valves, there will be additional checks on load-sensing valves. Originally only checking the linkage, testers will now check if the valve itself is also:
Seized or inoperative.
Defective so that its function is impaired.
Incorrectly adjusted.
Testers already check the brake fluid level – but the brake fluid warning lamp being illuminated or inoperative will be a new RfR.
Brake performance
Another new RfR coming in at the end of 2011 is if, during a brake decelerometer test, the vehicle deviates from a straight line when the parking brake is applied.
What does this mean to you as a motor vehicle owner?
Vehicles presented at a BFG Examination Centre prior to the 1st January 2012 with a fault in any of the above areas would have "PASSED" a BFG Roadworthiness Inspection and only have been issued with an "Advisory Notice". If a vehicle is presented on or after the 1st January 2012 with the same fault it will no longer be issued with an "Advisory Notice", but instead will be an RfR.
Vehicle owners should ensure that all areas of the vehicle is kept to a high standard of repair and any faults are rectified prior to the annual BFG Roadworthiness Inspection. This will ensure that the vehicle is operated in a safe manner and it will reduce the inconvenience of it failing an inspection.
changes to the BFG/MOT Test in 2012
Gas leak detection spray to confirm an existence of a leak
Continuity of towbar 13 pin electric socket
Inappropriate towbar repairs or modifications
Catalytic converter missing
Rear passenger doors opening
All door hinges, catches and pillars
Inappropriate brake system repairs or modification
Defective ABS or ESC components
Front and rear lights single operation
Main beam warning light
Steering lock mechanism
Illumination of malfunction indicator light (MIL) for electronic power steering, electronic stability control, electronic park brake control, brake fluid warning lamp, tyre pressure monitoring system and air bag/ pre-tensioner
Driver’s seat adjustment
Speedometer
Headlamp cleaning and self-levelling if high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps are fitted
Products on the lens that reduce light output
Steering lock mechanism
Steering joint dust covers
Inappropriate steering repairs or modifications
Inappropriate steering repairs or modifications
Steering lock stops
Steering box oil leakage
Inappropriate suspension repairs or modifications
Drive shaft support bearings and coupling gaiters
Battery and wiring
Power steering oil level
Damaged or corroded power steering pipes or hose
Engine mountings
Originally Posted by jaffa
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