Tougher MOT tests have just been introduced, with new categories under which a vehicle can pass or fail.

The new categories, which were brought in yesterday (20th May) include "dangerous", "major" and "minor", determining whether a vehicle must be taken off the road or can be driven as long as repairs are carried out, as reported by the BBC.

The updated MOT will be particularly tough also on diesel emissions, with vehicles fitted with a diesel particulate filter now having to pass new tests. The filter captures and stores exhaust soot to reduce emissions. A diesel vehicle will fail if there is smoke of any colour coming from the exhaust, or there is any evidence that the diesel particulate filter has been tampered with.

Defects found during an MOT will be categorised as:

• Dangerous: Fail. The vehicle is a "direct and immediate risk to road safety or has a serious impact on the environment". It must not be driven until it has been repaired.
• Major: Fail. The fault "may affect the vehicle's safety, put other road users at risk or have an impact on the environment". The car, van or motorcycle must be repaired immediately.
• Minor: Pass. A defect has "no significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment". It must be repaired as soon as possible
• Advisory: Pass. A defect could become more serious in the future. "Monitor and repair it if necessary."
• Pass: The vehicle meets the minimum legal standard.

Around a third of vehicles currently fail their MOT tests, with indicators and lights being the most common faults. It is expected that failures will initially rise with the tightening of the rules.

But there's good news for drivers of cars of more than 40 years old - they won't need an MOT. Classic cars are deemed to be less of a road risk as they are carefully maintained by their owners.

What do you think? Is this good news for road safety or an additional hassle for drivers? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk