I had the K3 MOTed today and while at the test station the test talked about a new MOT test that starts in January 2012. Not sure if this include old cars or Q plated.

* Steering lock operation - steering locks not engaging when the ignition key is removed will fail.

* Engine warning lamps, brake fluid warning lamps, ESP lamps, EPB lamps illumination - ANY of the above illuminated indicating a fault will fail.

* TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring systems) warning lamps - again, if illuminated indicating a fault, will fail.

* Airbag/SRS lamp illumination - if this warning lamp is illuminated it will fail.

* HID Headlamps - a little grey area here. They will be included in the new test, and will fail if they prove to be outside of the specified conditions... but the conditions and reasons for rejections haven't been written/decided yet. I guess self cleaning and levelling are likely.

* Wiring - any wiring (loomed or otherwise) that is damaged, or fitted in such a way that could cause damage to said wiring, or other systems, will fail.

* Engine mountings - engine mountings will be a part of the test. Incorrect mounting, corrosion in a prescribed area, etc., will fail.

* PAS (power assisted steering) fluid level will be tested.

* Rear doors must open in the new test. Previously (and currently), if the tester feels he can access the testable items in the rear (seatbelts, prescribed areas, etc.) without needing the doors open, they don't need to open. This will now be a failure.

* 13 pin towbar sockets - tested for correct operation using a plug in testing tool.

* Inappropriate modifications or repairs - the wording on this is quite vague at the moment, but if a major component has been modified, and that modification/repair makes the vehicle dangerous or seriously weakens the original component, expect it to fail.

* ANY ball joint dust cover - the small rubber boots over ball joints must be intact and free or splits, tears or holes, or it fails.

* All CVJ gaiters will be tested - currently, only the front outer] CVJ gaiters are tested. This new rule extends it to inner and outer, front and rear.

* A catalytic converter missing WILL be a reason for failure, regardless of whether or not the emissions limits are met.

* Fuel pipe chaffing or damage - currently they only fail when they are leaking, this rule means that any chaffing or rubbing causing damage will fail.

* The braking imbalance limit is lowered to 30% across all axles. Vehicles built post July 2010 will have to have at least 58% braking efficiency to pass (currently it's 50% for a dual-circuit braking system).

* Insecure batteries will become a failure.

* The main beam warning lamp must illuminate with the main beam lamps .

* All light switches must operate the corresponding lights immediately. No tapping, or wiggling to make it work!

http://mottesters.co.uk/files/special%20notices/MOT%20Inspection%20Manual.pdf

New Manual here, look for the vertical line next to the amendments.

The one I wonder about is 6.2.a.3



Not easy when its bolted direct to the floor.

On my Bond Bug the seats were moulded integrally with the body.