Advancing vehicle technology is leading to changes to the MOT test from January 1, 2012.
Revised European legislation on roadworthiness testing will introduce new requirements to annual tests, including additional checks such as brakes, steering, suspension and lighting.
There will also be new checks on the increasing number of on-board electrical safety systems, including electronic stability control, but these elements will not fail the test in Britain until later in 2012.
Vehicle and Operator Services Agency chief executive Alastair Peoples said: “The MoT test is designed to make sure that a vehicle is fit to be on the road and so it needs to be updated to reflect new vehicle technology.
“We have worked with the industry to prepare them for these changes to make sure that the measures are introduced in the least burdensome way possible.”
Tests carried out on cars, vans, heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches will be affected.
More information on the changes to the MoT is available by clicking here.