New MOT in 2018 - will check Cat/DPF

[X5Sport]

DVSA is changing the MOT from next Spring (2018) and will now include checks that the Cat and DPF are both fitted and working on diesel vehicles.

No details on the ‘how’ yet, but it is on the way. It will be more than a physical check as these how now been proved worthless if the exhaust looks OK.  I am presuming there will be a modified ‘smoke test’ which will be able to look at the particulates levels or some other exhaust stream testing.

As is the case now, a garage cannot be prosecuted for removing either but motorists can be for driving a car without them.  With more than 1,400 motorists caught in the last couple of years and a lot of focus on diesel emissions this was bound to happen eventually.

[Horizon]

I think motorists first reaction to a blocked DPF was to pay someone to remove it all together. fit a straight bit of exhaust pipe to replace it, or for the DPF to be removed and cut open from the top, all the filter removed and then welded back up so giving the impression that it is still functional to an MOT tester. which also requires a remap to prevent the EML coming on.
Now that the MOT is to include functional testing of the DPF I wonder how many unsuspecting motorists will find that the second hand car that they purchased will require a new DPF. ££££££
It may have  beeen easier and cheaper to find out why your DPF wasn't regenerating / blocked, than actually getting it removed.
But hindsight is a gift none of us have