I RECENTLY took my car in to the garage for its annual MOT. When I rang to book it in I was told to bring the log book, which we now call the V5 registration document, as well as the old MOT certificate.

Funny, I thought, they have never asked for the V5 before. "New rules," I was told.

Anyway, the MOT was done and it failed, and cost me £42. No problem, the work required was minimal and could be done at little cost, so I asked when I could bring it back for a re-test. I was given a date and told I would have to pay another £42. I said a re-test had previously been free as long as the car was brought back within a short time period.

No I was told, the rules have changed. During the last week. I had not seen nor heard anything about this.

So a warning to all you motorists out there, you may find your MOT test is now going to cost you £84!

Stuart Wilson,

Vesper Drive,

Acomb, York.

Updated: 11:17 Wednesday, June 01, 2005