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Guide to the UK MOT - Now with Video Clips
MOT Testing information for the Testing Station owner, Authorised Examiner, Nominated Tester, repair and service technician and the motoring public. MOT Testing Click here for: MOT Prices Click here for list of current MOT Testing Fees. How computerisation is affecting MOT Fees MOT Questions & Answers MOT experts answer your MOT questions. Free Retest Items A list of items which are eligible for a 'Free Retest'. MOT Quiz: The MOT Test for Testers - Test your MOT knowledge on these tricky Testing situations MOT Computerisation A brief DIRECTGOV explanation Related website Links MOT Consultants Click here for a consultant MOT History EC Perspectives on the MOT The Road to Testing How to make your garage a Vehicle Testing Station and becoming an MOT Tester To discuss advertising in the UK's leading MOT Industry magazine click here. Ratecard (PDF) Sample Articles PDFs of back issues	Welcome to the ‘Car Owner's Guide to the MOT’ page. Here you will find just about everything you need to know about the UK MOT and getting your vehicle MOT Tested. This page tells you how to prepare your vehicle for the Test, what is Tested and how it is Tested, with short video clips to illustrate some of the checks being carried out. Either click on the links on the illustration below or scroll through the document for your full briefing on the UK MOT! Check your MOT status online here (MOT Status check) Click on the captions to view details of the car MOT Test. Background to the MOT Test. Details of MOT Test. NEW! Movie clips of MOT Test Click on “Jump to clips page” or here. Please note that the video clips are only intended to give an overview of how the MOT Test is carried out - Testers may carry out the Test in their own way and it will also vary from vehicle to vehicle. Video clips © Punters Publishing Ltd 2008. Created with the kind assistance of Malcolm Gray at Project One Cars of Stamford. NEW - List of Motorcycle Test items - click here Visit the MOT Testing Magazine website   NEW Section: Pass the MOT How to prepare your car for the MOT • “Can I do my own Repairs for the MOT?”   © Copyright Punters Publishing Ltd 2008. All rights reserved Introduction All EC states must comply with a Directive to ensure that vehicles using public roads are mechanically safe and operate within emissions limits. In mainland Britain, cars and light commercial vehicles must be Tested when they are three years old and annually thereafter (this varies throughout the EC). In some Countries the mechanical and emissions Tests are separate. The UK MOT now covers over 150 checks of safety- related and emissions systems. MOT Computerisation VOSA (the Vehicle Operator and Services Agency) is the government agency responsible for the MOT, and they have commissioned Siemens to computerise the MOT Test. From the vehicle owner’s point of view this simply means that instead of writing the results of the Test onto a form, the MOT Tester keys the results directly into the main computer from his or her terminal at the Testing Station. VOSA believe that computerisation will significantly improve the security of the Test certificates and reduce fraud, as well as bringing many other benefits. Computerisation of GB’s 18,400 (Approx) Testing Stations was completed by the end of March 2006. While members of the public will still receive a paper document from the Testing Station following a vehicle Test, the legal ‘proof’ of the MOT is now the electronic record of the Test held on the VOSA computer. Members of the public can confirm that a vehicle has a valid MOT by either contacting VOSA on 0870 330 044 or visiting their website at www.motinfo.gov.uk. Other developments Automated Test lanes which don’t require the use of an assistant on the majority of vehicles have recently been introduced. These incorporate shaker plates to Test the vehicle’s steering and suspension systems and also have fully automated roller brake testers. Additionally, since the summer of 2006 existing Testing Stations have been permitted to update their current equipment to enable one-person operation by retrofitting similar steering and suspension Test equipment. Any car registered for use on the road in the EC must pass some kind of mechanical and emissions test – known in the UK as the 'MOT', after the old Ministry of Transport. In the UK cars must be Tested at the end of their third year (if imported, measured from date of manufacture), and yearly after that. The EC directive allows variations on this from state to state. In some states the mechanical and emissions Tests are separate and the combined cost can be up to £50 (the current maximum fee chargeable in the UK (for a cars and light vans) is £44.15. Click here for complete list of current charges (and proposed increase for 2007) The UK MOT now covers over 150 checks of safety-related and emissions systems. Modern Cars with catalytic converters are permitted less than 10% of the hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions of older cars. 'Computerisation' of the British MOT Test was completed in March 2006, reducing the importance of the paper MOT certificate (although a 'receipt' will still be issued for the Test). September 2005 saw the introduction of Automated Testing Lanes (ATLs), which enable rigorous Testing of steering and suspension and one-man Testing. The only people who are authorised to examine your vehicle for MOT and approve the MOT computer entry via a smart card and pass code are called, officially, Nominated Testers – better known to motorists as MOT Testers. They may only examine specified items, and in a manner laid down in a document officially known as ‘The MOT Inspection Manual’, generically known in the trade as ‘The Tester’s Manual’. The Tester can only fail an item if the fault found is listed in the Manual under the heading ‘Reason for rejection’ which he must find very specifically on the MOT computer’s failure menu. Whereas the MOT was originally a British test specified by the then Ministry of Transport, it is now specified by the EU. However member states do have a degree of flexibility so the ‘MOT’ varies in detail from one member state to another. An important aspect of the MOT is that the vehicle’s equipment is Tested, by and large, to the standard to be expected during its year of manufacture. For example, the brakes and emissions of a 1919 Morris will not be Tested to the same criteria as a 2006 Mercedes. Testers are not permitted to dismantle any item during an MOT Test, hence if the amount of wear on brake shoes, for example, cannot be determined by direct observation because they are enclosed by the brake drum, then provided the braking efficiency is to the required standard then that will not result in a failure. It is important to realise therefore, that a recently passed MOT does not imply that a vehicle may safely be driven without service for another whole year (any subsequent suspicion of problems with any of a vehicle's safety systems should be immediately investigated). Further, if the Tester believes an item which he cannot see (or is not authorised to Test) may be in a dangerous condition, he may not 'Fail' the item, although he may 'Pass and Advise' - issuing a pass for the vehicle but making a note on the computer about a possible dangerous condition. Following computerisation Motorists have access to this information. The text below describes in detail how each item is Tested during the current UK MOT Test. Detailed description of the UK MOT Test for Cars . Registration plates and Vehicle Identification Number* (VIN) For registered vehicles the plate must be present secure not faded, dirty or obscured be composed with correctly formed letters and spacing. The VIN number must be permanently displayed consistent legible. * Required on all vehicles first used on or after 1st August 1980. Steering View Video clips: External check Under- Vehicle check Test Description Inside the car checks Steering wheel and steering column: steering wheel is in acceptable condition steering wheel is securely attached to the steering shaft upper bearings of the steering column are inspected for wear Steering shaft is checked for excessive end float The clamping bolts are all checked for security split pins and locking nuts are also checked. 'free play' in the steering is checked All flexible couplings and universal joints are checked. Under bonnet checks This varies vehicle to vehicle; some of these items cannot be observed from under the bonnet on some makes and models. security of the steering rack or steering box and its mountings play in steering joints Inspection of any other swivel joints which form part of the vehicles' steering system which can be readily inspected from under the bonnet. Under vehicle checks: All the steering joints are inspected by the Tester whilst the steering is loaded by turning the steering wheel from side to side. Power steering systems are checked with the engine running The security of attachment of the steering rack or steering box is checked both with respect to the tightness of nuts and bolts, and structural cracking or corrosion of the vehicle chassis where it is attached Whilst the vehicle stands on special swivel plates the wheels are turned from lock to lock and checked to ensure that the wheels and tyres do not foul either the structure of the vehicle or any brake pipes or hoses with the wheels jacked the wheel bearings are checked steering rack gaiters and front outer constant velocity joint boots are examined metal and/or rubber bushes are checked as are split pins, locking nuts and other locking or retaining devices which relate to steering components. On some cars there will be rear wheel steering which is checked from beneath the car. Horn operation control can be easily reached by the driver loud enough not a sequential multi-tone. Lights View Video clips: Headlamp Check (no sound) The headlamps are checked for alignment with a Beam Setter. After first aligning the equipment with the vehicle, the left and right headlamp beams are checked to ensure they are correctly set so as not to dazzle other road users. Test Description All required lights are checked for: operation condition security Side lights and headlamps are the correct type and colour dip and aim. Stop lights, indicators and hazard lights* are the correct type and colour do not interfere with each other in operation driver's tell-tale works with respect to indicators, or there is an audible warning system. Rear Fog lamps** must be fitted to the centre or offside of the vehicle tell-tale must work  must not be affected by other lamps and not be obscured must be red. Number plate lamps All lamps fitted must be working. Rear reflectors There must be two red reflectors fitted reasonably symmetrically, securely attached and not obscured. * Must be fitted to all vehicles first used on or after 1st April 1986, but if fitted, must be tested. ** Must be fitted to all vehicles first used on or after 1st April 1980. Bonnet Catch Reasons for Failure A bonnet that cannot be safely secured in the closed position An excessively deteriorated, ineffective or insecure (bonnet) retaining device Doors Test Description Both front doors must be openable from the inside and outside and all doors must latch securely. Tailgates, bootlids etc. All these items, including the tailboards and dropsides of trucks must be securable in the closed position Vehicle structure View Video clips: General check clip Test Description Body condition and security body must not be so insecure or displaced so that it might lead to loss of control of the vehicle when driven, or be a danger to other road users there must be no dangerous sharp edges or projections caused by corrosion or damage which is dangerous to other road users including pedestrians. Corrosion A vehicle can fail with respect to corrosion for: excessive corrosion in a 'prescribed area' — within 30 cms of certain safety related components, e.g. brakes, steering, suspension, seat belt mountings etc. excessive corrosion not in a 'prescribed area', but which is likely to adversely affect the vehicle's braking or steering. 'Excessive corrosion' can mean a hole or a significantly weakened structure. Seats the driver's and the front passenger's seats must be secure all seat backs must be securable in the upright position. Brakes View Video clips: (Click on titles to view clips) Front Brakes Rear Brakes Readout 1 Readout 2 Under Vehicle Handbrake Under- vehicle Under Bonnet     Brake efficiency and balace is usually checked on a roller brake tester. In certain cases where a roller brake tester may not be used (for example on certain 4-wheel drive vehicles) it may be necessary to check brake efficiency and balance on a road test, with a portable decelerometer. Test Description Inside the car Anti-lock braking system (if fitted) warning lamp is checked for: function sequence of operation Footbrake sufficient reserve travel on the footbrake pedal rubber not worn to excess correct operation of the servo assistance system Parking brake This could be hand or foot operated. Checked for reserve travel so that it doesn't reach the stops on application. The mountings will be checked for security and/or corrosion. Under bonnet checks master cylinder and servo unit are checked for leaks with the engine on and the brakes applied servo unit will be checked to ensure it is operating correctly visible metal or flexible brake pipes will be checked for corrosion, condition, fouling or leaks Under vehicle checks flexible brake pipes and any other metal brake pipes visible beneath the car are checked discs and drums (external only) checked for condition and contamination brake back plates and caliper securing devices are checked for condition and security condition of the brake pads will be checked if visible The assistant operates the handbrake and the condition of the linkages and/or cables is checked. on some vehicles there will be a brake compensating valve beneath the car which will need to be inspected for fluid leaks Brake performance check The performance of the front and rear brakes and handbrake are checked for efficiency and balance using specialised equipment. Windscreen Includes all items affecting the driver's view of the road: the condition of the windscreen, the wipers and washers. Chips or cracks in the windscreen directly in front of the driver, in the area swept by the wiper blades, are acceptable if they are less than 10mm in diameter. In the rest of the swept area, up to 40mm diameter damage is acceptable. Official stickers (any used in connection with road enforcement, security or crime prevention matters) that are not readily removable are only a reason for rejection if they restrict the driver's view. Washers and wipers operation extent of area swept by the wipers condition of the wiper blades. Mirrors Not all mirrors on all vehicles are subject to Test, depending on the age of the vehicle. Those mirrors which must be checked must be secure visible from the driver's seat not distorted or damaged so as to seriously impair the driver's view to the rear. Suspension View Video clips: General On Ground Jacked Test Description Under bonnet checks upper suspension joints any other suspension components which can be inspected from beneath the bonnet Under vehicle checks Applies to the front and rear suspension no split pins or nuts missing, no components broken or excessively damaged road springs are checked for condition all suspension joints are checked for condition shock absorbers must not leak and must be secure (the vehicle will be 'bounced' by the Tester to check that they damp the springs adequately). The suspension is checked for wear by the assistant applying loads in various ways with the wheels jacked up whilst the Tester observes the result from beneath the vehicle. Note: There are numerous different suspension systems, and the specific nature of any examination will depend to a large extent on the design of the suspension system. Seat belts View Video clips: (Inc. General Vehicle Check) Test Description Most vehicles after 1965 must have seat belts. Irrespective of that requirement, all seat belts fitted to any vehicle must be inspected for: security of seat belt mountings and locking stalks  security and operation of the locking/release mechanism condition of webbing retraction of the belt (it is allowed to manually feed it in). Notes: 1. For technical reasons the inertia locking mechanism is not checked. 2. On some vehicles the belt is attached to the seat, in which case the security of the seat to the vehicle would also constitute part of the seat belt check. Exhaust system View Video clips: Under Vehicle Test Description The exhaust system will fail the MOT if: Part of the system missing or excessively deteriorated A mounting is missing or damaged so it does not support the system There is a major leak The system is excessively noisy. Emissions View Video clips: Click on titles to view clips Petrol Emissions Test Diesel Smoke Test1 Diesel Smoke Test2 These are checked using specialised equipment, the details of the check depending on the year that the vehicle was first used on the road. Excessive smoking (checked visually) is a reason for failure. Diesel smoke emissions are checked by using a smoke meter. Fuel system Any fuel leak will result in a fail. Checked under the bonnet and throughout the run of the fuel line from the fuel tank to the engine. fuel filler cap must fasten securely the seal in the cap must not be torn, deteriorated or missing no other defect which could cause fuel to leak out. Tyres and roadwheels View Video clips: General On Ground Jacked Test Description Tyre condition The reason for failure with respect to tyre wear is: "The grooves of the tread pattern are not at least 1.6mm throughout a continuous band comprising: the central three-quarters of the breadth of tread around the entire outer circumference of the tyre". Tyres must be correctly matched with regard to: type size structure NB. type or structure but not both. tyres on the same axle must be of the same structure and size. Also examined: general condition of tyre condition of valve. Tyres fail if they have serious cuts, bulges or other damage. The wear on the tyre is checked with a tyre tread depth gauge to ensure compliance. The tyres are examined to ensure that there is no fouling with any part of the vehicle. Notes: Although under-inflation is not in itself a reason for failure, a brake test may be inadvisable because of possible damage, and it may affect headlamp alignment. The condition of the spare tyre is not part of the MOT. Wheel condition damage distortion cracks distorted bead rim securely attached to the vehicle no wheel nuts or studs missing. An externally fitted spare wheel or spare wheel carrier must not be so insecure that it is likely to fall off. Motorcycle MOT Test items a) Sitting on machine check: 1. All controls, switches and horn 2. Front suspension, forks, handlebars and head bearings b) At the front of the machine check: 1. Front lights and indicators 2. Front brake master cylinder (if fitted) c) Place the machine on its stand and raise front wheel check: 1. Steering, front forks and head bearings 2. Front brake and wheel bearings 3. Wheel and tyre condition d) Lower front wheel and go to right side of vehicle and check: 1. Frame, VIN, seat and foot rest 2. Exhaust system 3. Final drive (if fitted to RHS of machine) 4. Rear wheel, tyre and brake e) Raise the rear wheel and check: 1. Rear wheel, rear brake/components and tyre condition 2. Rear suspension and final drive f) At the rear check: 1. Rear position lamp(s)/stop lamp(s)/reflectors and indicators 2. Rear suspension 3. Registration Plate g) On the left of the machine check: 1. Frame and foot rest 2. Exhaust system 3. Final drive (if fitted to LHS of machine) 4. Rear wheel, tyre and brake h) At the front of the machine check: 1. Wheel alignment 2. Headlamp aim 3. Brake performance If a sidecar is fitted it will also be examined in a manner specified by VOSA with respect to Security, Suspension, Wheel Bearings and Wheel Alignment. Help to prevent road deaths – protest against the government's plans to reduce the frequency of MOT Testing (4-2-2 Testing) How to protest to your MP, Protest letter examples MOT Testing Magazine (subscription only) and free supplement MOT Workshop Magazine are resources for the MOT Testing Station owner/operator, Nominated Testers and service garages preparing vehicles for the MOT Test. This website also provides general information and advice about the UK MOT Test. Below is a selection of articles from a recent edition of the magazine. Subscription information click here. To subscribe: Send cheque for £25 for one year's subscription made out to 'MOTT&AE' with your return name & address to: MOTT&AE, FREEPOST HA4762, PO Box 6118, OAKHAM LE15 6BR VAT Reg No. 226 3294 70 To discuss advertising in the UK's leading MOT Industry magazines click here. All content © Punters Publishing Ltd 2008 unless stated otherwise.