The purpose of the MOT Test

The purpose of the MOT test is to ensure that cars, other light vehicles (including some light goods vehicles), private buses and motorcycles over a certain age are checked at least once a year to see that they comply with key roadworthiness and environmental requirements in the Road Vehicle Construction and Use Regulations and the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations.

A Test Certificate is issued following successful completion of an examination. The test certificate relates only to the condition of testable items at the time of the test and should not be regarded as:

• Evidence of their condition at any other time
• Evidence of the general mechanical condition of the vehicle
• Evidence that the vehicle fully complies with all aspects of the law on vehicle construction and use. The test does not require the dismantling of parts of the vehicle although doors, boot lids and other means of access will normally need to be opened. In the case of motor bicycles, cover panels may also need to be removed or raised to examine the vehicle structure.

There are times when a Testing Station can refuse to carry out your test. These are when:

• The registration document or other evidence of the date of first use is not produced if the information therein is necessary for the test to be properly carried out. Normally this document will be necessary only if the vehicle has a 'cherished' registration mark or if the registration mark's year letter does not make clear the standard that should be applied - for instance, regarding the rear seat-belt requirements for 'D' registered vehicles
• The vehicle or any part or equipment on the vehicle is so dirty that examination is unreasonably difficult
• The vehicle's condition is such that, in the opinion of the tester, a proper examination would involve a risk of injury to any person or damage to the vehicle or other property. This would cover refusal to test a diesel where the engine's maintenance history or condition was suspect
• The tester considers that insecurity of a load or other items would or could prevent a proper test being carried out - unless the load is secured or removed
• The testing station asks for the test fee to be paid in advance and this is not done
• A proper examination cannot be carried out because of inability to open any device - for example, door, tailgate, boot lid, engine cover or fuel cap - which is designed to be opened
• The vehicle emits substantial quantities of avoidable smoke
• The vehicle is not fit to be driven when necessary to complete the test because of a lack of fuel, or oil, or for any other reason

In addition to the above, a tester must decline to test a vehicle if it is of such size, weight or configuration that it cannot be properly or safely tested at their testing station.

What is tested (and what is not) is decided by the engineers at the Vehicle Operators and Services Agency (VOSA) (opens new window). The people who actually carry out the test (those very nice people at your local garage) don't decide what to test or look at - they are instructed in what is called the "Testers Manual" which has recently been updated.

Sometimes the rules are good for safety.

Sometimes they have nothing to do with safety.

 

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