The MOT test as it is now known was originally the Ministry of Transport Test and although the Ministry of Transport no longer has direct responsibility for vehicle testing, it is now in the hands of The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), a QUANGO created in 2003, the name stuck and the general public now usually refer to the original title.
The test was introduced in 1960 as a very basic safety check in an attempt to address the very real safety concerns at the time. In the early 60's many vehicles were regularly driven with critical defects, causing many serious accidents resulting in fatalities and serious injury.
The MOT test applies to the vast majority of road vehicles, with Motor Cycles, Trikes, Quad Bikes, Three Wheeled Vehicles, Cars, Dual Purpose Vehicles, Motor homes, Vans and Light Commercial Vehicles (up to 3500 kg Gross Vehicle Weight) and Passenger vehicles (up to 17 seats) usually tested in privately owned Test Stations, while larger Goods Vehicles and larger Passenger Vehicles are tested by VOSA staff either in VOSA owned and operated Test Stations or in a small number of Private Stations. A very small number of vehicles are exempt from test with the list of exemptions being reduced all the time, current exemptions apply mainly to Agricultural and some very limited used vehicles.
The MOT Test Checks whether your vehicle meets the minimum legal requirements for those items required to be tested under section 45 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. It does not tell you how long your vehicle will continue to meet these minimum requirements, It does not check that the vehicle is fully meets all legal requirements. You could be prosecuted if you are driving a vehicle that is in an un-roadworthy condition.
The List of Testable Items tested has massively increased over the years as The Ministry of Transport and more latterly VOSA have identified issues that may affect the safety of passengers and pedestrians, with additions in recent years of items that affect the application of law enforcement and items that may affect the environment.
Here is a list of the significant changes over the last 50 years.
- 1960 Introduction of a Braking, Steering and Lighting Equipment Inspection.
- 1968 Introduction of a Tyre Check.
- 1977 Introduction of checks for windscreen wipers and washers, direction indicators, stoplights, horns, exhaust system, and condition of the body structure and chassis together with a more detailed check on seat belts.
- 1991 Introduction of checks of the exhaust emissions for petrol engined vehicles, together with checks on the anti-lock braking system, rear wheel bearings, rear wheel steering (where appropriate) and rear seat belts.
- 1992 Introduction of a stricter tyre tread depth requirement for most vehicles.
- 1993 Introduction of checks of the rear fog, hazard-warning and number plate lamps; and of the driver's view of the road, body condition, body security, load security, doors, registration plates, fuel system and mirrors.
- 1994 Introduction of a check of emissions for diesel engined vehicles, after minor procedural changes were put into place.
- 1996 New and stricter emissions checks for spark ignition engined vehicles.
- 1998 Seat belt installation check introduced for minibuses and buses.
- 2009 Towbar check introduced.
- 2011 Stricter emissions check for diesel engined vehicles.
With over 40 years experience in testing vehicles, the UK has considerably more experience in this field than any other country worldwide. We currently carry out over 30 million tests every year a figure that is increasing by around 10% per year, these tests are conducted in around 20500 test stations by approximately 70,000 testers.
The Test Certificate confirms that at the time of the test, without dismantling any part of the vehicle, that the vehicle met the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards required by the MOT regulations. This does not mean that the vehicle will be in a roadworthy condition for the length of time the certificate is valid. In addition the MOT Test Certificate is no guarantee as to the general mechanical condition of the vehicle. The Test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox. There are additional requirements if the vehicle is used as TAXI; these requirements are subject to an additional test to ensure that it is compliant with regulations laid down by the Local Authority.
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All road vehicles are registered in classes as far as the MOT test is concerned. The type of vehicle and the class it falls into will dictate what is tested and how often.
All motor cycles and motor cycle and side car combinations will fall into Class 1 or 2 depending upon the engine size.
Three wheeled vehicles with an unladen weight of less than 450 kg will be class 3.
Class 4 includes the vast majority of privately owned vehicles including cars, 4x4's, light commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight less than 3000 kg, Dual purpose vehicles (Crew cab 4x4 pick ups), Quads, 3 wheeled vehicles over 450 kg unladen weight, Passenger carrying vehicles with less than 12 passenger seats, Motorhomes, Ambulances and Taxis.
Class 5 vehicles are Passenger Carrying vehicles with more than 12 seats, however most test stations that are approved to test these vehicles will only test up to 18 passenger seats. Larger vehicles will be tested at VOSA sites.
Class 7 vehicles are goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight between 3000 kg and 3500 kg. Not all test stations are approved to test these vehicles; however the test is almost identical to the class 4 test with the exception that on these vehicles the speed and load rating of the tyres form part of the test.
All larger commercial vehicles will be tested at testing stations operated by VOSA.
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It is an offence to use a vehicle of testable age on the public road without a valid MOT Test Certificate except when:
When taking the vehicle to a VOSA approved Testing Station for an MOT Test which has been booked in advance.
When taking the vehicle away from the testing station to your home or place of repair.
When taking the vehicle to garage for repairs which have been previously booked.
When taking the vehicle away from the place or garage where the repairs took place.
An MOT Test Certificate is required to obtain Road Fund License. (Tax Disc)
If your Vehicle does not have a valid MOT Test record it could invalidate your Insurance, in the event of an accident your insurance company may refuse to cover you.
It is the Registered Keepers´ responsibility to make sure the vehicle is tested prior to the expiry of the old certificate. The penalty for driving a vehicle on the public road without a valid MOT Test is a fixed penalty notice from the police of £60, or a court fine of up to £1000.
Since MOT computerisation was introduced in 2005, and the design of the MOT certificate changed to the present A4 size document, the MOT "Certificate" has lost its importance. When your car is tested the Tester has to log the result of the test onto the MOT computer before he is able to print the "Certificate". This process allows the computer of The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to be updated with the result of your test within a few minutes. It is this record that will be checked if there is reason to query whether your vehicle has been tested. The paper record has no value other than as a receipt and if you have a "Certificate" for a test that has not been logged on to the computer, you could still be prosecuted for not having a MOT.
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Most vehicles have to be tested at the 3rd anniversary of the date of first registration, Taxis, Ambulances and Buses with more than 9 seats have to be tested at the 1st anniversary. A test can be conducted at any time, however if a test is conducted less than a calendar month before either the first test is due, or before the expiry of the current certificate, the expiry date of the new certificate can be post dated to retain the old expiry date. Following this procedure it is possible to have a 13 month MOT. You can find out the earliest date you can present your vehicle for test without effecting the annual expiry date by checking the front of your existing pass certificate.
If you have lost or damaged your MOT Test Certificate, a duplicate can be obtained from the test station that tested the vehicle, if you don't know where the vehicle was tested or the test station has closed down, you can obtain a duplicate from any MOT Testing Station on production of the Vehicle Registration Document (Log Book) reference number (V5C). A Fee of up to £10 can be charged for a duplicate certificate.
If you want to confirm the validity of a MOT Certificate, you will need either the test number of the current certificate (top left corner) or the V5C document. Check on-line at www.motinfo.gov.uk or phone the MOT status check service on: 0870 33 00 444 * Calls are charged at national rate and recorded
If you think you have been given certificate which may not be genuine contact VOSA on 0300 123 9000 (calls charged at national rate).
To view the vehicles available MOT History (including mileage at the time of the test) visit www.motinfo.gov.uk and click onto MOT history and follow the instructions. You will need the current test number or the V5C. Once you have entered the requested details you will be able to view the MOT history of your vehicle and print a copy.
Alternatively you can have a written history posted to you by calling the MOT History Check service on 0906 1209941 ** calls charged at premium rate £1.50 per minute and may vary from mobiles. To check the MOT History you will need the registration number of the vehicle and either the test number from the MOT Test certificate or the document reference number from the V5C Vehicle Registration Certificate. Lines are open from 6am to 10pm 7 days a week.
If you have been issued a valid MOT Test certificate (VT20) you can buy road tax for your vehicle online at: www.direct.gov.uk/taxdisc or over the phone by calling: 0870 850 444 * calls charged at national rate.
If for any reason there was a problem with the computer system at the time your vehicle was tested, you may have been issued with an Emergency Test Certificate (VT20ET). If this is the case you may not be able to tax your car on-line for up to 7 days, but you will be able to tax it at a Post Office. If you are issued with an Emergency Test Certificate, the Test Station will replace it with a Computer Generated Certificate after the system has been updated; this is usually a maximum of 7 days after the issue of the VT20ET.
Book Your MOT Test Online now at your convenience and we will provide you the details of a VOSA approved Testing Station within your area. There are over 20,500 VOSA Approved MOT Test Stations around the Country.
When you visit the station look out for the Vehicle Testing Station Logo below as this will be displayed outside all VOSA approved Testing Stations.
No. MOT Test Certificates are only valid for the vehicle they were assigned to at the time of the test and are not transferable. The paper Certificate VT20 is only provided to you as receipt. The actual results are stored on the VOSA secure database and are used by the police and the DVLA.
The Police National Computer (PNC) is updated daily with the results of the tests that have been carried out; the system is usually up to date by 7p.m. each evening. Driving a vehicle on the road, without a valid MOT certificate, after 7p.m. on the day of expiry, would be easily detected by any traffic officer using the on-board computer installed in most Police patrol vehicles.
VOSA - The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency manage licensing, testing and enforcement services to improve the roadworthiness standards of UKs road vehicles ensuring the compliance of operators and drivers with road traffic legislation.
VOSA grant approval to new Vehicle Testing Stations (VTS), they supervise the operation of the existing 20,500 Vehicle Testing Stations to ensure that they follow all of the regulations and procedures laid down in the MOT legislation. They supervise MOT Testers, properly called Nominated Testers (NT) to ensure that the correct testing standards are applied. All new NT´s must achieve a skill level equivalent to NVQ level 3, then must undergo additional training both in the workplace and in a VOSA training school before being allowed to test. All NT´s must have at least 4 years practical experience in repairing the type of vehicle they want to test, and must hold a full driving license for all the vehicles they may test.
VOSA have the power to discipline both VTS's and NT's if breaches of the regulations are detected, the level of sanction that VOSA have range from verbal warnings through formal written warnings to disqualifications of up to 5 years.
In addition to monitoring testing standards, VOSA create and update the regulatory framework that the MOT scheme works within, they decide what pass and fail criteria are set, they design and update the process as to how tests are conducted, they set the parameters that approved test equipment must operate to and manage the contract with Siemens Business Systems for the provision of the VTS computer network.
VOSA is funded through the MOT network by receiving a set fee from every VTS each time a vehicle achieves the pass standard.
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If you are not happy with the MOT test that has been conducted on your vehicle, or are concerned that the correct standards have not been applied, whether the result is pass or fail, you do have an opportunity to appeal against the result. IF YOU WISH TO APPEAL, DO NOT HAVE YOUR VEHICLE REPAIRED before any such appeal test is carried out as any changes in the condition on the vehicle may affect the outcome. If you do appeal, VOSA will re-inspect your vehicle and will pass a judgment as to whether the original test was conducted in accordance with the regulations.
Every VTS should display a Fees and Appeals poster on their MOT notice board. This poster will have the address of your local VOSA office displayed, and it will be this office that you need to contact. Alternatively you can call VOSA's contact Centre on 0300 123 9000 * calls charged at national rate. The Appeal fee (the same as the test fee) must be received at your local VOSA office within 14 days of the date of the test, if your appeal is successful the fee, or if appropriate part of it will be refunded to you.
The following table shows the current MOT test fees.
Classes 1 and 2 (class 1 engine size up to 200 cc) |
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| Vehicle type | Age first test certificate required (years) | Fee |
| Motor bicycles | 3 | £29.65 |
| Motor bicycles with side car | 3 | £37.80 |
| Vehicle type | Age first test certificate required (years) | Fee |
| 3 wheeled vehicles | 3 | £37.80 |
Class 4 |
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| Vehicle type | Age first test certificate required (years) | Fee |
| Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) | 3 | £54.85 |
| Motor caravans | 3 | £54.85 |
| 3 wheeled vehicles (over 450 kg unladen weight) |
3 | £54.85 |
| Quads (max unladen weight 400 kg and max net power of 15 kw) |
3 | £54.85 |
| Dual purpose vehicles | 3 | £54.85 |
| Private hire and public service vehicles (up to 8 seats) |
3 | £54.85 |
| Ambulances and taxis | 1 | £54.85 |
| Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9-12 passenger seats) |
1 | £57.30 |
| Class 4a (includes seat belt installation check) |
Not applicable | £64.00 |
Class 5 (with more than 13 passenger seats) |
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| Vehicle type | Age first test certificate required (years) | Fee |
| Private passenger vehicles and ambulances -13-16 passenger seats |
1 | £59.55 |
| Private passenger vehicles and ambulances - more than 16 passenger seats |
1 | £80.65 |
Class 5a (includes seat belt installation check) |
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| Vehicle type | Age first test certificate required (years) | Fee |
| 13-16 passenger seats | Not applicable | £80.50 |
| More than 16 passenger seats | Not applicable | £124.50 |
Class 7 |
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| Vehicle type | Age first test certificate required (years) | Fee |
| Goods vehicles (over 3,000 kg up to 3,500 kg DGW) |
3 | £58.60 |
Note: the fees shown are the maximum fees and they are not subject to VAT |
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Duplicate certificates
The maximum fee for a duplicate test certificate is £10.00 or half the full test fee if less.
Classes and Fees correct as of April 2010 all information provided by VOSA
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The MOT test is a comprehensive inspection of all of the safety critical items on your vehicle, plus items related to the identity of the vehicle, and other items that may affect the environment.
The MOT test is an examination against MINIMUM standards, therefore the standards that your garage may apply when carrying out service or repair operations may well be different.
For example, most people are aware that the depth of the tyre tread is safety critical especially when braking or cornering in the wet. The minimum tread depth allowed for passenger cars is 1.6 mm over the centre 75% of the tread pattern. A car will pass the MOT if the tread is on or above this limit, however this does not mean the car will be safe to drive at high speed in wet conditions.
The test merely checks the condition at the time the vehicle was tested, the tester is not asked to speculate how long a particular component will last, the tester certainly will not assess whether a vehicle will be safe for the next 12 months. Registered keepers and drivers must take responsibility to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy at all times, not just at MOT test time.
The MOT is not a warranty as to the mechanical condition of the vehicle especially relating to the engine, clutch or transmission, as the test does not include checks on any of these items.
The following is a detailed guide of the items inspected for a Motor Vehicle MOT.
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The MOT checks the exterior body condition, including bumpers and exterior trim for corrosion and damage. Any sharp protrusions or edges that may cause injury to pedestrians and that are the result of corrosion or damage will fail the test.
The vehicle structure is also examined for corrosion or damage. Corrosion within certain specified areas will be treated much more seriously than in other less safety critical areas. The critical areas are referred to as Prescribed Areas and are 30 cms (1 foot) radius from any safety critical mounting point on the chassis or integral structure. These points are brake component mountings, suspension component mountings, steering component mountings and seat belt mountings. Very small amounts of corrosion within these areas will lead to a MOT fail, whereas quite large amounts of corrosion outside of these areas may still result in a pass if the NT feels that the braking or steering of the vehicle will not be compromised.
It is not possible here to give precise guidance as to whether any particular area of corrosion will pass or fail; it will depend entirely on the design of the vehicle and the position of these Prescribed Areas.
The front doors must be able to be opened from inside and out, the rear doors must be able to be latched securely shut. The tester may refuse to test your car if access to the rear is not possible because rear doors will not open or seats will not fold forward.
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The MOT checks the fuel system for leaks with the engine running and with the engine off. Leaks from any part of the system will fail the test, as will insecurely mounted fuel system components and fuel caps that are missing or do not seal correctly. Temporary fuel caps that fit securely and seal the tank are permitted, however those that merely push in will not.
The tester may refuse to test your car if the fuel cap is locked and you do not provide the key to open it.
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The MOT will include an exhaust emissions test for the majority of vehicles. Motorcycles and Hybrids for example are exempt. Some older vehicles only have a visual check for excess smoke, however all modern vehicles if not exempt, will have either an Exhaust Emissions test or Diesel Smoke Test.
These tests are conducted on specialist and very accurate machines, with Petrol vehicles tested for Carbon Monoxide, Hydrocarbons and Lambda, on Diesel vehicles the opacity of the smoke emissions is tested.
It is essential that your vehicle's engine is in good enough condition to have the test conducted, sufficient fuel, oil and water will be required, and on Diesel vehicles the condition of the Camshaft Drive belt is important. If your vehicles service history is unknown or the Cambelt is overdue for change, the Tester may refuse to test your car because of the potential damage that may occur.
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The MOT will check the exhaust for completeness, security and leaks. Small leaks should not fail especially if the vehicle passes the emissions test; larger leaks, missing or insecure components will fail.
The tester will also try to assess the noise output of the exhaust; sports exhausts for example will fail the test if the noise output is obviously significantly louder than a standard exhaust in good condition. This test is conducted at the engine speeds used for the emissions test. (3000rpm). Vehicles that should have a catalytic converter fitted will fail if it has been removed.
On motorcycles the exhaust will fail if it is marked "not for road use" or similar wording.
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The MOT will check that all mandatory seat belts are fitted and that they are in good condition. Non-statutory belts will also be tested if they are fitted. Child seats, booster seats and attached harnesses are not included.
Seat belt webbing must be in good condition without cuts or splits. Inertia reel belts must be able to be pulled out fully, and must retract completely. Belt stalks must be secure, free from corrosion and must lock and unlock properly. Where the stalk is attached to the seat frame, the seat mountings are classed as seat belt mountings.
The tester will need to have access to the rear to check the rear belts, he may refuse to test your vehicle if the rear doors will not open or the front seats will not fold forward (2 door vehicles).
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The MOT checks that the front seats are securely mounted to the frame of the vehicles. Corrosion around seat mountings will be taken into account if the seat belt is attached to the seat frame. All seats must be able to be locked securely in the upright position.
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The MOT checks that the minimum number of mirrors are fitted, (interior and offside, or two exterior mirrors normally) and that the mirrors give a good view to the rear. Slight cracks may be accepted if the view is not seriously impaired. Mirrors must be securely mounted.
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The MOT checks that the Boot or Tailgate can be secured in the closed position. Note:- It may be necessary to inspect the floor of the loading area for corrosion or damage, it may also be necessary to inspect fuel systems or seat belts within the load area. The tester may refuse to test your vehicle if the load area is full and it prevents such an inspection taking place.
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The MOT includes a comprehensive inspection of the braking system and the brake performance; this is carried out without any dismantling.
Braking components will be examined for security and leaks, brake pipes for security leaks and corrosion, brake hoses for deterioration, leaks, cuts, bulges and corrosion. Brake pads and discs will be examined, (where possible) for wear, corrosion and general condition. The exact type of inspection will depend upon the type of vehicle and the type of system fitted.
The inspection will also include a brake performance test. This will either be carried out on a roller brake tester, plate brake tester or on the road using a decelerometer again depending on the type of vehicle.
Any modern vehicle with brakes working normally, will easily meet the performance criteria. Therefore any vehicle that fails, or only just passes will have serious issues with the operation of the brakes.
If fitted, the Antilock Braking System must be complete, and the warning lamp must function as intended. Missing ABS components will lead to a failure.
The tester will take special care over the braking system as it is a safety critical part of the test.
The tester may refuse to test your brakes if he sees that the brake pads are obviously worn out, or for example the tyres are in such poor condition that damage to the vehicle or the brake tester may occur if he conducts the test.
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The MOT will check the size and condition of the tyres, and the condition and security of the wheels. The test does not include the spare wheel with the exception of the security of the spare wheel mounting for externally mounted wheels.
Any damage to tyres that expose the structure of the tyre will lead to a fail, the tyre tread for most passenger cars and light commercial vehicles must be a minimum of 1.6 mm over the centre 75% of the tyre width. The shoulders of the tyres may be devoid of tread, but if the worn area does not extend into the centre 75% area the tyre will still pass the test providing the structure of the tyre is not exposed. Tyres in this condition may well be dangerous in wet conditions but will meet the MOT requirements. Some tyres have shoulder treads that are not as deep as the main tread; these are not tested as part of the MOT.
Tyres on the same axle must be the same size and construction type (radial or crossply), and must be fitted in accordance with the instructions printed on the sidewall by the manufacturer (eg Outside, Inside, direction of rotation).
The Class 7 test will also check if the tyres have the correct load rating for the vehicle that it is fitted to.
The tester may refuse to test your brakes if the tyres are in a dangerous condition and likely to cause damage to the vehicle or test equipment.
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The MOT checks that the Registration Plates are correctly mounted, and for modern vehicles are the correct colour with characters that are correctly formed in accordance with the prescribed font.
Plates that have the spacing altered to enable words to be formed will fail the test, as will plates with a honeycomb background or a background overprinted with text. The rear registration plate must not be obscured by cycle racks or tow bars for example and the plates must be able to be clearly read from 25 metres distance.
Slight deterioration of the plates may be accepted providing the plate is not likely to be misread.
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All statutory lamps are checked for correct operation and security. (Side lamps, Headlamps, Brake Lamps, Rear Fog Lamp(s), Registration Plate Lamps and Direction Indicators/Hazard Warning). In addition the operation of the switches is checked alongside checks on the tell-tale warning lights for flashers and rear fog lamps.
Any statutory lamp that does not work will lead to a failure. Front fog lamps are not statutory, and high level rear brake lamps are only testable if the tester is sure that the lamp is fitted and connected.
Flashers and hazards must flash between 60 and 120 times per minute, and lamps must be the correct colour. Amber flasher lamps that have faded to white will fail, as will blue side lamps. Some imported lamp units are not "E" marked for use in Europe and do not meet the necessary regulations.
Headlamps are thoroughly examined with both operation and aim inspected. Headlamps must dip to the left away from oncoming traffic; continental headlamps may pass the MOT if fitted with a temporary mask; however it is an offence to drive a vehicle on UK roads for more than 6 months with continental headlamps fitted.
The headlamp aim test is very specific and is the cause of the highest percentage of MOT failures. The NT may adjust your headlamp aim during the test if he feels that a quick adjustment will rectify the problem.
The diagram below shows what the headlamp aim image looks like for most modern vehicles, and it is this that the NT has to analyse.
To correctly set the height on most cars and light commercials, the horizontal part of the image has to fall in the Red tolerance band between 0.5% and 2%, if the centre of the headlamp is over 850mm from the ground then the horizontal part of the image has to be in the Blue tolerance band.
To ensure the lamp is pointing directly ahead and not too far left or right, the image break point must fall between the vertical 0% and 2% lines.
Many 3 year old vehicles fail the test for headlamp aim because it is not checked prior to delivery nor is it checked when the vehicle is serviced, therefore the first time the aim is properly checked is often at the first MOT.
The NT may refuse to test your headlamp aim if the pattern has been affected to the extent that it can no longer be clearly identified.
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The bonnet must securely latch in the closed position with any secondary safety mechanisms working as intended.
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The wipers in conjunction with the washers must be able to clear the windscreen effectively. Wipers that smear the screen or leave parts unclear will fail, washers that do not provide sufficient fluid to the windscreen will also fail.
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The windscreen is inspected for obstruction and damage. The area of the windscreen swept by the wipers, directly in front of the driver is referred to as Zone A. In this area the maximum allowable damage must be contained within a 10mm circle, anything larger will fail. A number of small areas of damage (stone chips for example) will also fail if the tester feels that visibility is impaired.
Outside of Zone A the maximum damage in the area swept by the wipers must be contained within a 40mm circle.
Obstructions to the drivers view on the inside of the windscreen, for example satellite navigation systems, items hanging from the interior mirror, and non-mandatory stickers will also fail. Sun strips at the top of the screen will fail if they protrude more than 10mm into Zone A or 40mm outside of Zone A. Scratches on the windscreen caused by worn wiper blades may fail if vision is impaired.
Tax disc holders and parking permits are allowed in the swept area of the windscreen, and certain damage that is obscured by the interior mirror may also be allowed.
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The horn must be clearly audible, operated from a single secure switch and must not be of a two tone or musical type.
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Steering and Suspension along with brakes and tyres are the most safety critical part of the test.
Steering systems are tested for wear and excessive free play. The amount of allowable play will depend on the type of system fitted. Steering joints will be checked for security and wear, missing locking devices and worn joints will fail.
Similarly, the suspension system will be thoroughly inspected with joints and bushes checked for wear. Springs, whether they be leaf, coil, rubber, air or fluid will be checked, seriously worn or broken components will fail.
Air and fluid suspension systems will be checked for operation and leaks, as will shock absorbers. The mounting points of all suspension and steering components are prescribed areas and any corrosion leaving a hole will fail the test.
There are many and various different types of suspension layout and it is not possible to provide in depth advice here. The actual amount of allowable wear or free play will depend on the type of suspension and the design of the component in question.
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The NT will need to find the VIN number on the vehicle in order to log the vehicle on for test. A vehicle will fail the test if more than one VIN number is displayed if the vehicle was first used on or after 1 August 1980. Multi-stage build vehicles may have more than one number displayed.
The following is a detailed guide of the items inspected for a Motorcycle MOT.
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The MOT checks the exterior body condition, including bumpers and exterior trim for corrosion and damage. Any sharp protrusions or edges that may cause injury to pedestrians and that are the result of corrosion or damage will fail the test.
The vehicle structure is also examined for corrosion or damage. Corrosion within certain specified areas will be treated much more seriously than in other less safety critical areas. The critical areas are referred to as Prescribed Areas and are 30 cms (1 foot) radius from any safety critical mounting point on the chassis or integral structure. These points are brake component mountings, suspension component mountings, steering component mountings and seat belt mountings. Very small amounts of corrosion within these areas will lead to a MOT fail, whereas quite large amounts of corrosion outside of these areas may still result in a pass if the NT feels that the braking or steering of the vehicle will not be compromised.
It is not possible here to give precise guidance as to whether any particular area of corrosion will pass or fail; it will depend entirely on the design of the vehicle and the position of these Prescribed Areas.
The front doors must be able to be opened from inside and out, the rear doors must be able to be latched securely shut. The tester may refuse to test your car if access to the rear is not possible because rear doors will not open or seats will not fold forward.
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The MOT checks the fuel system for leaks with the engine running and with the engine off. Leaks from any part of the system will fail the test, as will insecurely mounted fuel system components and fuel caps that are missing or do not seal correctly. Temporary fuel caps that fit securely and seal the tank are permitted, however those that merely push in will not.
The tester may refuse to test your machine if the fuel cap is locked and you do not provide the key to open it.
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Motorcycles are exempt from emissions testing at the current time.
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The MOT will check the exhaust for completeness, security and leaks. Small leaks should not fail, larger leaks, missing or insecure components will fail.
The tester will also try to assess the noise output of the exhaust; sports exhausts for example will fail the test if "the noise output is obviously significantly louder than a standard exhaust in good condition".
All motorcycle exhausts will fail if they are marked "not for road use" or similar wording.
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The MOT checks that the seats are securely mounted to the frame of the machine. A missing or insecure seat will fail the test, as will missing or insecure footrests.
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The MOT includes a comprehensive inspection of the braking system and the brake performance; this is carried out without any dismantling.
Braking components will be examined for security and leaks, brake pipes for security leaks and corrosion, brake hoses for deterioration, leaks, cuts, bulges and corrosion. Brake pads and discs will be examined, (where possible) for wear, corrosion and general condition. The exact type of inspection will depend upon the type of machine and the type of system fitted.
The inspection will also include a brake performance test. This will either be carried out on a roller brake tester, plate brake tester, spring balance tester or on the road using a decelerometer again depending on the type of vehicle.
Any modern machine with brakes working normally, will easily meet the performance criteria. Therefore any vehicle that fails, or only just passes will have serious issues with the operation of the brakes.
The tester will take special care over the braking system as it is a safety critical part of the test.
The tester may refuse to test your brakes if he sees that the brake pads are obviously worn out, or for example the tyres are in such poor condition that damage to the machine or the brake tester may occur if he conducts the test.
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The MOT will check the size and condition of the tyres, and the condition and security of the wheels.
Any damage to tyres that expose the structure of the tyre will lead to a fail, a machine of less than 50cc must have visible tread all around the tyre, all machines over 50cc capacity must have at least 1mm of tread for a continuous band of at least 75% of the tyre width for a complete circumference. Tyres that are devoid of tread in the centre with tread on both sides will fail the test.
Certain off road tyres that are not marked "MST" (multi-service tyre) or "E" marked are not suitable. Any tyre marked "Not for road use" or similar will fail the test.
The tester may refuse to test your brakes if the tyres are in a dangerous condition and likely to cause damage to the machine or test equipment.
Wheels must be properly mounted, free from excessive damage and correctly aligned. The tester may need to road test the machine to check if a misalignment affects the handling.
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The MOT checks that the Registration Plates are correctly mounted, and for modern machines are the correct colour with characters that are correctly formed in accordance with the prescribed font.
Plates that have the spacing altered to enable words to be formed will fail the test, as will plates with a honeycomb background or a background overprinted with text. The rear registration plate must not be obscured and must be able to be clearly read from 25 metres distance.
Slight deterioration of the plates may be accepted providing the plate is not likely to be misread.
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All statutory lamps are checked for correct operation and security. (Side lamps, Headlamps, Brake Lamps, Rear Fog Lamp(s), Registration Plate Lamps and Direction Indicators/Hazard Warning). In addition the operation of the switches is checked alongside checks on the tell-tale warning lights for flashers and rear fog lamps. Any statutory lamp that does not work will lead to a failure.
Flashers and hazards must flash between 60 and 120 times per minute, and lamps must be the correct colour. Amber flasher lamps that have faded to white will fail, as will blue side lamps. Some imported lamp units are not "E" marked for use in Europe and do not meet the necessary regulations.
Headlamps are thoroughly examined with both operation and aim inspected. Headlamps must dip to the left away from oncoming traffic; continental headlamps may pass the MOT if fitted with a temporary mask; however it is an offence to drive a vehicle on UK roads for more than 6 months with continental headlamps fitted.
The headlamp aim test is very specific and is the cause of the highest percentage of MOT failures. The NT may adjust your headlamp aim during the test if he feels that a quick adjustment will rectify the problem.
The diagram below shows what the headlamp aim image looks like for most modern vehicles, and it is this that the NT has to analyse.
If the centre of the headlamp is lower than 850mm from the ground, the horizontal part of the image has to fall in the Red tolerance band between 0.5% and 2%, if the centre of the headlamp is over 850mm from the ground then the horizontal part of the image has to be in the Blue tolerance band.
To ensure the lamp is pointing directly ahead and not too far left or right, the image break point must fall between the vertical 0% and 2% lines.
Many 3 year old machines fail the test for headlamp aim because it is not checked prior to delivery nor is it checked when the vehicle is serviced, therefore the first time the aim is properly checked is often at the first MOT.
The NT may refuse to test your headlamp aim if the pattern has been affected to the extent that it can no longer be clearly identified.
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The horn must be clearly audible, operated from a single secure switch and must not be of a two tone or musical type. It must work across the full range of steering movement.
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Steering and Suspension along with brakes and tyres are the most safety critical part of the test.
The steering will be tested for wear and excessive free play. The amount of allowable play will depend on where the actual play is detected. The headstock will be examined for play and smoothness of operation.
Similarly, the suspension system will be thoroughly inspected with joints and bushes checked for wear. Springs, whether they be leaf, coil, rubber, air or fluid will be checked, seriously worn or broken components will fail.
Air and fluid suspension systems will be checked for operation and leaks, as will shock absorbers. The mounting points of all suspension and steering components are highly stressed areas and any corrosion leaving a hole will fail the test.
There are many and various different types of suspension layout and it is not possible to provide in depth advice here. The actual amount of allowable wear or free play will depend on the type of suspension and the design of the component in question.
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The NT will need to find the VIN number on the machine in order to log the vehicle on for test. A machine will fail the test if more than one VIN number is displayed if the vehicle was first used on or after 1 August 1980. Multi-stage build vehicles may have more than one number displayed.
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The final drive system is inspected as part of the test, excessively worn chains and sprockets are failure items, as are loose and missing chain guards and anything that may cause the rear wheel to become jammed.
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All machines are checked to ensure that the front and rear wheels are correctly aligned with each other. Using either a straight edge or a cord, the NT will check that both wheels are pointing straight ahead, and that the rear wheel follows the front wheel. It may be necessary to road test the machine to assess if the amount of misalignment seriously affects the handling of the machine.
VOSA Certificates and Forms:
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The VT20 MOT Pass Certificate is issued to the vehicle presenter at the time of the test if the vehicle presented has met the minimum requirements and "PASSED" the Test. At the same time that the certificate is issued, the results are uploaded to the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency,s (VOSA) database.
An MOT test pass confirms that, when the vehicle was examined in accordance with Section 45 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, it met the minimum legal requirements for those items prescribed under the ACT. It does not mean that the vehicle fully meets all legal requirements or that it will continue to be roadworthy for the next year. It is your responsibility to keep the vehicle maintained so that it would always meet MOT standards and be free from defects.
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This document tells the presenter the vehicle that it has not met the minimum legal requirements for the reason(s) detailed in the section A. If you intend to use a vehicle on the road after the issue of a VT30, you need to be aware that you are now not only driving an un-roadworthy vehicle, but you are knowingly driving an un-roadworthy vehicle. You should have it repaired without delay and have it retested before the existing test validity expires. The issue of a VT30 does not override an un-expired MOT certificate, however your insurance company may not cover you if you have an accident in a vehicle after it has failed an MOT test.
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The items listed on the VT32 are items that the NT wishes to bring to the attention of the vehicle presenter, but do not in the opinion of the tester warrant the issue of a failure certificate VT30.
They may be testable items which are only just passable and may need attention soon; or items that are not within the scope of the MOT test and may need attention; or refer to any particular peculiarity of the vehicle.
You should obtain expert advice on any defects listed or advisory items noted. Continued use of the vehicle (even though a test certificate may have been issued) may make you, and/or anyone who drives the vehicle, liable for prosecution or invalidate your insurance.
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Re-tests fall into two different categories. Some items such as lighting defects, horn, tyres, wipers, washers etc, qualify for a FREE re-test if the vehicle is presented back at the VTS that failed the vehicle before the end of the next working day. (Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays are not counted). A full list of these FREE re-test items can be found on the "Fees and Appeals" poster that should be displayed on the MOT notice board at every test station.
All other failures are subjected to a partial re-test, provided that the vehicle is re-presented at the test station that failed the vehicle within 10 working days. Some test stations will charge up to half fee for the partial re-test, others will do a re-test for free. This is a commercial decision for the test station to decide upon.
If the vehicle fails a partial re-test, or more than 10 working days expires between test and re-test, or the vehicle is presented at another test station, the test station will have to conduct another full test and is able to charge another full fee.
Please read the details printed on the VT30 for further instructions.
*** NEW *** Plain paper MOT certificates:
On Sunday 16th October 2011 We will see the introduction of a new style MOT certificate.
Pass and failure notices will no longer be produced on pre-printed coloured forms – instead they will be printed directly on plain paper in black ink.
Certificates will also have a new look combining the test result and advisory information on one page wherever possible. These changes are part of the ongoing government drive to reduce cost, wastage and environmental impact.
Previously-issued, coloured certificates will remain valid until their expiry date.
Vehicle owners are able to check and verify MOT information against the electronic record, which is supplemented by paper MOT certificates
See Examples of the Plain Paper MOT Test Forms to be Introduced in October 2011:
Click here to see an example of the NEW Plain Paper VT 20 MOT Test Pass Certificate
Click here to see an example of the NEW Plain Paper VT 30 Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate
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