What is an MOT test?
The Ministry of Transport test, more commonly known as an MOT test, is an annual test performed on all vehicles over three years old which are being driven on public roads in the UK.
An MOT test accesses the safety levels of the vehicle, particularly looking at its roadworthiness and exhaust emissions.
If a vehicle does not past its MOT test it is not permitted to drive on any public road.
There are many places where MOT tests can be performed.
Drivers can spot a MOT test station by taking note of the blue ‘three triangles’ logo which the test station will have on view, usually in the form of a poster in the window or a sign.
Classes
Due to a vehicle’s size and the number of passengers it can hold, it will belong to one of the following classes:
- Class I: Mopeds and motorcycles up to 199 cc.
- Class II: Motorcycles 200 cc and over.
- Class III: Tricycles and three wheeled cars.
- Class IV: Cars, Motor Caravans, Goods vehicles up to 3000 kg gross weight, Minibuses (with no more than 12 passenger seats).
- Class V: Private buses (with more than 12 passenger seats and up to 16).
- Class VI: PSV test— Public Service Vehicles used for Hire or Reward with more than 8 passenger seats (Test conducted by VOSA/DVA staff, usually at their own stations).
- Class VII: Goods vehicles (between 3000 kg and 3500 kg in gross weight).
- HGV test: Goods vehicles over 3500 kg GVW and Trailers over 1020kg unladen weight or 3500kg GVW if fitted with over run brakes. (Test conducted by VOSA/DVA staff usually at their own stations, or at VOSA approved designated premises).
Test prices are dependant on what class the vehicle belongs to.
What is tested in an MOT test?
Parts of the vehicle that will be tested in an MOT test include:
- Body and Vehicle Structure: This is to make sure that the vehicle is free from excessive corrosion or damage as well as sharp edges which could cause injury.
- Fuel System: The fuel system will be checked for leaks and the fuel caps tested to ensure they fasten and seal securely. (The fuel cap will need to be opened so make sure the key is taken to the MOT testing station.)
- Exhaust Emissions: In order to pass its MOT, the vehicle will have to meet the requirements for exhaust emissions which are dependant on the age and the fuel type of the vehicle.
- Seat Belts: All compulsory seat belts must be in place for a vehicle to pass its MOT test; all seat belts will be tested for type, condition and security.
- Exhaust System: The exhaust system must be complete without serious leaks.
- Seating: All front seats should be secure and in the upright position.
Furthermore, the following components are inspected:
- Doors - All doors on the vehicle must latch securely in the closed position. The front doors should open from inside and outside the vehicle whilst rear doors may need to be opened in order to gain access to other testable items.
- Mirrors - The minimum number of mirrors must be on the vehicle.
- Load Security - Tailgate or boot can be secured in the closed position.
- Brakes - Efficiency tests will be performed to test the condition, operation and performance of the vehicle’s brakes. (Removing the road wheels will not be done during the MOT).
- Tyres and Wheels - The condition, size, type, security and tread depth will be accessed; however please note that spare tyres are not inspected.
- Registration Plates - The condition and security of the registration plates will be inspected as well as whether the characters are correctly formed and spaced, resulting in a plate that can be easily read.
- Lights - All aspects of the vehicle’s lights are tested during an MOT including the condition and security of front and rear lights.
- Bonnet - The bonnet should securely latch in the closed position.
- Wipers and Washers - Both wipers and washers will be tested during a MOT to ensure that the driver can has clear visibility.
- Windscreen - The windscreen is tested again for the driver’s visibility, cracks and chips may also be noted as these can lead to major damage to the glass.
- Horn - The vehicles horn should be of suitable type for the vehicle and will be tested to ensure that it works properly.
- Steering and Suspension - Both these elements of the vehicle need to be in a satisfactory condition and operate accordingly.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) - The VIN is present on all vehicles first used on or after 1st August 1980. a vehicle should only have one VIN; the only time there is more than one VIN it suggests that the vehicle is of the multistage build variety.