OUR SERVICES

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A CAR M.O.T?

2.1 Body, vehicle structure and general items

These will be inspected to check that:

  • They’re free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas.
  • There are no sharp edges likely to cause injury.

2.2 Towbars

Towbars will be inspected for:

  • Secureness
  • Condition
  • Inappropriate repairs or modification

The MOT tester will also check that:

  • The 13 pin electrical socket is working correctly.
  • The speedometer is in good working order.
  • The engine mountings are secure.

2.3 Fuel system

The fuel system will be inspected to check that:

  • There are no leaks.
  • The pipes and hoses are secure and in a good condition.
  • The fuel cap fastens and seals securely.

You should make sure that the key is available as the fuel cap will need to be opened.

2.4 Exhaust emissions

The vehicle will be inspected, depending on the age and fuel type of the vehicle, to check that it meets the rules for exhaust emissions.

Diesel Vehicles

The MOT tester will refuse to test your vehicle if they think that the smoke test may damage your engine.

  • Secureness
  • Condition
  • Inappropriate repairs or modification

The MOT tester will also check that:

  • The 13 pin electrical socket is working correctly.
  • The speedometer is in good working order.
  • The engine mountings are secure.

2.5 Exhaust system

The exhaust system will be inspected to check that:

  • It’s secure and complete.
  • A catalyst isn’t missing where one was fitted as standard.
  • It’s without serious leaks and not too noisy.

2.6 Seatbelts

The vehicle will be inspected to check that:

  • The mandatory seatbelts are in place.
  • They are in a good condition.
  • They work properly.
  • They are attached securely.

The malfunction indicator lamps (MILs) or dashboard warning lights will be checked for the:

  • Air Bags
  • Seatbelt pretensioners (which remove the slack from a seatbelt in the event of a collision).
  • They work properly.
  • Seatbelt load limiters (which release a small amount of belt when it’s too tight).

2.7 Seats

These will be inspected to check that:

  • The driver’s seat can be adjusted.
  • All seats are securely fitted and that seat backs can be fixed in the upright position.

2.8 Doors

These will be inspected to check that:

  • The latch is secure in the closed position.
  • The front doors open from inside and outside the vehicle.
  • The rear doors open from outside the vehicle.
  • Hinges and catches are secure and in a good condition.

2.9 Mirrors

The vehicle will be inspected to check for the minimum number of mirrors, their condition and security. Indirect vision devices will also inspected.

2.10 Load security

The vehicle will be inspected to check that the boot or tailgate can be closed properly.

2.11 Brakes

These will be inspected to check:

  • Their condition, including inappropriate repairs or modifications.
  • Their operation and performance (the efficiency test) – the wheels and trims aren’t removed as part of the test.
  • The anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) (where fitted).

The MILs or dashboard warning lights will also be checked for the ABS, ESC, electronic park brake and brake fluid warning lights.

2.12 Tyres and wheels

These will be inspected to check for:

  • Condition
  • Security
  • Tyre size and type
  • Tread depth

Spare wheels and tyres are not inspected.

Vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2012 will be checked to make sure the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) MIL is working.

2.13 Registration plates

These will be inspected to check for:

  • Condition
  • Secure attachment
  • Colour
  • Characters correctly formed and spaced

2.14 Lights

These will be inspected to check:

  • Their condition
  • Operation, including high intensity discharge (HID) and light emitting diode (LED).
  • The headlamps for cleaning, self levelling and security.
  • Headlamp aim
  • Main beam warning light working.

2.15 Bonnet

This will be inspected to check that it closes securely.

2.16 Wipers and washers

These will be inspected to check that they work properly so the driver has a clear view of the road.

2.17 Windscreen

The windscreen will be inspected to check for:

  • Condition
  • The driver’s view of the road.

2.18 Horn

This will be inspected to check:

  • That it works properly.
  • It’s suitable for the vehicle.

2.19 Steering and suspension

These will be inspected to check:

  • Their condition
  • Steering oil level
  • They work correctly
  • For inappropriate repairs or modification including corrosion to power steering pipes or hoses.
  • That the steering lock mechanism works properly.

The MILs or dashboard warning lights will also be checked for the electronic power steering and steering lock.

2.20 Vehicle identification number (VIN)

The VIN will be on vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1980. Your car will be inspected to check that a single VIN is displayed, except on multistage build vehicles (eg van conversion, BMW, Alpina etc).

2.21 Electrical

Visible electrical wiring and the battery will be checked.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A MOTORCYCLE M.O.T?

 

2.1 Lights

These will be inspected to check:

  • Their condition
  • That they work properly
  • That they’re secure
  • That the headlamp(s) are the correct colour
  • The rear lights, indicators and reflectors.

The headlamp(s) will also be checked to see if the aim is correct.

2.2 Steering and suspension

These will be inspected to check:

  • Their condition
  • That forks, handlebars, grips mountings, head bearings, swinging arm, shock absorbers and damping effect etc are secure and work properly.

2.3 Wheels and tyres

These will be inspected to check:

  • Their condition
  • That they’re secure
  • The size and type
  • Correct fitment
  • The tread depth
  • The valve condition

2.4 Frame

This will be inspected to check:

  • That it’s free from cracks.
  • For damage
  • For distortion
  • For corrosion which is likely to affect the steering or braking.

2.8 Seats

These will be inspected to check:

  • For the presence of a rider’s seat.
  • That any seat is attached securely.

2.9 Wheel alignment

hese will be inspected to check for the correct alignment of front and rear wheels.

2.10 Sidecars (when fitted)

These will be inspected to check:

  • For secure attachment
  • Alignment
  • tThe suspension
  • The wheel bearings
  • Wheel alignment
  • The lights and tyres

2.5 Braking

This will be inspected to check:

  • The condition
  • The operation and performance (the efficiency test)
  • The brake controls

2.6 Exhaust system

This will be inspected to check:

  • It’s secure and complete.
  • It’s not too noisy.

2.7 Fuel system

This will be inspected to check:

  • For leaks
  • The security of its components

2.11 Horn

This will be inspected to check:

  • That it works properly.
  • It’s suitable for the vehicle.

2.12 Registration plates, vehicle identification and frame numbers

These will be inspected to check that they’re present and legible.

2.13 Drive chain and sprocket

These will be inspected to check:

  • That the chain isn’t too loose, tight or worn.
  • That the sprockets aren’t too worn.
  • That the chain guard is secure.

2.14 Throttle

This will be inspected to check that it works properly.

2.15 Clutch lever

This will be inspected to check that it isn’t so bent, damaged or shortened that it can’t easily be used.

2.16 Footrests

These will be inspected to check that they’re present and fitted securely.