All cars more than three years old must have an MOT test
The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is designed to ensure that all vehicles using the public highway meet minimum safety and exhaust emission standards.
Once a vehicle passes three years since the date of its first registration, it must undergo a MOT test. A pass certificate is valid for one year, but does not guarantee the vehicle will remain in a roadworthy condition for that year.
Garages are authorised to conduct MOT tests by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).
Garage employees must meet minimum age and experience requirements in order to undertake MOT tests. They also have to undergo VOSA training and conduct tests regularly to keep their licences valid.
The MOT system has been computerised in recent years, meaning information on car test results is stored centrally, helping prevent fraud and improving consistency.
The test checks the vehicle’s body, chassis, doors, steering, suspension, brakes and wheels to ensure they are not excessively corroded, worn, ineffective or loose.
A tester will check that the fuel system does not leak and that the exhaust system is intact and properly silenced. The exhaust emissions are also examined using special equipment.
Seat belts and seats need to be secure and working properly, as do mirrors, windscreen washers and wipers. The lights and horn must all work, too.
Tyres must have the minimum tread depth, registration plates must meet legal requirements and a VIN number must be on display while big windscreen chips and cracks can result in failure, too.
“Everyone who uses a vehicle on the road is required to keep it in a roadworthy condition at all times,” says VOSA.
“The roadworthiness is checked in the interests of road safety and the environment by a MOT test. The MOT test will look at important items on your car to see what they meet the key legal minimum requirements.”
“Motorists should be aware that the MOT certificate is not a guarantee of the general mechanical condition of the vehicle.” |
