The MOT scheme is primarily a road safety measure designed to ensure as far as possible that all cars, motorcycles and light goods vehicles more than 3 years old:

1. Are properly maintained

2. At least once a year are examined at an authorised MOT test station to make sure that they comply with certain important requirements of the law

Remember- the test certificate relates only to the condition of the testable items at the time of the test and should not be regarded as evidence of their condition at any other time; nor should it be accepted as evidence of the general mechanical condition of the vehicle.

Your Car and the MOT & Computerised Testing

If you have a car that is more than 3 years old it will need an MOT test each year to ensure that it meets at least the minimum road safety and environmental standards.

The test relates only to the condition of the testable items at the time of the test. It should not be regarded as evidence of the condition of the items tested at any other time nor should it be taken as evidence of the general mechanical condition of the vehicle

The test

MOT's are undertaken at garages authorised by the Vehicle Inspectorate to carry out the tests. They are easily identifiable by the blue, 3 triangle MOT Sign as seen above.

What items are examined in the MOT test?

Lighting Equipment, Stop Lamps, Reflectors, and Direction Indicators

Front and rear position lamps, rear registration plate lamps, rear fog lamps
Headlamps
Stoplamps
Rear reflectors
Direction indicators and hazard warning devices
Headlamp aim
Steering (including suspension)

Steering control
Steering system
Power steering
Suspension - general
Front suspension, front wheel bearings and driveshafts
Rear suspension and rear wheel bearings
Shock absorbers
Brakes

Parking brake lever mechanism
Hand operated brake control valves
Service brake control
Anti-lock braking system
Mechanical brake components
Hydraulic, air and vacuum systems
Brake performance
Tyres

Tyres
Roadwheels
Seat Belts

Seatbelts
General Items

Drivers view of the road
Wipers
Washers
Windscreen
Audible warning (horn)
Exhaust system
Exhaust emissions -petrol & diesel
General condition of vehicle -
vehicle structure
body security
body condition
doors
load security
spare wheel and carrier
seats
Mirrors
Fuel system
Registration plates and VIN details