Your Car and the MOT

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

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.

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 triangles MOT Sign.

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