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

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.

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

Seat Belts

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