After a vehicle has reached at least three years old, they has to be tested each year to make sure it’s meeting the safety standards for road traffic and environmental regulations. In this article we’ll examine exactly what an MOT is , and what’s included in every test.

What exactly is an MOT?

The MOT test can be described as a thorough inspection of a vehicle to ensure safety, roadworthiness and exhaust emissions, to ensure that the vehicle is compliant with the legal requirements. MOT tests are conducted according in accordance with DVSA guidelines and are conducted by certified nominated testers in an DVSA certified MOT test centre.

What does an MOT Check What Does an MOT Check Include?

Lighting, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment

Lights

Your vehicle’s rear, front fog, brake reflections, indicator, rear reflectors and the registration plate lights should:

Make sure you are properly positioned and secured.

Do not be obscured

In good condition e.g. not damaged or cracked

Make sure it is a color that is acceptable (a slightly blue tint to front headlights can be accepted provided that the dominant color is white)

Be not adversely affected from the action of any other light source

The switch can be illuminated with one click of the switch.

Make sure that the main beam and dip beam are directed lower than the horizontal, so as not to frighten other drivers.

Horn

The horn needs to be able of emitting an unison note continuously and must be sufficient in volume to be heard by a road user.

Battery

The battery needs to be secured and should not show any indications of leaks in electrolytes.

Electrical Wiring

The wiring in the electrical circuit must be safe and shouldn’t be damaged to the point in which there’s a danger that there is a risk of short-circuiting getting disconnected.

Vehicles equipped with towbars

If your car has an towbar, the electrical socket is examined to make sure it’s in good shape and is able to operate the trailer’s lighting, parking light indicators and rear fog light properly.

Suspension and Steering

Steering

Your steering wheel needs to be safe and in satisfactory state. It is tested by turning the wheel in various directions, then looking at each component for damage or wear. If the wheel has an locking mechanism The tester will test to ensure that it only locks when the engine isn’t in use.

If your car has the power steering feature, then it should be equipped with the minimum amount of fluid for power steering within the reservoir.

Suspension

The tester will test the suspension components as well as shock absorbers to determine if there is abnormal corrosion, distortion, or fractures.

Brakes

Your brakes, pedals , and levers will be examined to make sure they’re in good working order and that any warning lights have to be functioning correctly. A test of brake performance is also conducted to determine the effectiveness of your brakes.

Tyres and road Wheels

To allow your Fiesta to pass the Ford MOT test, the tyres you use must have the right rate and weight for the vehicle you are driving. The tread depth should be at minimum 1.6 and should not have any cuts that exceed 25mm, bulges, lumps and tears, or contact with the cord, and tread separation. Road wheel must be in good working order with all wheel nuts securely secured.

If your vehicle is equipped with run-flat tires the warning light will be examined to make sure it is working properly.

Seatbelts

All seatbelts should be of the correct length and functioning in a correct manner.

Parts of the Body and Structure as well as General Equipment

Body

The tester will perform an overall examination of the body chassis and engine mountings, as well as seats as well as the bonnet, boot, and doors to make sure they are not corroded to an excessive degree and don’t have sharp edges that can cause injuries.

Registration Plates

The registration plates you choose to use must be installed on the front and rear of the vehicle . They should be visible and secure for anyone who is at a distance of 20 meters. They must have properly spaced and formed characters.

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Every vehicle has to have their VIN permanently displayed , either on an VIN plate or etched onto the chassis or body.

Speedometer

It is essential to have a speedometer that lights properly. Glass cracks aren’t an issue if you are able to see the speed easily.

Emissions, exhaust, fuel and emissions

Exhaust System

The exhaust system of your vehicle is inspected to ensure it’s safe and does not have any leaks. Also, the tester can look whether your catalytic converter is still in place when your car was initially equipped with one.

Emissions

The tester will confirm that your vehicle’s emission of carbon monoxide as well as hydrocarbons are within the limits of legality by employing the gas analyser probe while the engine is operating. The test will look at the amount of smoke produced by the exhaust. Also, they’ll look for any smoke, of any colour, that could lead to an MOT failing.

Driver’s views of the Road

Mirrors and Wipers

The rear view mirrors and the wings mirrors should be secured and allow a good view of the rear and side of the driver. Washers and wipers should also be able to clean a large area to allow the driver an uninterrupted vision of road.

Windscreen

There should not be any obstruction or damage to the driver’s vision within the region which is the front of the windscreen which exceeds 10mm in size. Outside of this space there shouldn’t be any damage more than 40mm.

What is the length of time an MOT will Last?

In general, an MOT test takes between 45 minutes and one hour.