In the United Kingdom, all vehicles that are over three years old must have an annual mandatory MOT test to determine their road worthiness, safety and exhaust emissions for use on public roads.

VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) is the government agency that issues MOT test certificates. VOSA has licensed and authorised almost 20,000 car servicing and local repair garages up and down the country to carry out MOT testing on their behalf. ACC UK Ltd are your Farnborough based MOT testing centre. It is worth pointing out that not all garages are equipped to carry out an MOT - it requires specific equipment and not all mechanics and technicians are qualified to carry out an MOT on your vehicle - they must have attended specific courses and they and the MOT centre are subjected to regular audits.

The MOT certificate verifies that your vehicle meets the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards, at the time of testing, through numerous tests that are conducted during the MOT procedure as listed below, but without dismantling the vehicle.

However, an MOT certificate does not confirm the road worthiness of the vehicle. You may see Advisory comments on the completed test certificate - these must not be ignored and should be actioned at your earliest opportunity. The certificate cannot be taken as a substitute for the mechanical maintenance of your vehicle. It is therefore of vital importance that you adhere to a regular servicing schedule and action any warning lights that indicate problems with your vehicle. Some areas are excluded from the test. These are clutch, gearbox and engine.

The MOT test checks the important components and systems on your vehicle to ensure they comply with the minimum set requirements by law. It is therefore important to note that these are industry set minimum requirements - it in no way indicates that your vehicle is in tip top shape!

You can view the VOSA detailed Inspection manual located at the MOT test centre you are using. These details are also provided in the leaflets published by VOSA.

MOT Testing Includes The Following

Parts And Systems To Be Checked:

Body And Structure Of The Vehicle And General Items

These parts must be free from damage or heavy corrosion in specified locations. Sharp edges are not allowed as they can cause injury. Towbars are important for security. These parts must be in good condition without improper alterations or repairs. The 13 pin electrical socket, speedometer and engine mountings should be in acceptable condition and should work properly.

Brakes

The brakes should be in good condition without modifications or inappropriate repairs and must pass the recommended performance tests. The test does not involve taking off the road wheels and trims. The tests incorporate examining the ABS or ESC (electronic stability control) where fitted. Checking is done for MIL for ABS, ESC, electronic park brake and the brake fluid warning system.

Bonnet

It should latch effectively when it is closed.

Doors

Securely latch on closing. It should be possible to open the front doors from the inside as well as the outside. Rear doors should be open-able from the outside. Check hinges and catches in doors for the right condition and functioning.

Exhaust Emissions

The vehicle should be within the applicable limits for exhaust emission according to the type of fuel and age of the vehicle.

Exhaust System

Complete. Secure and without leaks. Not overly noisy. Is a catalyst missing or malfunctioning where one was fitted as standard. New laws are cominig into effect with regards to the DPF system, where if you have had yours removed then your vehicle will fail its MOT.

Fuel System

Fuel cap must fasten and seal the tank securely; it is opened and checked with the vehicle key. Pipes and hoses must be secure and in good shape.

Horn

It should be of acceptable type and work correctly.

Lights

The condition and operation of LED and HID lamps, level, secure fixing and being clean. The headlamp focus and main beam warning light are also tested.

Load Security

The boot or tailgate can be secured in the closed position.

Mirrors

The vehicle must have the minimum number of mirrors required in secure and good condition.

Registration Plates

It must be properly fixed and have specified letters and numbers in the correct form, shape and colour and must be clearly visible.

Seat Belts

All the required seat belts must be in good condition and work securely. They are checked for the proper operation of pre-tensioners and MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) for air bags.

Seats

The driver’s seat should be adjustable. All seat backs must be securely adjustable in the upright position.

Steering And Suspension

Condition must be good. Steering oil level. Any repairs and modifications undertaken previously should be suitable and proper. The steering pipes and hoses should be free from corrosion. The MIL for electronic power steering and the steering lock should function properly.

Tyres And Wheels

The tyre type, size, and tread depths are checked and need to be proper and in suitable condition. Any spare tyres are not inspected. The vehicles used on after 1st January, 2012, for the first time, will be checked for MIL that monitors the tyre pressure.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The vehicles first used from 1st August, 1980 onwards bear a unique VIN. This is not applicable for vehicles with multi-stage build.

Wipers And Washers

These must function flawlessly to provide a clear view for the driver. Worn and snagged wiper blades could result in a failure.

Windscreen

It must be clear and without any obstruction for viewing the road. No cracks and chips obscuring vision.

Method of MOT Testing of Vehicles

MOT testing centres have specified test bays. All equipment required for testing is available at the test centre. All MOT testers are trained by VOSA and their MOT test reports are checked regularly through auditing procedures. MOT Testers who let their licence lapse through lack of vehicle testing need to retrain in order to get their testing licence back - this is because there are regular changes in the laws and they need to stay abreast of these changes - if they havent tested a vehicle for a while then they cannot possibly be aware of these changes.

If your vehicle fails the test, you will receive a VT30 failure note. Some items might not have failed; they are mentioned as advisory items - it is important to address any advisory issues as soon as possible. For example an advisory may be on your break discs and pads where the tester may indicate that they are within the legal parameters on the day of the test but only have say 1,000 more miles left in them.  You can watch your vehicle as it undergoes the MOT test from a specified place, but you are not permitted to disturb the inspector during the test.

ACC UK Ltd are authorised by the VOSA to undertake MOT tests and we have a fully equipped testing bay and expert staff ready to test your vehicle. Just give us a quick call on 01252 370701 to book your car in for its MOT or complete the contact form on this website to book your vehicle in for its annual MOT.