The MOT test is used to check the condition of vehicles and make sure they are roadworthy. The test determines road safety and environmental standards. Through this test only a list of parts of the vehicle are tested to make sure the vehicle is in a driveable condition.
The MOT test is conducted by Ministry of Transport for vehicles which are at least 3 years old and are properly maintained. This test doesn’t cover the condition of the engine, gearbox and clutch but it checks fuel system, exhaust system, etc. The vehicle should be examined, at least once a year, at an authorized MOT test station to make sure all the parts are there in a good condition, otherwise the owner gets charged with a penalty.
WHY CARS FAIL AT MOT TEST
There are a number of reasons why cars fail at MOT test which should be checked before taking the test. Sometimes the screen wash is not topped up, hence it is recommended to get done with it. If the car is not clean and is full of clutter then it might be possible that the car will fail in MOT test. The registration plate should also have the recommended font/spacing. Even if the registration plate is dirty or is missing altogether, the car is likely to fail in MOT test. If the windscreen has stickers over it, which blocks the view of the person driving, then it might come as a hurdle in passing the test. Anything stuck on the windscreen should be outside the wiper’s sweep area. The MOT test also mandatorily includes lit-up warning lights.
CHANGES IN MOT TEST
There have been a few major changes in the test over the years. In the year 2012 a lot more items were added to the test which was previously not included, including a certificate. The certificate contains all the details of the vehicle including its history and current condition.
Rapid changes after 2018
From May 2018 onwards, some further changes were made to the procedure of carrying out the test and reporting. However, the essence of the test remained basically unchanged. April 1, 2020 marked as a new change regarding MOT. All class 4 vehicle’s expiry date was extended by 6 months if it was due on or after 30 March 2020. These changes granted a 6 month exemption to all the vehicle owners but it was still mandatory to keep these vehicles in proper roadworthy condition. It is decided that penalties will be imposed on vehicles which do not comply with the rules and are unsafe for the road.
