The MOT Testing Guide covers how the MOT Scheme is administered and the rules for authorised examiners, nominated testers and testing.
The MOT Testing Guide document helps you to follow the rules for carrying out MOT Tests and it includes things like:
- The rules for being authorised to carry out MOT Tests
- The different test classes and categories
- Exceptions
- Who can carry out the testing
What is the purpose of an MOT Test?
The MOT Testers main objective is to guarantee that cars, other light vehicles (including some light goods vehicles), private buses, and motor bikes over a certain age are inspected at least once a year to verify that they meet roadworthiness and environmental requirements — thus it contributes to the country’s road safety plan.
For each test, an electronic record is made. When a car is taxed, this document is verified. The police and other enforcement agencies can access this data directly from the electronic record and utilise it for on-road enforcement or as part of other investigations.
The test results are published on the internet and may be used for a variety of road safety reasons, such as assisting drivers in making educated decisions when considering a vehicle purchase, as well as helping look after their vehicle and ensuring they get their car tested on time.
Third parties may access these records and utilise it for things like checking the validity of vehicle mileage, as well as part of car insurance considerations. The recorded accuracy of that examination and the fact that it was connected to the correct vehicle are crucial.
On completion of a test, paper documentation (such as the receipt style test certificate and the failure document) may be provided, but these should only be regarded as a view of the electronic record.
However, it should be noted, that the creation of this electronic record is only to do with the testability of items at the time of the test and should not be interpreted as such:
- the evidence of their condition at any other time
- evidence of the general mechanical condition of the vehicle
- evidence that the vehicle fully complies with all aspects of the law on vehicle construction and use
The inspection requires little or no disassembly of the car and is mostly a visual check. Although doors, boot lids, and other access methods may need to be opened in many cases, the test does not require vehicle components to be dismantled. To examine the auto structure on a motorbike, for example, cover panels might have to be removed or raised.
The different test classes
The vehicles covered by the regulations are classified into the following categories.
Class 1
Class 1 vehicles are motorcycles and also electrically powered motorcycles with a maximum design speed up to 45km/h (28mph).
They can be category L1, L3 or L4 and their first test will be required after 3 years.
Class 2
Class 2 vehicles are all motorcycles and motorcycle combinations, as well as electrically powered variants, other than those in category L1.
They can be category L3 or L4 and their first test will be required after 3 years.
Class 3
A motor vehicle is defined as a Class 3 machine if it has three wheels and a maximum of 450 kg unladen weight (excluding motor bicycles with side cars).
However, 3 wheeled vehicles more than 450 kg unladen are in class 4.
They can be category L2 or L5 and their first test will be required after 3 years.
Class 4
Here is a list of the Class 4 vehicles:
- cars, passenger vehicles, private hire vehicles, motor caravans, motor tricycles, quadricycles and dual purpose vehicles in all cases with up to eight passenger seats
- goods vehicles that do not exceed 3,000 kg design gross weight (DGW)
- ambulances and taxis with up to eight passenger seats
- ambulances, passenger vehicles, motor caravans and dual purpose vehicles with nine to twelve passenger seats
Cars, passenger vehicles, private hire vehicles, motor caravans, motor tricycles, quadricycles and dual purpose vehicles in all cases with up to eight passenger seats are Class 4.
They can be category L5, L6, L7, or M1 and their first test will be required after 3 years.
Goods vehicles that do not exceed 3,000 kg design gross weight (DGW).
They will be a category N1 and their first test will be required after 3 years.
Ambulances and Taxis with up to eight passenger seats, will be category M1 and their first test will be required after 1 year.
Ambulances, passenger vehicles, motor caravans and dual purpose vehicles with nine to twelve passenger seats;
They must have either:
- been fitted with no more seat belts than the minimum required because of their construction
- been identified as having been fitted with a type approved seat belt installation when built
- have been tested as class 4A, 5A or 6A (PSV), with at least the same number of seat belts as are currently fitted
They will be category M2 or M3 and their first test will be required after 1 year.
However, Class 4A tests may only be carried out at class 5 test stations.
Class 5
Class 5 vehicles are ambulances, private passenger vehicles and motor caravans.
In all cases with thirteen or more passenger seats, that are either:
- fitted with no more seat belts than the minimum required because of their construction
- identified as having been fitted with a type approved seat belt installation to all seats when built
- previously tested as class 5A or class 6A (PSV) with at least the same number of seat belts as are currently fitted
They will be category M2 or M3 and their first test will be required after 1 year.
Furthermore, Class 4A tests may only be carried out at class 5 test stations.
Class 6 and 6A
Class 6 and 6A vehicles are public service vehicles (PSVs) and will be category M2 or M3 and their first test will be required after 1 year.
Although, if the vehicle is electrically powered, their unladen weight must not include the weight of the batteries.
Class 7
Class 7 vehicles are goods vehicles that are over up to 3,000 and including 3,500 kg DGW.
They will be category N1 and their first test will be required after 3 years.
Exceptions
The Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 189 contains the relevant statutory provisions. The Motor Vehicles Test Regulations 1981 regulation 6 (as amended) sets out the legislation pertaining to vehicles that are exempt from an MOT.
The following are examples of vehicles that are not required to have their MOT tested:
- vehicles constructed or first registered more than 40 years ago and not substantially modified
- track laying vehicles
- vehicles that are constructed or adapted to form part of an articulated combination
- trailers
Remember that, even when a vehicle is not required to have a test certificate it must still be maintained in a roadworthy condition.
Who can carry out MOT Tests?
The majority of vehicle testing is done at commercial garages (licensed examiners) and by certain local governments (designated councils).
VTSs are authorized, or designated as suitable, by DVSA and known as vehicle testing stations (VTSs).
VTSs and their workers are subject to inspection by the DVSA to assure that testing is done correctly.
Only authorized test equipment may be used.
Testers who are specially trained and authorized conduct MOT tests.
They enter test results and sign official test documents on the MOT database.
Only vehicles that are compatible with the testing equipment and have been authorized by VTSs may be tested.
Tests may also be carried out by the DVSA.
Become an MOT Tester
Becoming an MOT tester is simpler than you would believe.
There are several training options to select from.
However, you must first understand what it takes before selecting the best training course for you.
You must have a full UK drivers license of the sort of vehicle you wish to test for the class of tests in order to be an MOT tester.
You also have to have at least four years full time working experience in the service and repair of the vehicles you want to test, as well as a level 3 qualification.
Moreover, you need to ensure that you have no unspent criminal conviction of violence, intimidation or convictions in the MOT testing scheme, Motor Trade, and be of a good repute.
MTC offer a range of courses for you to choose from, as well as the Level 3 qualification.
With Hybrid and Electrical Vehicles becoming more and more popular, maybe it is a good time for you to take the training course, as there aren’t many garages that have this qualification at the moment.
We now have an MOT & Hybrid / Electrical Level 1 course available.
Courses Available
The MOT Training Courses available are:
- MOT Training Course & Hybrid / EV Level 1 – This course is to become a fully qualified MOT Tester and to raise awareness of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.
- Class 1 & 2 MOT Training Course– This course is to become a fully qualified MOT tester for motorbikes, mopeds and scooters.
- MOT Training Course, Class 4 & 7 – This course is to become a fully qualified MOT tester for cars and vans.
- MOT Managers Course – This course is for individuals who want to manage an MOT Vehicle Test Centre.
The VTAA Level 3:
- VTAA Level 3 Training Course – This course is designed to help technicians with no prior qualification but has skills in the motor trade, to obtain their Level 3 qualification and move onto the MOT Training Course.
This will demonstrate that the technicians has met the Motor Vehicle Level 3 National Occupational Standards for the Motor Trade.
The Hybrid / EV Training Courses available are:
⦁ Level 1 Hybrid/EV Training Course – Electric Vehicle training course Level 1, is to raise awareness of hybrid vehicles.
⦁ Light Vehicles Level 2 Hybrid/EV Training Course – This Hybrid/EV mechanic course will help you to develop your skills and knowledge on electric technology on these types of vehicles.
⦁ Hybrid/EV Training Course, Level 2 Buses – Level 2 Buses, Hybrid/EV mechanic course will develop your skills and knowledge on electric technology on buses.
⦁ Heavy Goods Vehicles, Level 2, Hybrid/EV Training Course – This Hybrid/EV mechanic course will help you develop your skills and knowledge on electric technology on HGV’s.
⦁ EV/Hybrid Training Course Level 3 – The Electric Vehicle / Hybrid course is very similar to the Level 2 course, but this course is more practical and you work on live high voltage components.
