The purpose of the MOT Test is to ensure that cars, other light vehicles (including some light goods vehicles), private buses and motorcycles over a prescribed age are checked at least once a year to see that they comply with key roadworthiness and environmental requirements in the Road Vehicle Construction and Use Regulations 1986 and the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 as amended.

A test certificate relates only to the condition of testable items at the time of the test and should not be regarded as;

evidence of their condition at any other time;
evidence of the general mechanical condition of the vehicle; or
evidence that the vehicle fully complies with all aspects of the law on vehicle construction and use
The MOT certificate must be produced with an application for a Vehicle Excise Licence (vehicle tax disc) unless the vehicle is not subject to MOT testing by virtue of its age or type. Also, police officers are entitled to require production of an MOT test certificate in respect of a vehicle liable to such testing.

What is the role of the Vehicle Inspectorate within the MOT scheme?

VI administers the scheme on behalf of the Secretary of State. This involves supervising the MOT scheme to ensure that the 19,000 garages authorised to carry out MOTs are doing so to the correct standards. This includes:

Documenting all test methods and standards;
Documenting the standards of facilities, equipment, repute, experience, competence, qualifications and administration necessary for those carrying out MOT testing;
Training AEs & NTs;
Providing training in test methods and administration to those who will be involved in the operation of the MOT Testing Scheme (whose standards are agreed with the Department for Transport);
Setting standards for testing and conditions of appointment for Authorised Examiners (AEs) and Nominated Testers (NTs);
Authorising MOT test stations and NTs;
Carrying out checks to ensure that testing standards are maintained;
Taking disciplinary action against AEs and NTs who fail to meet the required MOT testing standards; and,
Dealing with appeals and other complaints from MOT customers.

How does VI maintain MOT test emission standards?

VI carries out spot checks on car emissions at the roadside. The test is carried out by inserting a probe into the exhaust pipe and measuring the emissions. The reading given by the test will indicate whether the levels comply with the MOT test standards. If the emissions levels do not comply with the requirements the driver of the car will be given a prohibition notice stopping use of the vehicle.

For a minor offence, the prohibition will generally be delayed to give owners a short period to have the vehicle repaired and brought back within legal limits. If your vehicle is greatly exceeding the limits you will not be allowed to carry on your journey until the defect has been put right.

In either case you will have to carry out the necessary repair work and have the prohibition cleared within 14 days or you will be liable to prosecution. You may be cautioned at the roadside. The prohibition notice will explain what you must do to have it cleared. You will normally be required to have a full MOT test.

Further Information

If you require any further information, please contact our MOT Enquiry Line on: 0845 600 5977(local rate)