About MOT Testing
If you own a vehicle that has been on the road for three years or more, you have an obligation to present it for MOT testing on an annual basis to ensure it conforms with the latest environmental and road safety standards. Ever after your vehicle has passed an MOT test, you are still duty-bound to keep it safe and roadworthy. Ferndale Autos provide fair and unbiased MOT testing for motorists in Brixton, Clapham and all surrounding areas.
The MOT testing certificate is issued to confirm a vehicle has met specific road safety and environmental standards, as required by law, at the time of the inspection without the need for dismantling. Just because the vehicle has an MOT certificate, it doesn’t mean that it is roadworthy for the entire duration the certificate runs for.
MOT testing is not indicative of the mechanical condition of a vehicle. Vehicle owners in and around Brixton and Clapham should note that the annual inspection does not allow for the condition of the engine, the clutch or the gearbox at the time of the test. The MOT test itself looks at specific items on a vehicle to ensure they meet minimum legal requirements on the actual inspection date.
The key components of MOT testing are listed below:
Body and Vehicle Structure – Free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas and there are no sharp edges likely to cause injury.
Fuel System – Has no leaks and the fuel cap fastens and seals securely. The fuel cap will need to be opened so be sure the key is available.
Exhaust Emissions – The vehicle meets the requirements for exhaust emissions, dependent on the age and fuel type of the vehicle.
Exhaust System – Secure and complete without serious leaks and silences effectively.
Seat Belts – All belts installed are checked for type, condition, operation and security. All compulsory seat belts must be in place.
All of the following component must be inspected:
Doors – Latch securely in closed position. Front doors should open from inside and outside the vehicle. Rear doors may need to be opened to gain access to testable items.
Mirrors – The minimum number of mirrors are on the vehicle, their condition and security.
Load Security – Boot or tailgate can be secured in the closed position.
Brakes – Their condition, operation and performance (efficiency test). Note the removal of the road wheels is not part of the test.
Tyres and Wheels – Their condition, security, size, type and tread depth. Spare tyres are not inspected.
Registration Plates – Their condition, security, characters correctly formed and spaced.
Lights – Their condition, operation and security. Headlamps for aim.
Bonnet – Securely latches in the closed position.
Wipers and Washers – Operate to give the driver a clear view ahead.
Windscreen – Condition and the driver’s view of the road.
Horn – Operates correctly and is of a suitable type.
Steering and Suspension – Are of a satisfactory condition and operation.
The vehicle identification number (VIN) – On vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1980. Not more than one different VIN is displayed except on multistage build vehicles.
How Vehicles are Tested
Our MOT testing station has designated bays where we conduct the inspection for our Brixton, Clapham and South London customers, using a range of equipment which meets the required specification for current MOT testing. The standard inspection procedures are laid out in an inspection manual that our testing station can make available on request.
If your vehicle has failed the test, you’ll be given a failure document with reference to this manual. You can watch MOT testing being performed from a designated viewing area at our Brixton workshop but you are not allowed to interrupt the tester while he is working.
All MOT inspectors have been on a training course with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and their test results are checked regularly.
Who Supervises MOT Testing?
The Driver and Standards Agency (DVSA) has replaced the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) as the government agency responsible for supervising the MOT testing scheme. How workshop adheres rigidly to DVSA standards to ensure motorists in Brixton, Clapham and the surrounding areas receive consistent, fair and unprejudiced MOT testing.
- Authorising MOT testing stations and approving MOT testers
- Setting standards for MOT testing
- Handling authorisation requirements for MOT testing stations and testers
- Training authorised examiners and MOT testers
- Visiting MOT stations and carrying out checks to ensure standards are maintained
- Visiting MOT stations and carrying out checks to ensure facilities are maintained
- Giving advice on undertaking MOT testing to the required standards
- Taking disciplinary action where tests are not being carried out to required standards
- Dealing with appeals and complaints from MOT testing customers
To find out more about MOT testing and how we conduct inspections on Class IV vehicles for road users in Brixton and Clapham, call us now on 020 7738 3351.