Introduction

1. Application

This Manual is a detailed guide to the inspection for statutory MOT testing of the following classes:
Class III: 3 wheeled vehicles not more than 450 kg unladen weight (excluding motorbicycles with side cars).
Class IV: Cars, including 3 wheeled vehicles more than 450 kg unladen weight. Taxis, Minibuses and Ambulances up to 12 passenger seats. Goods Vehicles not exceeding 3000 kg Design Gross Weight (DGW), Motor Caravans and Dual Purpose Vehicles.
Class VII: Goods Vehicles over 3000 up to and including 3500 kg DGW If a vehicle is presented with a manufacturer's and a 'Ministry' plate the weights to be used are those on the
'Ministry' plate.
Detailed definitions are given in the MOT Testing Guide.

Note: To determine the seating capacity of a passenger vehicle, the number of occupied wheelchairs that can be carried should be added to the number of seats.

Tricycles and Quadricycles are tested under Classes 3 or 4 and these vehicles can present particular problems at MOT test.

Section 9 of this Manual provides additional information for testing these vehicle types. However, sub-section 9.2 should be used in place of Sections 2.1 and 2.2 for vehicles with motorcycle derived steering and/or suspension components fitted.

Other than for the inspection of tyres, any two wheels of a vehicle shall be regarded as one wheel if the distance between the centres of the areas of contact between such wheels and the road surface is less than 460 mm.
Note: A tester should be aware that this may affect the test Class, e.g. a three wheeled vehicle with a wheel layout meeting these criteria must be tested as a motor bicycle.

Table to determine the vehicle class and test requirements for Tricycles and Quadricycles

If any of the above vehicles are electrically powered, their unladen weight must not include the weight of the batteries.
If there is any doubtabout the power output or the weight of the vehicle, the vehicle presenter must provide documentary evidence.

2. Refusal to test

2. Refusal to test
This manual does not include the reasons for refusing to test a vehicle in the Reasons for Rejection columns.
VTS's may only test those classes and types of vehicle that they are authorised to test and which are of a size and weight that can be accommodated by the authorised equipment.
If any of the following reasons apply, the test should not be carried out, the vehicle presenter informed and any fee paid for the test must be returned. It is therefore advised that 'refusal' items are checked before starting the test.

If the vehicle presenter requires written confirmation of why the test cannot be carried out, the test should be registered using the VTS Device. a VT30 should be issued clearly showing the reason(s) why the test could not be carried out.

If reason to refuse i. applies, issue a hand written VT30 containing as many of the vehicle details as possible. a copy of the VT30 should be retained by the VTS.

The reasons for refusing to carry out the test are:
a. The registration document V5C or other evidence of the date of first use is not produced if the information therein, is necessary for the test to be carried out.

Note: Normally this evidence is only necessary if the vehicle has a 'cherished' registration mark or if the registration mark's year letter does not make clear the standard that should be applied - for instance, regarding seat belt requirements for D
prefix vehicle.

b. The vehicle, or any part or equipment on the vehicle is so dirty that examination is unreasonably difficult.

c. The vehicle is not fit to be driven when necessary to complete the test because of a lack of fuel, or oil, or for any other reason

d. The NT considers insecurity of a load or other items would prevent a proper test being carried out - unless the load is secured or removed.

e. The VTS asks for the fee to be paid in advance and this is not
done.

f. The vehicle emits substantial quantities of avoidable
smoke.

g. A proper examination cannot be carried out because any door, tailgate, boot, engine cover, fuel cap or other device designed to be readily opened cannot be readily opened.

h. The condition of the vehicle is such that, in the opinion of the NT, a proper examination would involve a danger of injury to any person or damage to the vehicle or other property.

i. The vehicle has neither registration mark nor VIN/Chassis No/Frame No. by which it can be identified, or that all such identifications are illegible or use letters and numbers not normally used in the English Language.

In addition to this an NT must decline to test any vehicle that is not of a Class they are authorised to test or it is of such a size, weight or configuration it cannot be properly or safely tested on the approved facilities.

Note: For narrow track vehicles see item 4.

If despite due care initially, it becomes apparent during a test that the test cannot be completed for any of the above reasons, you must fail the vehicle because the test could not be satisfactorily completed.
Any re-examination and fee must be in line with normal policy (see Fees and Appeals Poster) treating the component which could not be examined as a failure item.
If despite due care initially, it becomes apparent during a test that the test cannot be completed for any of the above reasons, you must fail the vehicle because the test could not be satisfactorily completed. Any re-examination and fee must be in line with normal policy. (see fees and appeals poster) treating the component which could not be examined, as a failure item.

3. Inspection procedure

Each vehicle must be registered for test by the NT at the commencement of the test
This will normally be done Via The VTS Device. When testing in fallback, (see Mot Testing Guide) this must be done by contacting the SBS Service Desk. The only exception to this is when testing using ET Procedures

The NT who registered the test must personally carry out the test without avoidable distraction or interuption. Using a suitable assistant where necessary.

The diagrams on pages 11 and 12 show a typical inspection routine which will aid the tester in making a thorough inspection of a vehicle. These routines may need to be varied to suit different test bay layouts and equipment types.

For example, at some testing stations, where the roller brake tester is positioned in advance of the lift or pit, it might be more convenient to conduct the brake performance test before inspecting the rest of the vehicle.

This practice is permissible, but it must be noted that a tester should not proceed with the brake performance test if there is a defect which could cause;
. injury to any person;
. or damage to the vehicle or other property.

It is advisable to examine, as far as possible, all of the vehicle before carrying out a brake performance test.

Testers are reminded to take care when jacking up vehicles in order to avoid causing damage, and may wish to refer to manufacturers’ information if available.

Particular care is also needed when jacking vehicles fitted with pneumatic, hydraulic or self levelling suspension.

Once the inspection is completed, the NT must record the test result using the VTS Device, or by contacting the SBS service desk when testing in fallback. The only exception to this is when testing using ET procedures.

Brake efforts achieved during a test should be recorded and entered on the VTS Device after the completion of the test as follows:

. Roller and plate brake tests- record the brake effort of each wheel tested and whether ‘lock-up’ occurs. Note also the maximum out-of-balance across each axle. The VTS Device will calculate the required results for service and parking brake efficiency as well as the out of balance result if required.

. Decelerometer tests - record the efficiencies recorded by the meter.

. Gradient tests - record the result (Pass or Fail).

During Fallback the NT must, calculate the efficiencies, supply appropriate values requested by the Siemens Service Desk, and retain the readings for later data entry or confirmation.

If testing under ET, the brake efficiency of each system must be calculated by the NT and the readings retained for later data entry.

See the MOT Testing Guide for a full explanation of the procedures to be adopted during Fallback and ET.

If testing under ET the results, which are recorded under normal test conditions, should be recorded on the VT40 and any printout retained.

There is no requirement to jack the rear wheels of any vehicle in:

. Class 4 (where the DGW exceeds 5000Kg)
or,

. Class 5.

Certain vehicles have a track width that may be too narrow for the vehicle to be safely tested on the approved pit or hoist.
Where this is the case, the inspection can be carried out on an area of hard standing within the testing facility, only where a headlamp aim test can be conducted using the approved equipment and with the vehicle placed in the headlamp aim standing area.
The tester should use an appropriate Method of Inspection covering all testable items set out in the Inspection Manual. Checks requiring the use of turning plates will need to be carried out on hard standing as best as possible.
It will be necessary to jack the vehicle to facilitate those checks that require raising the wheels clear of the ground, using any suitable jacking method.
If a roller brake test cannot be carried out, due to the track width or transmission type, then a decelerometer test must be conducted.
It is important to remember that this procedure only applies to vehicles with a track width so narrow that it would make it unsafe to use the pit / hoist.
If a tester has any concerns whatsoever with regard to Health and Safety, they should decline to test the vehicle.

5. Retest following failure

Information on retest fees and procedures can be found in the current MOT testing Guide and on the Fees and Appeals poster (VT9A)

When carrying out a partial retest the NT must examine

. all the failed item(s)
. any item(s) that may have been affected by the repairs
. and any testable item that had been advised on at the time of the initial test.

If during a retest it is clear that any defect is present which would mean the issue of a test certificate is not justified, a further VT30 must be issued.

6. Recording defects

Reasons for Rejection
The Reasons lor Rejection within this Manual are selected using the VTS Device, via a component-based menu system.
The User will first select the vehicle component that Is required. Then, via on-screen selection, select the appropriate Reason for Rejection.
Some Reasons for Rejection are not accessible due to, for instance the testable age of the vehicle.

Dangerous Defects

If in the opinion of the NT the vehicle has a dangerous defect this must be recorded In box C of the VT30 or In box C of the VT32 as appropriate.
Dangerous defects must be clearly explained to the vehicle presenter.

Other Defects
it is considered best practice to advise the presenter of:
:
. any items which are near to, but which have not yet reached the point of test failure.
. any peculiarities of the vehicle identified during the the inspection.
. any defects on non-testable items which are found during the inspection procedure.

7. Testing Personnel

Inspections must be carried out by a properly approved NT. An assistant must be used, where necessary, to carry out the inspection correctly. The use of an assistant is not mandatory at an ATL approved VTS using the acceptable ATL equipment.

In appropriate cases, the person submitting the vehicle ('the vehicle presenter') is permitted to act as an assistant, if they are willing, the NT is satisfied with their competence and that all Health and Safety requirements are met. For example, the vehicle presenter will normally be capable of operating light switches etc., but might not be able to properly push, pull or lever road wheels etc.
Only the NT carrying out the inspection is empowered to make a decision about the results of the inspection of a particular item.

8. Vehicle Specific Information (VSI)

The computerised MOT system will provide NTs with additional information about the vehicle under test in the form of VSI.

VSI may also include information regarding the test methods and/or standards to be adopted, where alternatives exist within this Manual.

Some VSI will normally be provided on the MOT checklist (VT40), NT's should access any further Information, where this is provided via the VTS device.

When testing under Fallback, VSI will be available via the SBS Service Desk.

VSI may not be available when testing under ET.

9. The MOT Testing Guide

The Guide explains what is required of people and organisations authorised to conduct statutory tests on certain motor vehicles. It includes amongst other things, the administration of the MOT Scheme.

At least one up to date paper copy of the Guide must be available to testing staff at all times in all testing stations.

10. The VTS Device User Guide

The VTS Device User Guide, which forms part of the MOT Testing Guide, explains how to use the VTS Device.
At least one up to date copy of the Guide must be available to testing staff at all times in all testing stations.

11. Road Testing

The statutory test does not specifically include a road test of the vehicle. However, one is permitted if the NT considers it necessary to check the results of an inspection. The NT must be qualified to carry out the road test. The NT must also ensure it is safe to conduct the road test.

AE's and their staff are reminded that they are obliged to adhere to all relevant Health and Safety Legislation while MOT testing.
. Advice can be obtained from your local Health and Safety Enforcement Officer or Local Authority Environmental Health Officers as appropriate.

Electric/Combustion Engine (Hybrid) vehicles
care should be taken with hybrid vehicles as:

. there may be high voltage present at several points around the vehicle
. the engine may start without warning if the battery voltage drops
. high voltage may be present in storage capacitors as well as batteries.