Introduction-

1. Application (Class I &II)

This Manual is a detailed guide to the inspection for statutory MOT testing of the following vehicle classes:
Class I, Motor bicycles (with or without sidecars) up to 200cc.

Class II, All motor bicycles (including Class I)(with or without sidecars)

Important

A motor bicycle and side car has a layout in which one of the wheeled elements is clearly recognisable as a side car. It is acceptable that in adapting a solo machine for use with a side car attachment that changes to the systems eg tyres and suspension may have been made.

Class I and II testing stations are not authorised to test motor tricycles. They are therefore not covered by this manual.

A motor tricycle is a three wheeled vehicle on which none of the wheeled elements is recognisable as a side car. These vehicles are in Class III or IV. depending on their weight.

Other than for the inspection of tyres, any two wheels of a motorcycle 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 460mm.

Scope of Examination

The Mot test does not allow for any stripping or dismantling, except for the removal of panels or covers, designed to be easily removed without the use of tools, where it is necessary to allow the examination of an item.

Panels and covers must be securely replaced at the end of the test.

It is appreciated that machines fitted with only a side stand can present a problem when trying to check the suspension correctly, particularly if the machine is fitted with a fairing and/or belly pan.

if you feel that you cannot properly and safely carry out the inspection then you should refuse to test the machine (see introduction item 2) Alternatively, you may request the presenter to remove the belly pan, if possible, before commencing the test, if this will allow you to safely raise the machine.

2. Refusal to test

This manual does not include the reasons for refusing to test a vehicle in the Reasons for rejection Columns. VTSs 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 accomodated 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. the test should then be abandoned.

If reason to refuse 1. 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 log book/registration certificate 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 the requirement for post 1st August 1986 vehicles to be fitted with direction indicators.

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 oilor any other reason.

d. the NT considers insecurety 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 test fee to be paid in advance and this is not done;

f. The vehicle emits substantial quantitiews of avoidable smoke

g. a proper examination cannot be carried out because any cover or other device designed to be readily opened cannot be readily opened, e.g. a seat is locked down and lifting is required in order to inspect the structure of the machine;

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 of such a size, weight or configuration it cannot be property or safely tested on the approved facilities or a vehicle that has the frame stamped either "not for road use", or words to that effect.

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 prior to the start 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 vehicle for test must personally carry out the test, without avoidable distraction or interuption. Using a suitable asistant where necessary.

The diagram on page 10 shows a typical inspection routine which will aid the tester in making a thorough inspection of the vehicle. This routine 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 standing area, 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 with the vehicle 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.

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.

Measured values achieved during a test should be recorded and entered on the VTS Device after the completion of the test

During fallback the NT must, calculate the efficiencies, supply appropriate values requested by the SBS 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.

4. Re-Examination following failure

If the vehicle stays at the test station for repair you must carry out a re-examination of all failed items and any items affected by the repair

If the vehicle leaves the test station having only failed on one or more of the items listed on the fees and appeals poster and is returned before the end of the next working day - carry out a partial re-examination.

In any other case a full examination must be carried out.

Note: if during any re-examination it is clear that an additional defect is present which would mean that the issue of a test certificate is not justified, a VT30 must be issued

5. 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 vehicle 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 inspection
. any defects on non-testable items which are found during the Inspection procedure.

These defects should be recorded on the appropriate documentation.

6. Testing Personel

Inspections must be carried out by a properly approved NT. An assistant must be used, where necessary, to carry out the inspection correctly.

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.

7. Vehicle Specific Information

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.

8. The Mot testing Guide

Information
The 'information' columns contain details a tester needs to know that are relevant to that part of the inspection. The information is in note form and referenced in the Method of Inspection and Reason for Rejection columns. The notes give valuable guidance on the conduct of the test and the scope of the various inspections.

Method of Inspection
This column describes the way that each component or system is to be tested.

Reason for Rejection
This column describes how severe a defect must be to fail the test. Only those reasons for rejection found here may be applied-

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Health and Safety

Authorised Examiners 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.

How to Use This Manual

1. The Manual

1. The Manual
This Manual is written on the assumption that the Inspection will be carried out by a qualified NT, with an assistant working under their direction.

It should be read In conjunction with all current Special Notices relevant to the class of vehicle under test.
Further guidance may be gained by consulting the Vehicle Specific Information held on the MOT database for the vehicle under test.
This Manual is also available electronically via the VTS Device.

2. Page Layout

a) Information Columns
These contain important details a NT needs to know, and should be used in conjunction with the other columns.

b) Method of Inspection Columns
These detail:
. The way in which the inspection of Items on the vehicle must be carried out, and
. The equipment to be used.

c) Reasons for Rejection Columns
These list the defects which result in a vehicle failing the MOT test.

3. Vehicle "first used" dates- application of test criteria

NT's will normally be provided with the vehicle details as part of the Vehicle Specific Information supplied by the MOT database. This will usually Include the vehicle's 'first used' date. Where this information Is available, the NT should only use Reasons for Rejections applicable to the vehicle's age.

However, In cases where this Information Is not available or incorrect, the NT should determine the vehicle's 'first used' date as follows;

a. Its date of manufacture, If the vehicle was originally used without being
registered in QB (e.g., an Imported vehicle or ex-HM Forces vehicle),
or

b. Vehicles having a Q plate registration when presented for MOT are to
be treated as being first used on 1 January 1971, or

c. In any other case, the earlier of either

. Its date of first registration, or
. The date six months after It was manufactured.

This information should be entered onto the VTS Device to enable the NT to select the appropriate Reason for Rejection.

Example of 'first used' date
The requirements for stop lamps to operate by the application of each brake system applies to vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1986.

4. Assessment of Component wear and Deterioration

Because it is not practicable to lay down limits of wear and tolerances for all types of components on different models of vehicle, a NT is expected to use experience and judgement in assessing the condition of a component. The main criteria to Ue used when making such an assessment are;

(I) whether the component has reached the stage where it is obviously likely to affect adversely the roadworthiness of the vehicle;

(II) whether the condition of the component has clearly reached the stage when replacement, repair or adjustment is necessary.

5. Use Of Equipment

The statutory test must be conducted using only equipment designated as acceptable for the test, and the designated equipment must always be used for the test.

In the event of any item of designated test equipment failing, the VOSA local office must be notified. This will usually be via the VTS Device. Testing must stop on any class or type of vehicle as soon as any mandatory item of equipment malfunctions, in a way that could prevent a test being properly conducted on that class or type of vehicle. Where the failure is to a roller or plate brake tester, testing may continue using a calibrated decelerometer for 2 working days, only for vehicles previously booked in before the breakdown occurred.

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency publishes a list of equipment which it has accepted for statutory testing within the relevant vehicle Classes. This does not apply to general workshop equipment such as levers, inspection lamps, tyre pressure gauges, or stands for use in Class I &II.
Some Items of approved test equipment are provided with a device to enable information to be transferred to the VTS Device via the NTs Smart Card.

6. Disabled Drivers Controls

A defective disabled driver's control or fitment that is a testable item justifies failure in the normal way.

The defect description must include an explanation of the control type or fitment and its clear function so that It Is clear It applies to disabled driver's equipment.

If the disabled driver's controls or fitments are additional to and do not adversely affect the normal vehicle equipment, they are not testable items. Any defective additional control or fitment found during the test should be reported to the vehicle presenter.

7. Special Notices (SNs) and Manual Replacement Pages

SNs and replacement pages containing amendments or additions to the Manual must be retained and acted upon. A printed copy of the SNs must be filed and retained in a readily retrievable manner. It may also tie wise to copy appropriate items into the Manual.

SNs will be produced electronically via the VTS Device.

All Manual amendments must tie signed off using the table in Appendix A.

The electronic version of the Manual will be updated automatically, in line with the amendments issued for the paper copy.

Appropriate VTS personnel will be notified of any changes or updates to the Manual.