Information

Method of Inspection

Reason for rejection

This inspection applies to: All obligatory headlamps, and optional (additional) dip beam headlamps.

To check headlamp aim
Al. Position the vehicle on the designated headlamp aim standing area.
follow the headlamp tester manufacturers user manual instructions, and align the headlamp aim equipment with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle
align the centre of the collecting lens with the centre of the headlamp under test.

Switch on the headlamps to the beam on which the headlamp is to be checked.

Al. An old (approx. pre 1950) vehicle with a headlamp which does not conform to diagrams 1, 2 & 3 that has a beam image which is aimed so that it dazzles other road users.

Type of headlamp 

The aim of headlamps must be checked on main or dipped beam according to their type. See diagrams 1, 2 or 3 on pages 14 -16, which include details appropriate to each headlamp type.
These methods of inspection involve the use of beam checking equipment with a collecting lens.

Note: When checking headlamp aim on vehicles with hydro-pneumatic suspension systems, it is necessary to have the engine idling.

An alternative headlamp dipped beam pattern (not being one of the examples) is acceptable providing all of the beam upper edge, including any "peak" is contained within the appropriate tolerance band.

Masks or converter kits 

Right hand dip headlamps can be temporarily altered for use in the UK by fitting masks or converter kits which remove the beam 'kick-up' to the right.

A headlamp altered in this way is not a reason for rejection, if

a. the headlamp aim is not rejected for the reasons listed under diagram 1 (except that the top of the beam image will be a straight line)

b. the light output is not unduly
reduced - not usually a problem with commercially produced kits

c. the mask or converter is securely attached

Determine the appropriate headlamp beam image and its aim (See diagrams 1, 2 and 3). Older vehicles (approx. pre 1950) headlamps beam image may not conform to either diagrams I, 2 or 3. In such cases check
. dip beam headlamps are aimed so they do not dazzle, ie the beam image brightest part is aimed at least 0.5% below the horizontal
or for headlamps which cannot be checked on dip beam, check
. main beam headlamps are aimed so that the beam image centre is on or slightly below the horizontal.

Driver's beam control

Where these are fitted the beam aim should be tested without altering the controls setting except where this would result in failure for beam aim being too low. In such cases the beam aim should be re-checked with the control set at its 'highest' position.

Determine the appropriate headlamp beam image and its aim (see diagrams 1,2 and 3). Old vehicles (approx. pre 1950) headlamps beam image may not conform to either diagrams 1,2 or 3. In such cases check

dip beam headlamps are aimed so they do not dazzle, ie the beam image brightest part is aimed at least0.5% below the horizontal

or for headlamps which cannot be checked on dip beam, check

main beam headlamps are aimed so that the beam image centre is on or slightly below the horizontal

Testing headlamps with complex lens systems.

Complex headlamp systems are those that have more than one lamp behind a single lens.

It is essential that the headlamp aim test equipment is aligned exactly on the centre of the dipped beam pocket.

If when carrying out a normal test a clearly defined headlamp pattern cannot be seen, it will be necessary to move the vehicle closer to the test equipment.

It is essential that the car headlamp and test equipment are as close together as possible, otherwise the whole of the beam pattern may not be visible.

European 'E' Beam Headlamp ( Checked on Dipped Beam )

Diagram 1
Dipped Beam image
Check: the position of the break point and horizontal cut-off

European type headlamp - Characteristics a. an asymmetric dipped beam pattern with
· a distinctive horizontal cut-off on the right, and
· a 15 degree wedge of light above the horizontal (the'Kick up') towards the left

b. a lens with one or more asymmetric stepped patterns moulded in the glass

c. a lens may carry a European approval mark - a circle containing an 'E' and a number, or .a rectangle containing an 'e', and a number

The European approval mark should incorporate a single or double-headed arrow. A dipped beam is denoted by either: · a capital letter'C' above a capital 'E' · a capital letter'C' above an 'e'

Note: Setting 'E' Beam Headlarirp Aim

Repairs or adjustment must not be carried out during an MOT test. However minor adjustments to the headlamp aim are acceptable.

These dip-beam headlamps should be set to aim downwards the amount shown on a marking which is either close to the vehicle manufacturer's plate or the headlamp.

For vehicles without a marking, the downward aim should be set to

. 1.3%, if the headlamp centre is not more than 850 mm from the ground

.2.0%, if the headlamp centre is more than 850 mm from the ground

Reasons for Rejection

B1. The beam image'kick-up' is to the offside.

2. For headlamps with centres not more than 850 mm from the ground the beam image horizontal cut-off is not between the horizontal 0.5% and 2% lines, ie the red tolerance band.

3. For headlamps with centres more than 850 mm from the ground, the beam image horizontal cut-off is not between the horizontal 1.25% and 2.75% lines, ie the blue tolerance band.

4. The beam image 'break point' is
· To the right of the 0% vertical line, or

· To the left of the vertical 2% line

British American Type ( Checked on Main Beam )

Diagram 2
Main Beam Image
Check: the position of the centre of the area of maximum intensity (hot spot)

British American type (checked on main beam)- Characteristics:

a. headlamps tested on main beam have a symmetrical main beam pattern with a central area of maximum intensity (hot spot)

b. this type of lamp generally has a circular lens which may be marked with a figure 1 followed by an arrow indicating the direction of dip

Reasons for Rejection

C1. The hot spot centre is above the 0% line
2. The hot spot centre is to the right of the vertical 0% line, or to the left of the vertical 2% line.
3. For Headlamps whose centre is not more than 850mm from the ground the hot spot centre is below the horizontal 2% line.
4. For Headlamps whose centre is more than 850mm from the ground the hot spot centre is below the horizontal 2.75% line.
5. When dipped the brightest part of the image does not move downwards

British American Type ( Checked on Dipped Beam )

Diagram 3
Dipped Beam Image
Check: the position of the upper and right hand area of the maximum intensity hot spot

British American type (checked on dipped beam)- Characteristics:
a. an asymmetric dipped beam pattern with an area of high intensity intended to be directed along the nearside of the road

b. a circular lens marked with the figure 2 which may also have an arrow showing the direction of dip

Reasons for Rejection

D1. The upper edge of the hot spot is above the horizontal 0% line.
2. The upper edge of the hot spot is below the horizontal 2.75% line.
3. The right hand edge of the hot spot is to the right of the vertical 0% line or to the left of the vertical 2% line.

Issue Date: 10th January 2005