KNOW T
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by Les Oldridge, T.Eng(CEI), MIMI, AMIRTE
The• MoT Test
THE MOTOR Vehicle (Tests) Regulations 1976, made material changes to the law concerning the testing of the smaller vehicles not examined at the Department of Transport vehicle testing stations but at garages authorised by the Department to carry out what has become known as the MoT test.
Vehicles which have to be tested in this way include motorcycles, goods vehicles under 1.525 kilograms (30cwt) unladen weight. dual-purpose vehicles not exceeding 2,040kg (2 tons) unladen weight, motor caravans irrespective of weight and large passenger carrying vehicles. The latter category is a new one defined in the regulations as a motor vehicle, which is not a public service vehicle, constructed or adapted to carry more than 12 seated passengers in addition to the driver.
For the purpose of deciding the seating capacity of a vehicle a length of at least 40cm (a little under 16 inches) measured horizontally along the front of each seat must be allowed for each passenger. Psv with more than eight seats, track-laying vehicles, artics, works trucks and all trailers are excluded from those vehicles requiring an MoT Test. (In most cases, these vehicles will require testing at a goods vehicle testing station or by a psv examiner, but some are exempt from testing altogether. The test for motor caravans is deferred until January 1, 1978.
The actual law requiring certain vehicles to have a test certificate is contained in Section 44 (1) of the Road Traffic Act 1972 which prohibits the use of the vehicles listed above and over three years old unless there is a test certificate in force for them.
Eligible
Any person or organisation satisfying the Department that premises. equipment and per sonnel are suitable to carry out the statutory tests to the required standard is eligible for appointment as an authorised examiner.
The new regulations, however, require all new testers to undergo an approved course of instruction in the carrying out of vehicle examinations. Such ,courses are being held at goods vehicle testing stations up and down the country. There have been complaints, in the past, that garages have set different standards when examining vehicles and this training of new examiners by the Ministry should iMprove the situation considerably.
An authorised examiner cannot refuse to test any vehicle in a class which he is authorised to test except in the following circumstances: (a) The applicant for the test does not produce the registration document relating to the vehicle or other evidence of its first registration, (b) Where the vehicle is in such a dirty condition as to make it unreasonably difficult for the examination to be carried out; (c) The vehicle has insufficient fuel or oil to enable the test to be completed; (d) A vehicle is presented for test loaded and the load is insecure.
When an authorised examiner is asked to make an appointment for a vehicle examination he must offer an appointment for the earliest possible time at which it is reasonably practicable for him to carry out the test. He must keep a record of the time of the appointment he has made and by whom, it was made As a special exemption is made for the need for a test certificate When a vehicle is travelling, by appointment, to a garage for a test. it is likely that, on occasions: the police will want to verify that an appointment
has been made and this would appear to be the reason that the regulations require records to he kept.
When a vehicle is submitted for a test without an appointment having been made., the applicant must be informed either that the test can be conducted immediately or, if not, of the earliest time the vehicle can be tested.
An authorised examiner is responsible for loss, damage or injury during the time the vehicle is in his custody for the test and while the test is being carried out. Fees for tests are reviewed annually and, at present, stand at E2.50 for a solo motorcycle and £4.10 for all other motor vehicles.
If a vehicle fails its test, the full fee is payable. If it is left at the garage for the repairs necessary to remedy the defects to be executed, no further test fee is payable and the test certificate is issued without further charge. If the vehicle fails its test and is taken away but within 14 days it is taken to the same or some other testing station for repair and re-test only half the current fee will be payable if a test certificate is issued.
Bodywork The actual parts of a motor vehicle subject to examination in an MoT test is laid down by Regulation 10 and Schedule 2 of the regulations. These items are brakes, steering, lights and reflectors, stop lamps, tyres, wheels, seat belts and seat belt anchorages, direction indicators, windscreen wipers and washers, exhaust systems, horns and bodywork condition in so far as that condition affects braking or steering. In every case, if the vehicle to pass the test, the examin must find that the condition the components mentioni above is such as to comply wi 'the standards laid down in ti Road Traffic Act 1972: tl Motor Vehicle (Constructii and Use) Regulations 1973 the Road Vehicle Lightir Requlation 1971. If a defect found which is not in one
these components, tl examiner cannot fail the ve cle.
If he does find a deft outside the scope of the Reg lotions and that to carry out braking test would be likely cause danger to any person damage to the vehicle or al property. he is under I obligation to carry out ti braking test. He must thi complete the rest of the Mination and issue a . spec form (VT22) "Notification Refusal of a Test Certificati giving the reason for not beil able to test the brakes. insecure driver's seat is ; example of the kind of deft which would justify II examiner taking this course.
With regard to the acti_ form the examination must ta Part II to Part XII of Schedule of the regulations sets a exactly what is required.
Part II deals with brakes. T' examination, so this part statE must ascertain whether: (a) The brakes are in gal mechanical condition and fr from evident defects; (b) The braking systems a properly adjusted and opera as intended by their design; (c) They are compensated there is no serious deviation the vehicle from its cour! when the brakes are applied, (d) There is no other evide defect by reason of which tl braking requirements are n complied with.
The brakes may be tested f, efficiency by a roller brat tester in the garage or by decelerometer on the road.
In the next article, I hope•• give further details of how oth, components are required to t examined and to look at tf new Tester's Manual.