Editing MOT test (section)

==Overview of the test==
[[File:Land Rover Series IIA MOT test.JPG|thumb|upright|A [[Land Rover]] has its chassis inspected as part of its MOT. The vehicle structure is among many of the points covered in a MOT test.]]

In Great Britain MOT testing centres are regulated and licensed by the Department and Transport and DVSA for the purpose, and the individual testers carrying out the inspections also have to be trained and certified. The main purpose of the MOT test is to check if a vehicle meets the main UK road safety standards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Purpose of an MOT test |url=https://motorcompanyleicester.co.uk/mot-test-class-4-class-7/}}</ref> The decision to pass or fail each presented vehicle comes down to the discretion of the tester following the guidelines issued by the DVSA.

The MOT test covers the following aspects:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.f1autocentres.co.uk/mot/mot-guide|title=MOT Testing Guide}}</ref>

* Exhaust and emissions
* Seat belts
* Steering
* Windscreen
* Bonnet catch
* Horn
* Number plate
* Lights
* Brakes
* Tyres and wheels
* Mirrors
* Doors
* Seats
* Suspension
* Fuel system
* Body and structure
* Battery and wiring

The inspection manual can be found online.<ref name=manuals /> The full details must by law be provided on request by all garages licensed to perform MOT tests and are currently published in DVSA's leaflet ''The MOT Test and You''.

An MOT test certificate confirms that at the time of test, the vehicle has met the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards. It does not mean that the vehicle is roadworthy for the life of the certificate. The test does not cover the condition of the engine (other than the emissions), clutch or gearbox. Maintenance that is necessary for the reliable and efficient operation of the vehicle – but not its safety – forms part of a [[service (motor vehicle)|service]] inspection that is recommended by manufacturers, but is not a legal requirement for operating the vehicle on the public highway.

Items such as the windscreen, wipers and exhaust systems are tested for condition and operation. Windscreen wipers will fail the test if they do not adequately clear the windscreen when used in conjunction with the washers. The exhaust system, in addition to checks on its condition and security, is tested to ascertain whether it is obviously louder than another vehicle of the same make and model with a standard exhaust system fitted. Dismantling of any part of the vehicle during the MOT test is strictly against test regulations, making the assessment of corrosion or worn components in certain areas on certain car models very difficult to determine accurately. As the MOT is only an inspection for roadworthiness at the time of test, the inspection of most accessories is not included. One exception is tow bars: their condition and their attachment to the vehicle is now included in the MOT.

=== Lighting exemption ===

A vehicle that has no front- and rear-position lights fitted or has had those lights permanently removed, painted or masked-over is exempt from the lighting sections of the MOT test. An advisory note will be provided on the VT32 as a reminder that the vehicle should be used only during daylight hours and not used at times of seriously reduced visibility.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m1s01000101.htm |title=MOT Guide & Inspection Manual |publisher=DVSA |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111220948/http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m1s01000101.htm |archive-date=2014-11-11 }}</ref>

This is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a "Daytime MOT", but there is no official distinction. It is the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations that prevent an unlit vehicle being used on the road after dark, not the MOT.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1989/Uksi_19891796_en_1.htm|title=The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 |publisher=Office of Public Sector Information|access-date=2010-07-11}}</ref>