Issue Date April 2013
Vehicle and Operator Services
Agency
The MOT Inspection Manual
Private Passenger and Light Commercial Vehicle Testing
Preface
This Manual sets out the testing procedures and standards for those who carry out statutory testing of cars, private
buses and light commercial vehicles.
Vehicle owners may also find the Manual useful because it details the inspection to which vehicles are subjected and
the reasons why an MOT test certificate could be refused.
This Manual was based on the domestic regulations in force at the time of publication and complies with Annex II to
Directive 2009/40/EC as amended by Commission Directive 2010/48/EU. Future changes in the law, or in vehicle
or equipment design may result in variations to the test requirements.
General information regarding documentation and the responsibilities of those involved in testing are contained in the
Vehicle and Operator Services Agency MOT Testing Guide.
Written by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency
© Crown copyright. Published by Atos on behalf of the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency – to
whom applications to reproduce material should be made in writing c/o Procurement Unit,
Berkeley House, Croydon Street, Bristol, BS5 0DA.
First Edition crown copyright 1992
Fifth consolidated edition 2002
Second Edition crown copyright 2004
Third Edition crown copyright 2010
Fourth Edition crown copyright 2011
ISBN 978-0-9549352-5-2
