Issue Date 01 January 2012
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 regulations in force at the time of publication, but 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 Siemens IT Solutions and Services Limited 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
