Introduction to the MOT Testing Guide (6th Edition)
This document is intended to help new and existing Authorised Examiners, Nominated Testers and other
interested parties comply with the requirements for authorisation by the Secretary of State to conduct statutory
tests on certain motor vehicles. The statutory requirements are contained in the Motor Vehicles (Tests)
Regulations 1981 as amended. The Guide does not cover the requirements for annual testing of Heavy Goods
Vehicles (HGVs) or Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) which is carried out by Vehicle and Operator Services
Agency (VOSA) staff. Neither does the Guide cover the requirements for Type Approval nor Individual Vehicle
Approval of certain vehicles before they are first registered in Great Britain.
This guide is divided into a series of sections covering specific subject areas.
Detailed information on the technical standards and procedures of the statutory test is given in the appropriate
MOT Inspection Manual. Additional instruction and information is also issued to Vehicle Testing Stations about
testing and procedures, in the form of Special Notices (SNs). VOSA reserves the right to modify the content of
this Guide to reflect changes in the law or in light of experience.
Availability and Maintenance of the Guide
The definitive document is now held electronically and can be viewed by VTS staff on the VTS Device or by the
general public on line at www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/vehicle-testing-manuals-and-guides. The electronic documents
will be periodically updated; and changes will be advised by Special Notice.
Additional information on VOSA and the MOT scheme is also available on the Internet at
www.businesslink.gov.uk/mot.
Other VOSA Documentation
This guide should be used in conjunction with;
·
the relevant MOT Inspection Manuals which are a detailed guide to the inspection for statutory MOT
testing;
·
the VTS Device User Guide, which forms part of the MOT Testing Guide, explains how to use the
VTS Device;
·
Special Notices (SNs), these are issued periodically by VOSA to inform those involved with MOT
testing about changes and to highlight areas of concern;
·
and other documentation issued by VOSA.
Foreword
Issue Date January 2012
