By law full details of the test must be provided upon request by all garages licensed to perform an MOT. These details are currently published in the DVSA’s leaflet The MOT Test and You. An MOT pass certificate indicates that at the time of the test the vehicle met or exceeded the minimum safety standards determined by the DVSA guidelines.
An MOT test certificate confirms that, at the time of the test, the vehicle has met the minimum accepted environmental and road safety standards. It does not mean that the vehicle is roadworthy for the life of the certificate itself. The test does not cover the condition of the engine (other than 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 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 road-worthiness at the time of the 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 an MOT.
