MOT’s (Ministry of Transport) Test Certificates are needed on all motor vehicles once it reaches 3 years of age, and every year thereafter.
Everyone who uses a vehicle on road must keep it in a roadworthy condition.
The MOT looks at some of the more important items and components on your bike but you should be aware that an MOT certificate is a not a guarantee of the general mechanical condition of the bike.
Listed Below are the main components which would be inspected during the MOT test.
Lights
Steering/Suspension
Wheels & Tyres
Frame
Brakes
Fuel & Exhaust System leaks
Wheel Alignment
Sidecars (where fitted)
Body & Structure
Horn
Registration plates/vehicle identification/frame numbers.
An MOT certificates that at the time of the test, without dismantling, the vehicle met the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards required by law. It does not mean the vehicle is roadworthy for the life of the certificate.
So in more detail what is inspected in each category.
Lights;
Condition, operation, security and correct colour of headlamps, read lights, indicators and reflectors. Also the aim of the headlamp is checked.
Steering/Suspension;
Condition, security and operation, including forks, mountings, controls and bearings.
Wheels & Tyres;
Wheel condition and security. Tyre condition, size/type and tread depth.
Frame;
Free from cracks, damage, distortion or corrosion which is likely to affect the steering or the brakes.
Brakes;
Condition, operation and performance with an efficiency test, and brake controls.
Fuel & Exhaust System Leaks;
Complete, secure and not too noisy.
Wheel Alignment;
Correct Alignment of front and rear wheels.
Sidecars(Where Fitted);
Includes checks on the attachment, suspension, wheel bearings, wheel alignment, lights and tyres.
Body & Structure;
Condition and security of final drive, footrests and seat.
Horn;
Correct Operation and the correct type.
Registration plates/VIN/Frame No;
Present and legible.
Who Supervises the Scheme.
Even though we still call them MOT’s the Ministry of Transport, as such is no more and the Testing Scheme is now supervised by VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) In other words….the Ministry of Transport!
Where can I get my bike MOT’d
There are around 1900 motorcycle approved test stations in the UK. Look for the Blue 3 Triangles Symbol which they have to display at the entrance.
In Cardiff it is Fairwater Garage, at Norbury Road, Fairwater that checks and tests all the bikes used by 1st Class Rider Training.
Fairwater Garage is situated opposite Fairwater Police Station. (If you don’t know where Fairwater Police Station is…….well, it’s opposite Fairwater Garage!)
What if I disagree with the result.
(I guess they mean a failure – I can’t imagine you disputing it if it passes)
There is an appeal procedure but the Testing Station itself is the first point of complaint.
If you are still unsatisfied then you can contact VOSA on 0870 60 60 440. You must complain within 14 working days and you may be offered a further re-test to re-check the original findings.
The full appeal procedure can be obtained from VOSA.
Look After it…..you expect it to look after you!