MOT Inspection Manual 2012

[shoutforjoy]

Got my hands on a PDF copy of the MOT Inspection Manual* effective from 1st January 2012. 206 pages of pure poetry ;D

If you'd like a copy either send me a PM or reply to this topic and I will send you a download link.

*for the benefit of our non-UK members an MOT is a compulsory annual inspection that is carried out on all cars over 3 years old to ensure that the vehicle is safe and roadworthy.

[shoutforjoy]

I was sent a copy, but I've just discovered that it's available on the VOSA web site. Here's the link:

www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/repository/MOT%20Inspection%20Manual.pdf

[ob1]

wow!

are all "inspectors" harsh going over the car or are they varying from place to place?

out here in NSW we have to get an annual "Pink Slip" but if you get the right place they can be more lenient than others as far as some of the silly roadworthy requirements - ie, I was once knocked back on my Mini years ago cos it didn't have a side mirror. I checked with the RTA (gov licensing agancy) and was told if there was no mirror there to start with it should be passable, but the mechanic was adamant, no side mirror, no pink slip! - Drove off and got one from a more sympathetic mechanic elsewhere!

[shoutforjoy]

It's just the same in the UK. Some testers are "better" than others. What you have to find is one that is going to check safety properly (no-one wants an unsafe car) but be sensible about some of the other things.

I've found a mechanic and MOT Tester who has worked on classics for many years and he does a great job. He even leans the carb out to pass the emissions test and then resets it afterwards.

[niceboy1275]

Its amazing isn't it, here in Victoria, Australia, we have to get a roadworthy certificate to register a car, or to transfer a car to another owner, but thats pretty much it. Our 850 that we bought off its original owners had its first roadworthy in 2006, 42 years after it was purchased by its original owners. As long as you pay the registration with vic roads each year, and it doesn't change ownership, and as long as the police don't put a defect notice on it for anything, it never needs a roadworthy certificate, as was the case with our 850. All our minis go to the local mini garage once a year for a tune and general check up, but that is on our own accord as I want the cars to be safe. You see so many cars in victoria here, and you have to wonder how they are still on the road. I remember seeing a news program about a driver who didn't have a steering wheel, just a wrench fitted to the steering column who finally got pulled over by the police after years of driving a unroadworthy car. As much as it would be an inconvenience, I sincerely hope they bring in an annual check of some description here in victoria.

[ob1]

yes niceboy, it has always amazed me when driving in melbourne the state of some cars that are on the road! Whilst jealous of not having to go thru the hassle of getting a pink slip for rego each year, i have shuddered ate some of the cars about - a mate of mine had a very old holden that I shat myself when in the passenger seat cos I could clearly see the road thru the floor, and he didn't drive too far or fast as his brakes were buggered too!

[notamini]

Same rules for Canada, Niceboy. Change of ownership means full safety check and it varries dramatically from one mechanic to another and if you are buying or selling.

But, if your car is 1988 or newer, it has to undergo the emissions test like in UK every two years if older than 5 years. This, however, is about to change to an earlier date. i.e. 7yrs.

So I just have to make certain I have a valid road license sticker which I can purchase either every year or two years at a time. They date these to your birth date.

[joakwin]

in california, the vehicle just needs a inspection/smog test every 2 years and if its older then 1975, then it dont need a smog test or inspection and you can do whatever you want to the vehicle

outside of california, the 30yr ruler applies, 30yrs and older and no inspection or smog test and you can do whatever to the vehicle

when i lived in new mexico, the part of it where i lived at, they didnt have smog or inspection test for anything, to be road legal, the vehicle needed a working seat belt for everyone in the car, one headlight, one brake light/ running light in the back, and only the front windshield, didnt need doors or anything like that

when i lived in anchorage alaska, the way they did the smog test for obd2 vehicles was to hook the machine up to the computer port and if there was no codes, then it was good,
for obd1 and down vehicle, they got the tail pipe test
but if you lived outside of the city, no test or inspection needed, and if you have a engine swap in your car, you can only drive it in the summer months because the engine didnt come in the vehicle from the factory
a mini in alaska, would be a summer vehicle because it would never be able to pass the inspection/smog test

[clambod]

I have been to Greece on holiday and looking at some of the cars on the roads it looks as if it can move under its own power it's fine.

[notamini]

Isn't New Mexico the place where people can cut their lawn and find a car...
;D ;D ;D