The answer to ‘Can I sign off an MOT re-test after new tyres have been fitted?’ is a definite no, regardless of how quickly the customer has returned, which tyre centre carried out the work, or how well you know the fitter, a proper re-test inspection is required every time. The vehicle must come to the bay, the re-test must be logged, and the tyres must be physically inspected before a pass result is recorded. What a tyre re-test inspection must include A glance at the tread from a distance is not sufficient. A proper tyre inspection as part of an MOT re-test must cover: Tyre size: correct for the vehicle and matching across axles Load index: meeting or exceeding the manufacturer’s requirements Speed rating: appropriate for the vehicle Tread depth: checked across the full width of the tyre Condition: including the sidewalls, not just the running surface A tyre that looks fine at a glance can still fail on load rating, speed rating, or a sidewall defect that only becomes apparent on close inspection. The fact that a reputable fitter carried out the work does not remove the tester’s responsibility to verify it independently. Find out more in the […] (Read More)

There is no fixed minimum time written into the rules to answer the question ‘How long should an MOT re-test take?’, but a properly conducted partial re-test has a required set of steps, and those steps take time. A re-test completed in under a minute is a strong signal that something has been missed. What must be included in a partial re-test Under Section B.5 of the MOT Testing Guide, when a partial re-examination is carried out the tester must work through the following: Bring the vehicle to the MOT bay Log the re-test on the MOT testing service Physically inspect all failed defects (dangerous and major) Check anything else that may have been affected by the repair Carry out a roller brake test where brakes were involved, recording the results Re-check headlamp aim where this was part of the original failure Review advisory and minor defects, marking as repaired where appropriate Log off and issue the correct paperwork Working through that list on even a straightforward re-test takes several minutes at a minimum. Where a roller brake test or headlamp aim check is involved, it takes longer still. (Read More)

  If a vehicle’s original MOT failure included any brake-related defect, a roller brake test (RBT) is required as part of the re-test then you do need a roller brake test on a retest. This applies regardless of who carried out the repair, whether you watched the work being done, or how confident you are in the result. What the MOT Guide says Section B.5 of the official MOT Testing Guide is clear: when a partial re-examination is carried out, the tester must examine all failed defects, check anything affected by the repair, and carry out another brake performance test where applicable, recording the results on the MOT testing service. There is no exception for repairs carried out on-site, repairs completed by a trusted colleague, or situations where the tester personally did the work. The requirement exists because the pass certificate you issue is an independent verification that the vehicle is safe. That independence is undermined the moment you rely on assumption rather than a documented test result. Quick summary Brake-related failure at the original test: RBT required at re-test, no exceptions Results must be recorded on the MOT testing service Applies whether the repair was done on-site or off-site […] (Read More)

When there’s a language barrier and you need to explain MOT failures, visual communication becomes your best friend if there’s a language barrier. Use your phone to take photos of the failed items and point directly at what’s wrong. Simple diagrams or even hand gestures can bridge language gaps surprisingly well. Keep your language extremely simple with short sentences and no technical terms, and repeat key points. The MOT certificate itself can be helpful as a visual aid. Consider having a colleague join the conversation if they speak the customer’s language, or use translation apps on your phone for key terms (though be aware these aren’t perfect). Write things down too, sometimes people understand written English better than spoken. If you have regular customers from specific language groups, it might be worth creating a simple visual guide showing common MOT failure points with pictures. Above all, stay patient and friendly. Communication barriers are frustrating for both sides, but showing genuine effort to help them understand builds trust and usually leads to a positive outcome. (Read More)

If you can’t find the information about testing electric and hybrid vehicles in the MOT Manual, don’t assume it doesn’t exist. The MOT Manual focuses on inspection procedures, while the DVSA’s hybrid and electric vehicle guidance covers the safety and awareness side. It’s the perfect companion to the manuals and should be your first port of call for anything related to alternative fuel systems. (Read More)

The simple answers is No – MOT testers don’t need additional qualifications to test electric or hybrid vehicles but high-voltage systems must only be done by those with specific training. The key requirement is understanding how to identify these vehicles and follow safe working practices. The DVSA guidance explains how to recognise high-voltage components, what to avoid, and how to reduce risks in the test bay. (Read More)

You won’t find much detail about EVs or hybrids in the MOT Testing Manuals. Instead, the DVSA has a separate document called “Hybrid, Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems: Guidance for MOT Testers.” It’s available on GOV.UK and forms part of this year’s annual training, covering safety awareness and best practice when testing alternative fuel vehicles.  This document should be your ‘go to’ for all things relating to electric or hybrid vehicles and the MOT test. (Read More)

Definitely not. MOT re-tests are often seen as a quick box-tick, but that’s not how DVSA see it. Even if it’s something “simple” like tyres or a headlamp adjustment, you need to bring the vehicle into the MOT bay, log the MOT re-test, carry out the proper checks, and then close it down on the system. A rushed MOT re-test might save you a few minutes in the moment, but if DVSA spot it, you’ll be facing an investigation that takes hours, not seconds, and could put your testing status at risk. (Read More)

Yes, you must carry out the full MOT re-test every time. You might have watched your mate swap that exhaust or change those pads, but unless he’s also an MOT tester carrying out the MOT re-test procedure, your job isn’t done. You still need to check it all under MOT rules, that means emissions test where needed, and any other checks the defect or related repairs require. The MOT tester is responsible for the MOT re-test, not the person who turned the spanners. (Read More)

Even if you were the one who fitted the new discs, tyre, or headlamp bulb, you still need to run the mot re-test as if you didn’t. That means getting the car back into the MOT bay, logging the mot re-test, doing the Roller Brake Test, headlamp aim check if needed, and then updating the MOT log. The DVSA don’t make exceptions just because you trust your own work, they expect the mot re-test to be done properly and recorded under MOT conditions. (Read More)

Yes there is a right way to take the photo during the MOT test, and it’s pretty straightforward.  During the MOT Test, the photo should show:  The vehicle on the ramp (during the under-body inspection stage),  With the registration plate visible,  And the whole vehicle in shot if possible.  The aim is to capture a clear visual record that the MOT Test is being done properly. You don’t need fancy camera gear, just a steady hand and a clear shot. Some testers have found that positioning the camera at the front corner of the ramp gets the best angle, even in tight spaces.    (Read More)

It’s a fair question but no, taking photos of vehicles on the ramp during the MOT test is not about pointing fingers.  The photo requirement is part of DVSA’s effort to reduce fraud and error across the MOT Test system. Sadly, there have been cases where MOT Tests were recorded for vehicles that never turned up or where the wrong car was tested entirely.  Taking a photo during the MOT Test helps prove the vehicle was genuinely there. For honest MOT Testers (which is most of us), it’s a simple way to show the job’s being done properly, and to protect your licence, your business, and your reputation.  (Read More)

Mistakes can be corrected but the MOT Tester must follow the guidance laid down by the DVSA in The MOT Guide Section H.  Unjustified changes could constitute fraud, dishonesty or gross negligence in the MOT testing process and you can be given 500 points which means cessation. (Read More)

No – you must not record a pass or fail MOT test result unless you have personally taken an active part in the examination of the vehicle.  If you do it would come under constitute fraud, dishonesty or gross negligence in the MOT testing process and you can be given 500 points which means cessation. (Read More)

No – all equipment must be calibrated in accordance with the DVSA’s requirements and failure to do so will prevent the testing of any vehicle that requires the use of that item of test equipment. (Read More)

You need to make a manual record that shows the emissions limits were tested and met but the DSM couldn’t register the reading.  Be sure to include the following information in the record and keep it for 3 months:   test station number tester’s name date and time test number vehicle type vehicle registration number that the vehicle passed the emissions test (Read More)

If you fail to log off an MOT test, it’s possible that the MOT Tester and/or the MOT Testing Station could lose their MOT Testing license. (Read More)

The guidance is Appendix 8, Section 5f of the MOT Guide (Read More)

To ensure you comply with the MOT Guide you must abort the MOT test and start again, carrying out the full examination again.  Don’t be tempted to finish the test! (Read More)

Datum is Latin and means “something given”; the datum line is a marked point or base of reference for measurement. When it comes to MOT testing, the datum line is referenced in conjunction with headlamp testing equipment. New MOT Centres must have DVSA approved headlamp testing equipment. There must be a datum line (or lines) clearly marked as per the equipment installation manual. The MOT Guide, Section D makes reference to the need for datum lines. Information will also be found in the instruction manual of your headlamp aim equipment. (Read More)

No – To meet the requirements for the MOT test, there must be 11mm between the first two letters and the numbers, and 33mm between the numbers and the last 3 letters. (Read More)

No – all Number Plates must be produced using the Charles Wright font or they will fail the MOT test. (Read More)

Yes you do, if you miss a non-compliant Number Plate during the MOT test you’re at risk of being given 6 disciplinary points. (Read More)