MOT update

31 March 2009  

CHECKS on tow bars and number plates are being introduced to MOTs in a bid to prevent accidents and help law enforcement, VOSA has announced.

Towing test

Excessive corrosion, fractures or damage.

Wear and tear of a tow ball, jaw, hook or eye.

The presence, security and suitability of retaining nuts, bolts, pins and locking devices along with towbar condition and security.

Excessive damage, corrosion, fractures or inadequate repairs.

Registration plates

Do not have overprinted or shadowed text

Do not have a non-reflective border wider than permitted or positioned too close to the characters

Have the correct background and characters – that is, white background on the front and yellow on the rear of vehicles with black characters for vehicles first used on or after 1st January 1973

Do not have a honeycomb or similar effect background for vehicles first used on or after 1st September 2001

Test charges in detail

For class 1 and 2 motorcycles – £29.20 (or £37.20 with a sidecar)

For class 3 three-wheel vehicles (up to 450kg) – £37.20

For class 4 cars (up to 8 passenger seats), motor caravans, three-wheelers over 450kg, taxis and private hire vehicles – £54.00

For class 4 private passenger vehicles (with 9 to 12 passenger seats) – £56.45

For class 5 private passenger vehicles (with 13 to 16 passenger seats) – £58.65

For class 5 private passenger vehicles (with more than 16 passenger seats) – £79.45

For class 7 goods vehicles – £57.70