Another view on the MoT test
I’m sure I am speaking from the same hymn sheet as Mike Cartlidge regarding MoT tests (Letters, OBM430), albeit perhaps from a different page. Obviously, the bottom line is vehicle safety and, as a long-term retired ex-law enforcement individual, I have long held the view, as exemplified by Mike’s Vespa owner, that it could well be more beneficial to examine the owners rather than their vehicles!
I agree that such MoT tests are merely to minimum required standards and only relevant to the time of testing and that there is a dichotomy regarding the DVSA’s standards and legal requirements. Where I take a different view is, which of the latter takes preference?
Apart from the oft-quoted absent rear chainguard, which was never illegal per se, always falling into the grey subjective area of personal opinion of what constituted ‘dangerous parts’ [what about an exposed primary drive?] I’m hard pressed to think of another similar example. In comparison, small cracks in drive gaiters, light lenses, registration plates and even windscreens will fail an MoT but can be perfectly legal.
I’ve never had a motorcycle fail a test, but cars are a different matter; corroded brake pipes in some testers’ view seem to include the slightest sign of efflorescence. When the newest car I had ever owned failed on its first test because of ‘fading amber’ on its side indicator lenses, the tester took great delight in telling me that if it had been registered and/ or manufactured just a few weeks earlier it would not have even required them. What does that say about a ‘safety test’?
If, in times of emergency, such tests can be extended by six months, then not having one doesn’t justify licence endorsement. I believe the self-policing system via SORN and vehicle excise applicable to modern vehicles is sufficient, and we shouldn’t get too excited about our 40-year-old-plus, not so often used, conveyances. After all, if you feel so inclined. you can get your vehicle MoT’d, but why not pay your friendly mechanic to just do a preMoT inspection while you drink his coffee!