Hiya Todd
MOT test stands for Ministry Of Transport test.
Every car and bike over 2 years old has to undergo an annual roadworthyness test (MOT) to allow it on the road.
It checks everything works as it should, no dangerous rust (near structural members), tyres, suspension, steering and checks emisions.
Without a valid MOT certificate, you can not get a Road Fund License - usually called a 'tax disc' (which is displayed on the vehicle).
We have to get a new tax disc every year (our bikes cost £60 per year - cars go up to something like £165 per year).
If you are caught without an MOT certificate and/or tax disc, there are heavy fines.
The stupid thing is, some things on the MOT test are subjective - one person could see it differently to another testing station.
The MOT test is a snap-shot of the vehicle condition at the time of the test. It could fail in another garage the same day!!
There is also the obvious 'back-handed' certificates (also called 'tickets').
I've known garages take £25 and hand out a ticket without even looking at the vehicle.
Last edited by Adey; 04/09/2005 6:28 PM.
