MOT Question

[rtbcomp]

Am I allowed to sit in the car and work the controls during an MOT?

I've done this in the past, but not sure of the current regulations. The reason I ask is that I've had an MOT fail on windscreen washers, the tester couldn't get them to work, but I can work them without a problem.

If I wired in an extra push-button would that be OK, even though the original switch wasn't operating the washers?

 

[cumbriasteve]

I can remember something like this once before and the answer was the function had to work from the marked switch position and be able to work for anyone driving the car not just the driver, this is in the event you sell the car next day.

So the switch could be removed and a new clearly marked switch/button replace it.

I think I am right but certainly won't argue if proved wrong, the reg's change that often it's hard to keep up

 

[pedrobedro]

I wired one in on a toggle switch that just ran the pump and you switched the wiper separate, no problem and I also had a hooter on a separate button in my old car. I eventually put a Dymo label on so the tester could see what it was for.

 

[rtbcomp]

Thanks guys, that's what I'll do.

 

[Mee]

Not quite Steve, it now says if it is fitted to the car it must work, it doesn't say how it must work.

You can get a sticker sheet and fit an aftermarket switch and cut the appropriate sticker out and stick it onto it.

The regs change regularly as you say and often many MOT testers don't bother to read them or simply ignore them if they are not significant changes.

 

[pedrobedro]

The tester where I go is endowed with some common sense, if something is safe and works it passes. He doesn't worry if it looks a bit different.

 

[Mee]

Am I allowed to sit in the car and work the controls during an MOT?

I've done this in the past, but not sure of the current regulations. The reason I ask is that I've had an MOT fail on windscreen washers, the tester couldn't get them to work, but I can work them without a problem.

If I wired in an extra push-button would that be OK, even though the original switch wasn't operating the washers?

Technically no you aren't but it depends on the tester, I always sit in my vehicle as my MOT tester would sooner not tie up another member of staff when they are doing other paid work. Many simply employ some common sense.

 

[rtbcomp]

For the last few tests the MOT stations have been equipped with one-man operated test bays.

 

[normspanners]

I've done this in the past, but not sure of the current regulations. The reason I ask is that I've had an MOT fail on windscreen washers, the tester couldn't get them to work, but I can work them without a problem.

If it was me, If you proved it works it passes----- end of

Technically no you aren't

WHY ????? where have you got that from

here is a quote from testers manual

In appropriate cases, the person submitting the vehicle (’the vehicle presenter’) is permitted to act as an assistant, if they are willing, the NT is satisfied with their competence and that all Health and Safety requirements are met. For example, the vehicle presenter will normally be capable of operating light switches etc., but might not be able to properly push, pull or lever road wheels etc.

as long as the person is fit and able the only stipulation is that they are capable, so who better than the owner to work switches etc.

In fact when taking vehicles for HGV test the driver usually stays in the vehicle and operates the vehicle

 

[normspanners]

Not quite Steve, it now says if it is fitted to the car it must work, it doesn't say how it must work.

NO it doesnt ?? only required testable items need to work/ be present, where are you getting your info from, you are obviously not a tester so dont make assumptions.

 

[normspanners]

The regs change regularly as you say and often many MOT testers don't bother to read them or simply ignore them if they are not significant changes.

Again wrong, you HAVE to read the updates and acknowledge them or you cant test.

 

[Robotstar5]

I've sat in the car and done what the tester's asked for, lights, steering, brakes etc. when his usual assistant was busy elsewhere.

This years test was quite funny when the assistant was looking for a switch and operated the headlight washers by mistake soaking the tester who was standing over the front of the car

 

[normspanners]

For the last few tests the MOT stations have been equipped with one-man operated test bays.

You still can use an assistant, if required, I do sometimes because it is------ A/ faster for lights etc B/ better for properly checking play in joints, to assess if they actually are fails.

Also when doing an observed test you have to use an assistant AFAIK. even on an ATL

 

[Mee]

here is a quote from testers manual
as long as the person is fit and able the only stipulation is that they are capable, so who better than the owner to work switches etc.

In appropriate cases, the person submitting the vehicle (’the vehicle presenter’) is permitted to act as an assistant, if they are willing, the NT is satisfied with their competence and that all Health and Safety requirements are met. For example, the vehicle presenter will normally be capable of operating light switches etc., but might not be able to properly push, pull or lever road wheels etc.

It actually says it in your quote "if they are competent" if you read the definitions it says competence is another qualified mechanic who the tester knows to be competent, so if you take a car to your local garage and they submit it using one of their staff who is a qualified mechanic and the tester knows they are a qualified mechanic no problem; if a member of public submits their car then their is a problem as the tester doesn't know their competence so its a catch all wording.
Then there is the matter of public liability insurance and the matter of a non employee of the testing garage working in the garage and if they are covered by the testers garage insurance.

 

[normspanners]

No it says what it says, if the NT is SATISFIED with their competence and that HS issue req's are met, then it is ok------- no more no less, please dont argue with what is acceptable unless you have the qualifications to make that statement, or how we are trained by the ministry. the assistant definately does not have to be a trained mechanic, they only need to be someone who can act on your instructions.

 

[Mee]

That's what they told my mate when he clarified it with them it and he has been an MOT tester for nearly 40 years. When he spoke to his insurers they confirmed it must be an employee of his, or another person qualified as a mechanic from another garage submitting a vehicle for test as the only way they could be sure they were competent is if he knew them to be qualified.

 

[carbon]

Your mates insurers I don't expect have anything to do with the rules that are laid out by the DVSA. But does he have a pit by any chance that isn't guarded when not in use

 

[daleyd]

you read the definitions it says competence is another qualified mechanic who the tester knows to be competent, so if you take a car to your local garage an

I've just read it and can't see this anywhere in the definitions.

 

[waldershelf]

There is a saying "when you are in a hole stop digging"

When I take vehicles for the MOT I always help with switching the lights etc and any thing else the tester asks for. When the tester is checking the vehicle I am stood close enough to see what he is doing and he always points out anything he sees that might need attention whether or not it's MOT related. I have a good relationship with the guy and have been using him for the best part of 30 years. Equally if he fails whatever I've taken for test I don't argue, I take it away and fix it.

 

[zx9]

I always have to sit on my bike to do the head light aim as I am about eight stone lighter than my regular MOT tester, as I am sat there I do the rest of the lights and horn, obviously I am not competent to do the rolling road brake tests so he does that bit. I don't see how that can be any different to the presenter operating the lights, wipers and washer of a older or specialist vehicles which the tester may not be familliar with.