The MOT is a mandatory test implemented and handled across the UK, by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) which is a combination of the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) coming together. All of these departments together are overseen by the DOT which assists with the implementation of the MOT test and other connected rules.
What are the benefits of conducting an MOT test on your vehicle?
The MOT test is annual and mandatory. According to a recent report, vehicle owners do not maintain their vehicles as regularly as they should and only head to get them fixed if they have to. This is not wise considering vehicles are sometimes driven at high speeds throughout the country and a slight malfunction could be fatal to the people in the car.
The MOT gets vehicle owners to get their cars checked once every year. According to the MOT rules, cars above three years, need to pass the test annually. The tests include harsh rules and certain aspects of the vehicle have to be protected. Although the MOT test does not go through every aspect of the vehicle in thorough detail, especially the electronics and additional features of the later models of cars, it does have enough tests to make sure cars on the road are safe.
They check the engine and make sure there are right levels of oil and coolant in the vehicle. They go a step further and verify that the exhaust is proper as well. Otherwise, the vehicle might need engine work. Other reviews handled are checking all the vehicle lights from the brakes and indicators to indicator lights on the dashboard. There are a couple of smaller tests they handle but the main parts of the car have to be in place. Additionally, all rules relating to tint on windows, or font size and type of licence plates have to be in order. They might have been overlooked in the past but they are still grounds for not getting the vehicle passed through the MOT test.
If a car didn’t pass the MOT test, it has to go through the test again. It cannot be plying on the roads without a clearance certificate.
Do the pros and cons balance out?
A recent report stated that the number of accidents caused due to vehicle malfunctions in the last decade has significantly reduced. However, there has been a high number caused due to human error. This doesn’t mean there are fewer accidents in the last decade, but that they’ve not been caused due to unsafe vehicles. While many argue this is because vehicles have come a long way from what they previously were, with enough safety mechanisms to preempt malfunctions, the spokesperson for the MOT stated that this is actually because the cars are now tested regularly making a very large difference. Adding to that statement he also mentioned that removing the MOT test would be a very bad idea.
