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Lamps Positions	Anti Locking Brake Systems	Exhaust System
Headlamps	Mechanical Brake components	Exhaust Emissions - Spark Ignition - General
Brake Lights	Hydraulic, Air and Vacuum Systems	General Condition of the Vehicle
Reflectors	Brake Performance (Roller Brake Test)	Mirrors
Indicators	Method of Calculating Brake Performance	Fuel System
Headlamp Aim	Ministry and Manufacturer's Plates	Registration Plates and VIN Details
Steering	Tyres	Exhaust Emmisions
Parking Brake	Tyre Size, Ply Rating and Load Index Tables	Structural Integrity and Corrosion
Brake Efficiency Table	Seat Belts	Test Equipment
Hand Operated Brake Control Valves	Windscreens/Drivers View of the road	Vehicle Identification Number Location
Exhaust Emissions/Service Brake Control	Audible Warning (Horn)	Identifying Code Locations

6.5 General Condition of the Vehicle

Information	Method of Inspection	Reason for rejection
Vehicle Structure
Appendix c figures A to D show typical different vehicle structures where the shaded portions indicate the important load-bearing parts.	1. With the vehicle over a pit or on a raised hoist, check the vehicle structure for any fracture, damage or corrosion, not within the prescribed areas, which is likely to affect prejudicially the correct functioning of the braking system or the steering gear.Note: The prescribed areas are those specifically detailed in sections 2, 3 and 5 of the manual.	1. Any deliberate modification, excessive corrosion, damage, fracture or inadequate repair not within a prescribed area which adversely affects braking or steering by severely reducing the strength or continuity of a main load bearing structural member.
Body Structure
This part of the examination applies to vehicles with separate bodiesIndividual defectsIndividual defects are not subject to reason for rejection 2 or 3 unless their cumulative effect is likely to reduce significantly the overall body security.	2. Examine the following items for presence, security, fracture, distortion, excessive wear or damage
	a. all fixings (eg brakets) securing the body and its supporting members to the chassis	a. excessive displacement of the body relative to the chassis which might lead to loss of control of the vehicle when driven
	b. all fixings (eg brakets) securing the body to a sub-frame or supporting members, and	b. insecurity of the body or its supporting members to the chassis so that it is clear that there would be a danger to other road users.
	c. all securing bolts, rivets or welds for all the above fixings
	3. Check the condition of the body and chassis in the vicinity of the mounting points.	3. Any deliberate modification, excessive corrosion, damage, cracks or inadequate repair of a load-bearing body or chassis member which seriously affects its strength within 30cm of the body mountings.
Body Condition
This part of the examination applies to all vehicles	4. Examine the bodywork for excessive corrosion or damage resulting in sharp edges which are likely to cause injury.	4. A sharp edge or projection, caused by corrosion or damage, which renders the vehicle dangerous to other road users including pedestrians.
Doors
This inspection does not apply if no driver's or front passenger's doors were fitted as part of the original design of the vehicle.A lack of door handles because of original design characteristics or specialist modification is not a reason for rejection providing the door can be latched securely in the closed position.	5. Open and close the driver's and passenger's doors. Check that each latches securely in the closed position. Check also that front doors can be opened from both inside and outside the vehicle
		a. a driver's door or any passenger's door does not latch securely in the closed position
		b. a driver's or front passenger's door cannot be opened from both inside and outside the vehicleNote: reason for rejection 5b does not apply to:
		goods vehicles modified for the carriage of high value cargoes such as armoured security vehicles
		front passenger doors if the door aperture has been permanently 'filled' as part of a specialised customisation provided that there are no obvious aperture gaps.
Load Security
	6. Check that any bootlid, tailgate, loading door, hinged tailboard or dropside is or can be secured in the closed position	6. A bootlid, tailgate, loading door, hinged tailboard or dropside cannot be secured in the closed position
Original Design
Original design characteristics are to be accepted
Temporary fixings
Components secured with, for example, rope are not acceptable
Spare wheel and carrier
	7. Check that any externally fitted spare wheel and/or carrier is securely attached to the vehicle	7. An externally fitted spare wheel or carrier insecure to the extent that it islikely to fall off.
Seats
	8. Check the driver's and front passenger's seats for security.	8. The security of the driver's or front passenger's seat is significantly reduced.
	9. Check that the backrests of all seats (front and rear) can be secured in their normal upright position.	9. A seat back which cannot be secured in the upright position.
Original Design
Original design characteristics and specialised modifications (eg to enable wheelchair access) are to be accepted
Luggage
Luggage or other items need not be removed from the vehicle in order to carry out this inspection

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Reproduced from the MOT Inspection Manual by kind permission of THE VEHICLE INSPECTORATE.

The quick way to find your nearest MOT Test Station

6.5 General Condition of the Vehicle

Information

Method of Inspection

Reason for rejection

Vehicle Structure

Body Structure

Body Condition

Doors

goods vehicles modified for the carriage of high value cargoes such as armoured security vehicles

front passenger doors if the door aperture has been permanently 'filled' as part of a specialised customisation provided that there are no obvious aperture gaps.

6. A bootlid, tailgate, loading door, hinged tailboard or dropside cannot be secured in the closed position

Original Design

Luggage