Appendix 3: Grounds for refusal

Reasons why a tester can refuse to carry out a test.

1. Grounds for refusal to carry out a test

The Motor Vehicles (Tests) Regulations 1981, as amended, list the reasons why a tester can refuse to carry out a test. These are:

a) The registration certificate (V5C) or other evidence of the date of first use is not produced if the information therein is necessary for the test to be properly carried out.

Normally this document will be necessary only if the vehicle has a ‘cherished’ registration mark or if the registration mark’s year letter does not make clear the standard that should be applied - for instance, regarding the seat-belt requirements for D-prefix vehicles.

If evidence of the date of first use is produced and it shows that the vehicle was first used abroad, the presenter should be made aware that the vehicle may need an Individual Vehicle Approval test (IVA), not an MOT test, before the vehicle can be registered for use in Great Britain and a VT32 advisory notice should be issued.

b) The vehicle or any part or equipment on the vehicle is so dirty that examination is unreasonably difficult.

c) The vehicle is not fit to be driven when necessary to complete the test because of a lack of fuel, or oil, or for any other reason.

d) The tester considers a load or other items, or insecurity of a load or other items, would prevent a proper test being carried out - unless the load is secured or removed.

e) The vehicle testing station (VTS) asks for the test fee to be paid in advance and this is not done.

f) The vehicle emits substantial quantities of avoidable smoke.

g) A proper examination cannot be carried out because of the inability to open any device, for example door, tailgate, boot lid, engine cover or fuel cap - designed to be readily opened.

h) The vehicle’s condition is such that, in the opinion of the tester, a proper examination would involve a risk of injury to any person or damage to the vehicle or other property. This would cover refusal to test a diesel where the engine’s maintenance history or condition was suspect.

i) The vehicle has neither vehicle registration mark nor VIN/chassis number/frame number by which it can be identified or, that all such identifications are illegible or use letters and numbers not normally used in the English language.

If this applies, issue a handwritten CT30 containing as many of the vehicle details as possible. A copy of the CT30 should be retained.

In addition to the above, a tester must decline to test a vehicle if it is of such size, weight or configuration that it cannot be properly or safely tested on the approved facilities.

In the case of classes 1 or 2 a VTS must decline to test any motor bicycle the frame of which is stamped ‘not for road use’ or words to that effect.

When a vehicle presenter requests a ‘refusal to test’ decision in writing, the vehicle details should be registered onto the MOT testing service, a VT30 printed detailing the reason for refusing to carry out the test, and the test abandoned without a fee being charged.

Refer to Section N. MOT contingency testing procedures for guidance when contingency testing has been invoked