The Motor Vehicles (Tests) (Amendment) (No. 1) Regulations 1991

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend the Motor Vehicles (Tests) Regulations 1981 in several respects. The principal changes are—

1.  These Regulations bring within the MOT testing regime, as a new Class VII, goods vehicles which have a design gross weight (as defined in regulation 3 of these Regulations) of more than 3000 kilograms but not exceeding 3500 kilograms. Such vehicles were formerly subject to the goods vehicle plating and testing system if they had an unladen weight exceeding 1525 kilograms. Exemptions from testing are granted for certain limited types of vehicles which would otherwise be brought within the testing regime. Transitional provision is made in respect of goods vehicles which are covered on the operative date by a valid goods vehicle test certificate, and in respect of vehicles which were previously excluded from the goods vehicle plating and testing requirements.

2.  Schedules 2 and 3 of the 1981 Regulations, which set out the prescribed statutory requirements and the manner and conditions of carrying out tests are replaced by a single new Schedule 2 which sets out the prescribed statutory requirements for the classes of vehicles under the Regulations. The manner and conditions of carrying out tests will be the subject of instructions and guidance given administratively to authorised MOT examiners.

3.  With effect from 1st April 1991 speed limiters become testable items on those coaches which are required to be fitted with them.

4.  Requirements of the 1981 Regulations relating to inspection reports and cards are removed.

5.  The fee of £18 is prescribed for the examination of a Class VII vehicle and the fee of £9 is set for the issue of a duplicate test certificate in respect of a Class VII vehicle.