DVLA reclassification

trevskoda said:
North or republic.

Sorry Trev I can't remember that weekend is a blur now. When I had Murky tested a couple of weeks ago the examiner told me that just because his brake testing machine said it was a pass, it might not be when entered into the system. He claims the pass standard seem to change from day to day.
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SquirrellCook said:
Sorry Trev I can't remember that weekend is a blur now. When I had Murky tested a couple of weeks ago the examiner told me that just because his brake testing machine said it was a pass, it might not be when entered into the system. He claims the pass standard seem to change from day to day.
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Just a little note about MOT test procedures .... It is worth checking if there are any special notes recorded on the MOT system for your specific vehicle model. Some testers may be aware of them, some may not.
Example is the balljoints on Sprinters (and by association, the VW LTs). The design of these would result in a fail on an MOT the way the tester usually checks so there is a special note telling the MOT Tester how to check and what level of movement is allowed. (My own LT failed its MOT on this precise area prior to me buying it and I am sure it was not a real fail but just the tester not being aware of the note. I take a printout of any notes like this when I take the vehicle for its tests just in case ... ).
 
Apart from the ex test and wipers,horn lights etc you are not allowed on the main test floor here,there are side seats behind a crash rail<H & S> where you can watch the test being done which is a half hr long,some time i will sneak a vid cam in and post on here.
 
I suspect the same rules are supposed to apply here - a lot of garages, quite reasonably really, don't let you into the workshop.
However I don't see why they shouldn't escort you to examine something if you ask.
I'm just referring to the tester I've taken 5-6 vehicles per year to for the last 15 years.
So it's fair to say that we do have a working relationship.
He's seen our son and his girlfriend go through their first cars and now they've married and moved away they still come back to him.
 
Markd said:
I suspect the same rules are supposed to apply here - a lot of garages, quite reasonably really, don't let you into the workshop.
However I don't see why they shouldn't escort you to examine something if you ask.
I'm just referring to the tester I've taken 5-6 vehicles per year to for the last 15 years.
So it's fair to say that we do have a working relationship.
He's seen our son and his girlfriend go through their first cars and now they've married and moved away they still come back to him.
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Yup. some garages have a guard rail. others have a viewing window. The one where I said I have a look around I know quite well and so get 'closer' to the vehicle than other stations (but still don't wander around it while the testing is taking place of course!)
 
wildebus said:
Yup. some garages have a guard rail. others have a viewing window. The one where I said I have a look around I know quite well and so get 'closer' to the vehicle than other stations (but still don't wander around it while the testing is taking place of course!)
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When I took my truck for it's MOT last year,the examiners gave me a hand held two way then got me to drive over the pit,then gave me instructions,turn this,push that, brake,etc etc....it was quite nerve racking for my first MOT on this vehicle. The worst part was seeing them having a long discussion over the braking print out but not being able to hear what they were saying. I felt like asking for a rebate on the cost as I seemed to be doing most of the work...but I chickened out!
 
All the main test here is on an automatic shaker bench,the do a viz look at brake hoses steering boots lights etc,all is on a large lcd display to side of our lane,we have 4 car and 2 truck lanes.
 
Asterix said:
When I took my truck for it's MOT last year,the examiners gave me a hand held two way then got me to drive over the pit,then gave me instructions,turn this,push that, brake,etc etc....it was quite nerve racking for my first MOT on this vehicle. The worst part was seeing them having a long discussion over the braking print out but not being able to hear what they were saying. I felt like asking for a rebate on the cost as I seemed to be doing most of the work...but I chickened out!
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exactly what happens to me stops me getting underneath and having a look
 
Here is the craic for NI mot test.
No mot no ins but you can drive it to and from,seems contradictry to me.
 

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Those shakers are awesome tools for a tester on his own.
My man was amazed how many Vauxhall rear suspension bushes he failed once he started shaking the front end mechanically!
When he used it on my 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint he noticed a fluid leak - he'd practically emptied the master cylinder through it's breather hole!
It's not really designed for such a light car - I was happy for him to do it the first time as this was the first drive after a complete chassis up rebuild so settling it down and testing every suspension it and bolt was a good idea.
He's been a big steadier since when I take it in for the MoT it doesn't have to have.
Doesn't take long as so little to check really!
At least he realises that taper roller bearings need play so they don't bind when they warm up.

I read that there's a 2 month waiting list for NI MoT tests - you'd think that with a monopoly and exact knowledge of how many cars will be due I any week-month that they could roster enough testers.
They could hire them in from the mainland on short term contract if the can't recruit direct.
I take Trevors point about the free market over here but the overcapacity does give us choice and competition keeps the prices down.
 
I used to be very wary of the places that offer discounted MOTs and always went to the regular stations and also the Council Centres as they have no reason to fail a vehicle in order to get a repair job.
But having the Council fail a car incorrectly (so having to pay another test fee to get it retested elsewhere) put me off them.
And going to a "MOT for £40" test place for my VW LT - and using them initially only as the only place able to test >3.5t vans - I was pleasantly surprised by a straight pass with no advisories the first time; and a year later again a straight pass, no advisories (but an extra bill for around £4 for a new wiper and a side marker that was out, both checked by them (and not me!) before the test and rectified first so a clean result for the test. Well happy there.
 
I take mine to a garage that only does MOTs. I drive it in then operate lights, window wipers, horn and steering wheel. The only time any of the testers drive it is to reverse onto the rolling road to test the brakes.
 
I'm afraid the fact is that the "rules" haven't changed but they are being objectively applied to a limited set of pretty rereasonable guidelines.
I think I'm right in saying that we've not heard from anyone complaining that their van has all 5 and been refused.
Quite why they've tightened up we don't know and in practical terms members tell us that it makes little difference financially - except insurance in NI.
They isn't even a minor revenue gain for >3.5T as any vehicle can change to Private tax.
I'll sign it and whilst I don't expect any change we might get a reason.
 
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