Do All Doors Need to Open for an MOT Test in the UK?

The MOT (Major Occasional Test) is a Moto test required in the United Kingdom to ensure that a vehicle is safe to be driven on public roads. This article explores the specific requirements for door operation during an MOT, helping UK drivers and vehicle owners understand the standards and regulations.

Understanding the MOT Test

An MOT test assesses the overall condition of a vehicle, focusing on its structural integrity, safety features, and compliance with legal standards. The test evaluates various aspects of the vehicle, from tires and suspension to braking and emissions. It is a crucial checker of vehicle safety, ensuring that drivers and passengers are protected while on the road.

Do All Doors Have to Open for an MOT?

While the short answer to the question 'Do all doors need to open for an MOT?' is yes, the reality can be a bit more nuanced. In general, it is expected that all doors of a vehicle can be opened and closed. This includes both front and rear doors. The doors being operable is a critical aspect of the vehicle's functionality and safety, ensuring that passengers can exit and enter the vehicle as needed.

Specifically for the doors, child safety locks are allowed to prevent a child from accidentally opening a door that could result in injury. These locks do not affect the requirement that the doors can be operated, but they do provide an additional layer of safety.

Regulations and Guidelines

The general guidelines for door operation during an MOT test are as follows:

Main Doors: All main doors (front and rear) must be operable. This includes the ability to fully open, close, and lock/unlock. Secondary Doors: Some vehicles have secondary doors such as sliding doors or pass-through doors. These should be operable but may have limited functionality. Child Locks: Child safety locks are permissible and commonly used on rear doors. These locks prevent the door from opening from the inside while still allowing the driver or front passenger to open it from the outside.

Failure to meet these requirements can result in the vehicle failing its MOT test, which could lead to a series of issues ranging from an immediate failure to a deferred re-test and potentially even an increase in insurance premiums.

Consequences of Failing Door Requirements

There are several potential consequences of having doors that do not meet the standards required for an MOT:

Immediate Failure: If the doors cannot be opened or closed properly, the vehicle will likely fail the test, and a notice of failure on the registration will be issued. Deferred Test: If the door issues are identified but can be easily fixed, you may be able to re-test the vehicle with the corrected issue resolved. This often involves making small adjustments and then re-scheduling the test. Increased Insurance Premiums: Even if the doors open and close, failing the MOT due to any other aspect of the vehicle can impact your insurance status and potentially result in higher premiums.

Conclusion

While not all doors need to open for an MOT test, all doors must be operable. This includes the front and rear doors, as well as any secondary or sliding doors. Child locks are permissible and can provide additional safety, but they must not impede the operability of the doors. If you encounter any issues with your doors, promptly address them to avoid failing the MOT and potential consequences such as higher insurance premiums and increased risk on the road.

Always ensure that your vehicle meets all legal and safety standards to avoid any complications during the MOT process. This will help you maintain your vehicle's integrity and keep you and your passengers safe on the road.