Any MOT testers in the house?

[BTB 500]

Took our 2007 Vito Dualiner for MOT today and they refused to test it.

Reason given was that they need to inspect the floor panels, and this would not be possible with the built-in dog caging it's had from new:



This has never been an issue at any of the previous MOTs.

I pointed out that even if the caging wasn't there the floor panels wouldn't be visible - there's a thick plastic/foam covering on the floor (factory stock). Also asked how they would check this on (say) a camper van conversion, but they refused to budge. Obviously the floor is visible from underneath with the vehicle on ramp.

Can anyone shed any light on this - is it a new requirement? Obviously many tradesmen have built-in storage/racking/etc. or ply flooring, and would potentially have the same problem?

Meantime I've got it booked in somewhere else tomorrow ... fingers crossed.

 

[Doodle]

Given that they can't lift any panels/trim anyway (how often does the "Obscured by covering" line get trolled out), that would seem to be a load of old billhooks?

 

[moonloops]

Fill yer boots:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/complain-about-an-mot

 

[219]

Since they refused to test , I hope you refused to pay !

 

[ash59fifty-uk]

My van is fully lined with ply and racking from brand new, although they are the only things I can modify (fix to) as after a three year lease ends at MOT time we get new ones

Unfortunately I've never seen them after that point, my boss says most of it is removed as that's why we can damage it. Surely as OP says how can they check camper vans out and such

 

[whitenemesis]

Nothing in the manual leads one to believe this is a reasonable refusal. Perhaps they simply couldn't be bothered/to busy?

6.2

Original Design characteristics and specialised
modifications (e.g. to enable wheelchair access) are
to be accepted.

Every effort should be made to lift folded seats
to facilitate their inspection; however, this is not
mandatory where it would be unreasonable, such as
due to the presence of heavy, fragile or numerous
passenger effects or other articles.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...ion-manual-for-class-3-4-5-and-7-vehicles.pdf

 

[BTB 500]

Hmm .. thanks guys.

The MOT was a pre-booked slot, they didn't seem that busy, and I got a full refund. So there didn't seem to be any ulterior motive in refusing to test it.

I know with under-trays (for example) they simply note that they weren't able to check certain items because they weren't visible. It's not a reason to refuse the test.

 

[zipdip]

How very weird,I suppose nearly everyone of us has had the advisory about unable to see certain parts because they are shrouded,I was lucky a Merc owner sent me to a MOT tester who did not give advisories for the shrouding,I can only say try somewhere else maybe a member around your way can give you the name of a MOT centre that will MOT your van.

 

[BTB 500]

It's booked in for tomorrow somewhere else ... hoping there won't be a problem. Current MOT runs to the 28th.

 

[PobodY]

In the last couple of years I've noticed them pulling the carpet back to look at the strut towers (they invariably just use brute force and damage the clips).

Maybe it's a recent suggestion from VOSA and some of the testers are taking it as a requirement?

 

[BTB 500]

In the last couple of years I've noticed them pulling the carpet back to look at the strut towers (they invariably just use brute force and damage the clips).

Maybe it's a recent suggestion from VOSA and some of the testers are taking it as a requirement?

Yes that's entirely possible. But as mentioned the factory floor covering is bonded in place AFAIK ... e.g.

That's a basic panel van, ours has full interior trim panels (including roof liner) with no bare metal visible anywhere

 

[BTB 500]

So I took it to elsewhere today - no problem. Passed with no advisories.

 

[PobodY]

Maybe I need to find a new tester too. - There have been a couple of times when they've issued a failure, then given me the keys back and said "you can fix that yourself."

Whilst I could, and did, perhaps I would have been happy to pay a professional rather than spend my weekend on my back in the drive.

 

[jaymanek]

Sorry just saw this, im an MOT tester and I would have simply advised on the MOT.

I have always been told that if you cant see it, you cant test it and therefore you have to assume its ok. With certain exceptions of course.

 

[ExMercTech]

So would they refused Fridge vans..
They need a visit from VOSA.


Would they ask you to remove your seats and carpets to check your car floor.