Motor Vehicles (Tests) (Hansard, 25 May 1973)

§ Sir R. Russell
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give some examples of the variations in the items checked in compulsory testing of private vehicles in Western countries.

§ Mr. Peyton
In Great Britain the car test covers brakes, steering, tyres, headlights, side lights and reflectors and safety belts. Examples of additional items tested in Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, Sweden, and Maryland (USA) are:

anti-theft device^*

battery^*

body alignment^*

bumpers^*

dashboard lights

direction indicators

door handles and latches^*

engine^*

exhaust system

fuel tank

horn

licence plate lamps

mirror

noise^*

milometer^*

shock-absorbers

speedometer

stop lights

trailer coupling (where applicable)^*

tools and prescribed accessories^*

wheel balance^*

windscreen wipers

wings and bonnet^*

^*Not in all four states.

§ Sir R. Russell
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps designed to improve the standard of carrying out of compulsory tests on private vehicles as a means of reducing road accidents; and if he will make a statement on what has been done in this regard in the recent past.

§ Mr. Peyton
Tests of heavy vehicles are carried out by my Department's vehicle examiners to a high standard. I am examining with the organisations concerned ways of getting more uniform standards for the MOT test of private cars.