As a legal requirement, it’s important to get your lorry tested at least once a year to make sure it’s safe for use on the road. Commercial vehicle tests don’t need to be intimidating, particularly if you feel prepared for them. In this guide, you can discover everything you need to know about a lorry test.
The Key Features Tested
To help you prepare for a commercial vehicle test, it can be helpful to know some of the areas that will be tested. While not a definitive list, below, you can discover some of the key features of a lorry that need to be tested to pass its MOT.
Brakes
For your safety and that of other drivers, brakes are an important feature of a safe lorry. Brakes should be functioning at all times, as they are key to stopping a lorry in its tracks in an emergency. During an MOT, the inspector will check over your brakes, to ensure they are working.
Lights
Essential for driving at night or in foggy conditions, lights are important for road safety. Reverse lights, indicators and hazards are similarly vital, as they are required for notifying others of movements. During a lorry test, the expert will investigate whether these are fully functioning.
Steering
To make sure that a vehicle can move safely and at will, it’s important to have a steering system that works properly. During a lorry test, the experts will check over your vehicle’s steering system to make sure it is in a safe condition.
Tyres
As with a car or a motorbike, a lorry’s tyres must have the right tread depth and be in good condition to pass the MOT. These tyres require a minimum of 1mm tread depth for 3,500kg gross vehicle weight, so make sure your tyres exceed this minimum before going into your lorry test.
How to Prepare for an MOT Test
To effectively prepare for your MOT test, it’s important to keep your vehicle clean and well-maintained beforehand. Routine servicing and repairs carried out by experts can help to detect and address any problems with your vehicle before your lorry test. This will help you to ensure your vehicle is in its best condition when taken to the vehicle testing facility, increasing your chances of passing your test successfully.
Our Vehicle Testing Facility
Based in Derbyshire, our team at Transcare can help you determine whether your vehicle is safe for use on the road. We have a DVSA-approved vehicle testing facility, which can be used to thoroughly check over your lorry. Additionally, we offer professional maintenance services for lorries, helping to make sure any problems detected can be quickly addressed. Please contact us directly if you need to arrange a vehicle test or visit our website to learn more about our services.
