Every UK vehicle over three years old must pass an annual MOT test to meet legal safety and environmental standards. To carry out these inspections accurately, MOT testing stations require approved equipment and specialist tools.

Key MOT Equipment

MOT Testing Bay

An MOT bay must contain the necessary equipment to inspect vehicles and comply with DVSA requirements.

Roller Brake Tester or Decelerometer

These devices measure braking performance and help identify faults or imbalances in the braking system.

Headlamp Beam Tester

Used to check headlight alignment and brightness, ensuring safe visibility without dazzling other road users.

Emissions Analyser

Tests exhaust emissions to confirm the vehicle meets environmental regulations.

Vehicle Lift, Ramp, or Inspection Pit

Provides access to the underside of the vehicle for inspections of suspension, steering, brakes, and structural components.

Diagnostic Equipment

While not mandatory, diagnostic tools can help identify electronic faults that may contribute to MOT failures.

What Tools are Needed for an MOT Test?

The MOT Bay itself consists of a number of pieces of essential MOT Equipment, however, there are also a number of ancillary tools that are used by MOT test centres to make the MOT test fast and efficient.

Some of these MOT tools include the following:

• MOT tool board (tool storage shadow panel boards)
• Tyre Depth Gauge
• Corrosion Assessment Tool (CAT), also known as the MOT hammer
• Lever and Pry bars
• Hand Lamps
• Brake Pipe Corrosion Tool
• Wire Brushes
• Turning radius plates
• Tapley or Bowmonk electronic brake efficiency test meters
• 13-pin Trailer Towing Socket tester
• MOT Notice Boards
• Windscreen Damage Template
• Tyre Tread Width Gauge
• Brake Pedal Depressor
• MOT information posters
• MOT signs

Can MOT Testers Use a Hammer?

Yes, but only a DVSA-approved Corrosion Assessment Tool (CAT). This specialist tool allows testers to assess suspected corrosion without causing unnecessary damage to the vehicle. Standard hammers are not permitted during MOT inspections.

Need Help with MOT Equipment?

If you are setting up a new MOT Bay, upgrading your existing MOT Equipment or just need some additional MOT tools or MOT equipment, please give our friendly sales team a call at Concept Garage Equipment.

We can offer you advice over the phone at 01302 203 888, we have set up hundreds of MOT Bays across the UK and we have a huge range of MOT equipment and tools.