Height requirement – This can be confusing at times so the easiest way to explain this is if you were to imagine a glass box around your MOT ramp.
The glass box must be extended 500mm from the outer edges of each platform left and right, 500mm to the rear of the ramp and 1000mm out from the drive on the end of the ramp. This glass box must be 3800mm high.
If that glass box fits where the ramp is to be installed, then the height is not a problem. If anything enters the glass box, this is a problem and it may cause DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) to reject your application. There may be a solution should you face this problem by using a slightly different configuration on the layout of the MOT bay, but this is dependent on the space available within your premises.
Some more essential MOT Bay dimensions to know
Height requirement – When using an inspection pit instead of a ramp then the height considerably reduces from 3800mm to 2400mm.
The use of a pit may be the only option available to you if you don’t have the required height or width within your premises.
Again, using the glass box to help, you will need to imagine your glass box 3600mm in width and 2400mm high the whole length of your MOT bay. If that glass box fits, then there is no issue.
Inspection Pit size requirements
Some more essential dimensions to know about using an MOT inspection pit
Height requirement – Use the same example of a class 4 MOT bay if you imagine a glass box around your MOT ramp.
The glass box must be extended 500mm from the outer edges of each platform left and right, 500mm to the rear of the ramp and 1000mm out from the drive on the end of the ramp. This glass box must be 4800mm high.
If that glass box fits where the ramp is to be installed, then the height is not a problem. If anything enters the glass box, this is a problem and may cause DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) to reject your application. There may be a solution should you face this problem by using a slightly different configuration on the layout of the MOT bay, but this is dependent on the space available within your premises.
Some more essential dimensions to know
Height requirement – When using a Pit instead of a ramp the height considerably reduces from 4800mm to 3200mm.
The use of a pit may be the only option available to you if you don’t have the required height or width within your premises.
Again, using the glass box to help, you will need to imagine your glass box 4200mm in width and 3200mm high the whole length of your MOT bay. If that glass box fits, then there is no issue.
MOT Inspection Pit size requirements
Some more essential dimensions to know about using a pit
When thinking about the layout of your new MOT bay whatever class of vehicle you wish to test, it’s always good practice to think about what you wish to do with the rest of the space you have available. For example, do you want to install a tyre-changing machine and wheel balancer, wheel alignment machine or other garage ramps or vehicle lifts?
Depending on your plans this could alter the way the MOT bay is configured. The MOT bay can be inline or side by side it may also include the option to carry out wheel alignment on your MOT equipment.
It’s always recommended to have your chosen equipment supplier conduct a site survey and discuss all your options available to you. This should then be backed up with a CAD design layout drawing. The drawing is a requirement of DVSA as part of your VT01 application also.
How long is your MOT Bay? And do you need help with the design, supply and installation of a new MOT Bay?
Concept Garage Equipment engineers are experts in MOT Bay layout design and construction and can advise on, supply, install and train you on all garage and MOT Bay equipment anywhere in the UK, we can also supply MOT Bay Packages to suit your individual garage needs.
Call us today on 0113 469 0572 or use the online contact form, and we will help you create the MOT Bay of your dreams.
The GEA’s aim is to act as a single focal point for our members, representing their interests within the Automotive Industry, and in liaison with other professional bodies and Government organisations.
