Lighting Equipment

Items tested:

• Front and rear lamps
• Headlamps
• Headlamp aim
• Stop lamps
• Rear reflectors
• Direction indicators
• Hazard lamps
• Rear fog lights

Before the Test

The biggest single cause of MOT failures is lights; make sure that you check:

• Sidelights
  The two white (front) and two red (back) lights should be bright and of equal intensity. They must not flicker when tapped by hand. If you can see a dull glow from the indicators, fog lights or brake lights when the sidelights are switched on, there may be a a poor earth to the car body on the nearest sidelight.
• Headlights
  Both headlights should shine with equal brightness. When pointed at a wall or garage door, dipped headlights should show the two beams pointing slightly down to the left and level. When switched to main beam, the beams should be higher and central.
• Indicators
  Check that the front and rear indicators work; they should flash at a rate of between 30 and 90 per minute. Side repeater indicators on the wings must be working if fitted.
• Hazard Lights
  Make sure that all four hazards are flashing, and that no other lights are glowing dimly.
• Fog Lights
  Turn your headlights to dipped beam and then switch on your fog lights. If fitted, fog lights must work, as must the interior light on the instrument panel.