If you are doing MOT training, the first thing you should learn is MOT test methods, ongoing professional development (CPD) and the MOT inspection manual for motorcycles and sidecars (this is where the inspection of tow bar comes into the picture). You need to be within the government regulation to pass as an MOT tester in the United Kingdom. Finally, the MOT tester is responsible for maintaining the MOT annual training record to maintain authorised tester status. Since 2018, if you have a towbar installed on your vehicle, it will be inspected as part of your yearly MOT test, which is covered in Section 6 of the new MOT Training Manual, under 'Body, Structure, and Attachments. You also need to know that the Tow bar comes under group B (class 3,4,5 and 7 vehicles in the MOT testing category). Here are some of the critical elements that the MOT tester in their MOT training has to remember when it comes to testing a Tow bar of group B vehicles. At our Training Centre, Northampton, our trainers are the industry experts who will guide students to know the Tow Bar related MOT Testing methods.
Except for the towing eyes, all coupling devices and towbars installed on the back of a vehicle, including fifth-wheel couplings, will be inspected. In the inspecting process, Tow ball coverings will be removed so that the tow ball may be examined. If coupling mechanisms are located behind access panels in the bumper, bodywork, or detachable panel, they will be moved to check the coupling mechanism unless special tools are required. Loose-fitting carpets or carpets within the baggage compartment may be raised while inspecting coupling systems. Towbars will be tested in their 'in-use' position. However, if tools are required, the Tester is not necessary to perform it.
If a tow ball or pin isn't present at the testing time – because it's detachable, unlatched, or otherwise removed – but the attachment brackets are, the frames will still be examined unless they've been purposefully rendered unsafe use. Some detachable tow balls may have moved between the receiver socket and the tapering swan neck connection, with up to 3mm displacement evaluated at the ball end. Many 'bolt-on' tow balls have additional devices installed between the tow ball and the mounting flange. These will only be denied if their installation will jeopardise the vehicle's and trailer's roadworthiness. All the information mentioned above is the specifications required to pass an MOT test in group B.
The following will be rejected in the MOT test
• Pins, jaws, or hooks that have worn down to less than 25% of their initial thickness
• Locating holes for pins that have been worn or extended by more than 25% of their original diameter
• Two overly worn balls
• Components that are unstable, cracked, or damaged
• Improper towbar attachment utilising the incorrect size or type of mounting
• Absence of holding or locking devices
• Intentional changes to the tow bar
• Excessive wear between the removable tow ball and the receiver socket
• Damaged or unsecured electrical sockets
• The quick-release mechanism does not secure the tow ball arm.
• If the conditions mentioned above are found in the tow bar of that particular vehicle, you won’t be able to receive your MOT certificate
We are providing MOT tester training to the aspiring MOT testers in Northampton, which also includes the tow bar (hooking tow) that comes under group B (class 3,4,5 and 7 vehicles).
01604
422700
Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 6:00pm