MOT, what MOT ?


The M.O.T. test as we know it, was introduced in 1960. This was a compulsory test covering the lights, brakes and steering. Before the test was introduced, people would drive around with tyres that were not merely short of tread but were often short of rubber. All sorts of liberties were taken as people tried to run a vehicle on a very tight budget. A plan was put forward in 1955 to have a compulsory test for motor vehicles, but was thrown out by the Ministry of transport. The reason being, that they thought the public would not stand for it.
Traffic wardens, parking metres and the need of two back lights were only a few of the changes apart from the compulsory test that the motorist had to come to terms with in the late fifties.

Another novelty of the late fifties, that was more favourably received than the compulsory MOT, was the introduction of a plastic resin and glassfibre, for repairing holes and cracks in bodywork.
Since all the cars that would benefit from this wonderful new product, were mainly the older cars and had a separate chassis, it meant that you could repair non-structural bodywork with the filler and with the minimal effort and cost.

Developments in hand tools, welders and spray guns, apart from new technology in the paint and material side of the motor trade over the years, have meant that even someone with a small amount of training can do a body repair to a good standard.