MOT Fail - no offside mirror

[shoestring7]

My 911 has just failed its MOT - pretty spectacularly it has to be said.

However one reason was "Obligatory Mirror missing offside [8.1.1]" - and its the fourth time the car has been MOT'd in this configuration and there's been no mention up to this point.

As the tester was a fat smug fecker asking for a poke on the nose I didn't really hang around to debate the point.

Have I just been lucky so far? Do I just need to find another MOT garage, or can I wipe the satisfied smirk from the fat git's face by sticking a suction cup mirror on the offside top corner of the screen?

>C

[Lightweight_911]

I've never had an early 911 that had a mirror on the passenger's side - or many other 'classics'

My Elan passed its MOT in July & my 356 in May - both at different MOT stations & both with only a single external mirror.

[Barry]

He's talking rollocks: just the interior mirror is sufficient for the MoT, but if any mirror is fitted it must be functional and secure.

Bottom line, if the car left the factory without, the MoT can't require you to upgrade to a more modern spec.

In fact, another example where we are lucky enough to enjoy a relatively sensible testing regime in the U.K.

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_810.htm

[shoestring7]

Ok, thanks Barry.

I just need to attach the steering rack that the last 'specialist' forgot to do up and I can take it back.

C>

[Ian 2.2S]

I've never had an early 911 that had a mirror on the passenger's side - or many other 'classics'

My Elan passed its MOT in July & my 356 in May - both at different MOT stations & both with only a single external mirror.

I'm confused. Is it RHD or LHD? The fail was offside, not nearside. I don't know about classic exemption, but I thought there should be a DRIVERS side door/wing mirror and a second mirror - rear view or passenger side. So if you have a van with bulkhead and no rear vision you have to have a passenger side mirror. Shoot me down if I am wrong

[redrobin911]

MOT man hasn't a clue.

My LHD 911 passed with rear view mirror and drivers side mirror - the "rule" seems to be that if is wasn't fitted with it then it doesn't need it. My mate has a 40's hotrod with no indicators - never has a problem as he told the MOT man - it didn't have any when it was fitted. Complain and ask for a re-test or a MOT pass. Numpties......

[914 KEV]

From the MOT Inspection Manual

[Ian 2.2S]

Great clarification Kev.
One slight problem - Method of Inspection 2. - a Durant mirror does not pass this test

[fetuhoe]

If the 'fat smug fecker' has recorded this on the fail certificate and you formally complain to VOSA he will effectively get the poke on the nose which he does seem to deserve.

VOSA operates a 'points style system' and refusing certificates for invalid reasons is worse then the original sin and ultimately can result in suspension or withdrawal of his licence to test.

[sfh3l]

My CSL has no exterior mirrors and has never been pulled up for it (many other MOT issues over the years - of course, but not that one).
"Smug fecker" - I love it!

[jamie]

Horrible. Dob this berk into VOSA, then perhaps ask a local classic car dealer which MOT tester they use. Good luck!

[Arfor Jones]

My car also has never had external mirrors, and neither of the two MOT stations which I have used have made any comment.

The local MOT man told me that when inspecting a car, he applies the rules as they were when the car was new, which confirms what has been said in previous posts.

Arfor.

[shoestring7]

Thanks all. I'm currently working through the issues and will re-present it after Goodwood with just the two mirrors. Although I suspect the u/s main beam is going to cause me a headache.

>C

[shoestring7]

From the MOT Inspection Manual

I re-presented the car this morning with the various problems sorted and a printout of the regs. above.

I was pleased to report that the(different) inspector passed the car - and was even quite complimentary!

>C

[bjmullan]