Mechanical Examination Certificates (MEC) testing standards

All Licenced vehicles must be tested once a year at a Council appointed testing station.
These are located at either Southcote Road in Bournemouth or Hatchpond Road in Poole.
All vehicles should be prepared in advance and presented in a clean and tidy condition
ready to pass the examination.
Testing is undertaken in accordance with the DVSA’s MOT testing guide and logistics UK
Best practice guide for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles.
GOV.UK MOT inspection manual: cars and passenger vehicles
Hackney Carriage and Private Hire: National Inspection Standards
Licence holders must also ensure the following requirements are met -

Item Tested Examination Standards

Lighting Equipment Front and rear lamps, headlamps, stop lamps, rear reflectors
and direction indicators must be in full working order, Must also
be free from damage and degradation and work from original
controls
Steering and suspension Steering control, steering mechanism, power steering,
transmission, wheel bearings, front and rear suspension and
shock absorbers must be in good repair. There should be no
cracked or insecure flanges, deteriorated couplings or
distorted/damaged shafts. Excessive wear and tear,
loose/missing items will result in failure,
Brakes Brake pad linings must meet minimum 4mm thickness.
Tyres and Wheels Tyre type and condition of all tyres including spare (where fitted
as standard) must be suitable for the vehicle application.
Minimum tread of 1.6 mm is required, with no heavy wear to
edges, Tyres over 10 years old are NOT accepted
Seatbelts Mountings and condition. No missing belts or damaged
mountings. Dirty or excessively frayed seatbelts are not
accepted
Drivers view of the road and All windows should be free of cracks and damage, no leaks
mirrors around windscreen and windows. Mirrors shall be free from
discolouration. All windows shall be unobstructed by any
stickers or advertising,
Horn Must work from original controls
Exhaust system Adequacy of grease shields to hot exhausts and no missing,
insecure or inadequate heat shields, DPF’s, Catalysts and any
emission control equipment must be free from tampering, and
fitted where originally fitted
Fuel system All pipes checked and secure, no damaged pipes. No fuel pipes
in contact with wiring or exhaust system. No badly perished or
poorly routed pipes. Replacement rubber hoses must be of
correct specification. (for fuel use)
Exhaust emissions Meets current testing standards Plated emission limits are
strictly adhered to, no visible smoke of any colour from DPF
equipped vehicles, missing or illegible emission limit plates may
be required to be replaced

Page 1 of 2
 Vehicle structure General repair of bodywork should be to a high standard without
excessive dents or scuffing. All bumpers and their mounts
should be secure and free from cracks, splits or obvious
damage. Any Crash structures (Bumper bars) must be free from
impact damage
Body Interior & Luggage space All internal seats, mats, boot area, internal doors shall be clean
without excessive wear and tear, interior must also be free from
unpleasant odours, All internal lights shall be in working order.
All windows shall be in good working order. Child locks in
working order. Boot easy to open and close.
Licence plates/discs Rear mounted plate and internal plate clear, clean and properly
fixed without excessive damage
Doors and seats All seats shall be secure and clean, no stains, holes or tears.
Seat covers should be correctly fitted and not obstruct
movement or restrict seatbelts and stalks Doors shall latch
securely checks made to door locks, striker plates, handles and
hinges. All door and window controls must work to original
specification
Electrical wiring & Check all wiring for condition, security, position, signs of
Equipment overheating, adequate insulation and damage. Batteries should
be in good condition, secure with no evidence of leaks.
Licenced vehicle specific ancillaries (Meter’s roof signs etc.t)
wiring must be kept tidy and secured. Permitted roof lights must
have a warning light, or a self-centring switch to prevent them
being left in the on position
Speedometer Must be correctly fitted and not damaged. Should be illuminated
Oil and water leaks Check oil and water leaks from any assembly or component.
Should not be evidence of any ongoing leak
Ancillary equipment For all WAVS’s the Wheelchair restraints, and any ramps must
(including LOLER) be present and in good condition without damage Ramps must
be securely stowed without any damage to coverings. Any
wheelchair lift must confirm to LOLER 98 regs
Trailers & tow bars If present must be in good condition

Fire Extinguisher, 1st Aid kit & Should be present and in good order. For fire extinguisher
Bulb kit should not be out of date. Incomplete or missing elements will
be reported to the licensing team
Illuminated roof sign Must illuminate
(HC only)
HC livery Door and bonnet stickers and blue stripe should all be
positioned correctly and accurately (not wonky) and shall be in
good condition. If faded or damaged these should be replaced.
Chequered plate – front N/S Must be in correct position and in good repair. If faded,
bonnet damaged or missing this should be replaced.
No Booking/No Ride signs Must be positioned correctly and in good repair. If faded
(PH only) damaged or missing this should be replaced
No smoking signs – Must be positioned correctly and in good repair. If faded
passenger entry damaged or missing this should be replaced

Any item found that could be detrimental to road, or members of the public safety which is
not contained above could also result in a failure at the testers discretion.

Page 2 of 2