Ultimate MOT Glossary

Thursday 4th May 2023

If you’re a new driver or haven’t taken your car for an MOT before, it’s understandable to be nervous or apprehensive about your MOT. In this guide, we’ll explain some of the common terminology and acronyms you might come across when you take your car in for its MOT.

Remember, it’s a legal requirement for your car to have a valid MOT certificate. If your car is over three years old, you’ll need to book your MOT annually as driving without an MOT is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Book your MOT today!

Advisory

An early warning that a fault or issue with your vehicle will become an MOT fail in the future. To understand what different advisory notes mean, read our complete guide.

AE

AE means Authorised Examiner and is the organisation that operates and manages all of the Vehicle Test Services and is responsible for the quality of testing carried out. In our case Formula One Autocentres is the Authorised Examiner of MOTs.

DVLA

DVLA stands for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. This is a part of the Department for Transport responsible for driver and vehicle licensing.

DVSA

 DVSA stands for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.  

MOT

MOT stands for the Ministry of Transport, your MOT test is an examination which tests the roadworthiness of your car.

PRS

PRS stands for Pass after Rectification at the Station – this is the process where defects may be rectified within one hour of the test, but before recording the results of the MOT Testing Service.

QC

This stands for Quality Control.

RBT

RBT stands for Roller Brake Tester. This is an automated system that calculates the braking efficiency of a vehicle.

ULW

ULW stands for unladen weight. This is the weight of the vehicle excluding the weight of water, fuel or loose tools and equipment in the car.

V5C

V5C is the Vehicle Registration Certificate issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

VT20

A VT20 is the official term of an MOT Test Certificate. This will include any advisory information.

VT29

An MOT Inspection checklist used by an MOT Tester for vehicles other than motorbikes.

VT29M

The VT29M is the MOT checklist used by an MOT Tester for motorcycles.

VT30

A refusal or failure of an MOT Test Certificate which includes advisory information.

VT32

An advisory notice issued to the vehicle owner which advises the outcome of the inspection.

VIN

This is also known as the chassis or frame number but stands for the Vehicle Identification Number.

VRM

This stands for the Vehicle Registration Mark.

VTS

This stands for the Vehicle Testing Station.

Not found all the terms you’re looking for? Read our Ultimate Tyre Glossary or Auto Servicing Glossary for more information.

Our qualified technicians are fully qualified to perform your MOT, and what’s more, you can save money on your MOT when you book together with a full service. Find your nearest centre here.