General Condition Of Vehicle

Information 

Vehicle Structure 

Appendix A figures A to D show typical different vehicle structures where the shaded portions indicate the important load-bearing parts.

Body Security 

This part of the examination applies to vehicles with separate bodies. 

Individual Defects 

Individual defects are not subject to Reasons for Rejections 2 or 3 unless their cumulative effect is likely to reduce significantly the overall body security. 

Body Condition 

This part of the examination applies to all vehicles and includes body components such as bumpers, spoilers and mirror housings. 

Foot Rests 

Vehicles designed or modified to have footrests for the driver and/or passengers. These must only be inspected where it is clear that they are required for the safe operation of the vehicle. 

Method of Inspection

Vehicle Structure 

1. With the vehicle over a pit or on a raised hoist, check the vehicle structure for any fracture, damage or corrosion, not within the prescribed areas, which is likely to affect prejudicially the correct functioning of the braking system or the steering gear. 

Note:   The prescribed areas are those specifically detailed in Sections dealing with Steering, Brakes, Suspension and Seat belts. 

Body Security 

2. Examine the following items for presence, security, fracture, distortion, excessive wear or damage. 

• All fixings (e.g. brackets) securing the body and its supporting members to the chassis, 

• All fixings (e.g. brackets) securing the body to a sub-frame or supporting members 

• All securing bolts, rivets or welds for all the above fixings. 

Body Condition 

3. Check the condition of the body and chassis in the vicinity of the mounting points. 

4. Examine the bodywork and its components for excessive corrosion or damage resulting in sharp edges which are likely to cause injury. 

5. Examine the bodywork and its components for security 

Foot Rests 

6. Check driver and passenger footrests for presence and security. 

Bonnet 

7. Check that the bonnet can be secured in the closed position. 

8. Check the condition of retaining devices. 

Reason for Rejection

		Reason for Rejection	Deficiency Category
		Vehicle Structure
1		Any fracture, damage or corrosion not within a prescribed area which adversely affects braking or steering by severely reducing the strength of continuity of a main load bearing structural member.	MAJOR
		Body Security
2	a	Excessive displacement of the body relative to the chassis which might lead to loss of control of the vehicle when driven.	MAJOR
	b	Insecurity of the body or its supporting members to the chassis so that it is clear that there would be a danger to other road users.	MAJOR
3		Any deliberate modification, excessive corrosion, damage, cracks or inadequate repair of a load bearing body or chassis member which seriously affects its strength within 30 cm of the body mountings.	MAJOR
		Body Condition
4		A sharp edge or projection, caused by corrosion or damage, which renders the vehicle dangerous to other road users, including pedestrians.	MAJOR
5		Bodywork or its component insecure, likely to cause injury.	MAJOR
		Foot Rests
6		A missing or insecure footrest.	MAJOR
		Bonnet
7		A bonnet that cannot be safely secured in the closed position.	MAJOR
8		An excessively deteriorated, ineffective or insecure retaining device.	MAJOR