| This is the procedure that the tester
followed during my test, it may be of use to prepare you for what will
happen when you get to the SVA centre. The Leighton Buzzard Test centre was divided up into 4 sections. Section 1 This is where the car first enters the station. The tester runs an emission test here first, you will need to present him with the proof of age letter from your engine manufacturer, he will also check the engine to make sure the engine number matches the one stated on the letter, and your paperwork. He then looked around the car, checking all the exposed edges for the correct radius, he will get his 100mm sphere out and go around the vehicle making sure that any contactable area has the correct 2.5mm radius. This is where he checks the front suspension, wheel arch stays, front grille, rear lights, mirrors etc. Section 2 We then moved forward onto the ramp, the tester gets you to sit in the car while he checks the underside of the car, gets you to turn the steering from lock to lock to check the front brake pipes and suspension bushes, you will also have to pump the brake pedal so he can check for leaks etc. This is where all the lights are checked, and the headlamp alignment. Section 3 We then moved the car onto the brake rollers. The brake machine goes through varying brake tests, weighing the car with it empty, then with you in it, then the front brakes are measured, then the rears. He then straps a pressure sensor to his foot and goes through all the tests again at varying pressures - this took about 20 min's to complete. Section 4 This was the final indoor section. The car is dropped onto another set of rollers, this time to test your speedo. You have to accelerate up to around 80MPH whilst he takes various readings from your speedo to test for accuracy. The outside bit We then moved outside where he performs the noise test, mirror test (checks the field of view behind). He will then test for steering self centering, and will perform an emergency stop to make sure your wheels lock up. Hopefully then he tells you that you have passed and issues you with your MAC. Overall my test took around 3.5 hours, he did say that some take anything up to 5 hours though. The only other thing I would mention is take every tool possible, tie wraps, foam padding, and the kitchen sink. Nothing worse than failing for something simple that you can easily fix, only to find out you've left your tools at home.. |