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Lamps, Reflectors & Electrical (Group A)

Headlamps and their aim, position and stop lamps, indicators, fog lamps, tell-tales and wiring — and how the manual categorises each defect.

What this topic covers

Headlamps and their aim, position and stop lamps, indicators, fog lamps, tell-tales and wiring — and how the manual categorises each defect. The full MOT Tester Annual Assessment app contains 40 questions on this topic, each referenced to its section of the DVSA manual.

Worked examples

Here are a few practice questions from this topic. Try answering each before reading the explanation.

Example 1

A motorcycle's headlamp is completely inoperative. What is your action?

A. Major ✓ correct
B. Minor
C. Pass
D. Dangerous

Explanation: A headlamp missing or inoperative is Major. Minor covers an LED headlamp with up to half its light sources out, which is not the same as a lamp doing nothing. Passing would leave a machine with no main lighting. (Section 4.1.1, defect (a)(ii))

Example 2

A motorcycle headlamp's aim is found to be outside the limits laid down in the requirements. What is your action?

A. Major ✓ correct
B. Minor
C. Pass
D. Dangerous

Explanation: Aim outside the laid-down limits is Major, alongside aim that cannot be tested and a beam image that is obviously incorrect. Minor is not offered for headlamp aim. Passing would leave a beam pointed wrongly. (Section 4.1.2, defect (a))

Example 3

A motorcycle's headlamp 'on' switch does not operate in accordance with the requirements. What is your action?

A. Minor ✓ correct
B. Pass
C. Major
D. Dangerous

Explanation: The headlamp 'on' switch failing to operate as required is Minor. The dip switch failing the same test is Major, because losing dip leaves the rider dazzling oncoming traffic. Passing would omit a listed defect. (Section 4.1.3, defects (a) and (b))

Example 4

A 2015 motorcycle has front and rear position lamps incorporated with the direction indicator lamps. The position lamps remain illuminated when the indicators are operated. What is your action?

A. Major ✓ correct
B. Minor
C. Pass
D. Dangerous

Explanation: A lamp adversely affected by the operation of any other lamp is Major. This is the multi-function lamp case DVSA names in the training topics: the two functions share one unit, and the position lamp staying lit makes the indicator harder to distinguish. Minor at this section covers colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements in isolation. (Section 4.2.3, defect (b))

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More MOT Tester study notes

Get all 40 questions on this topic in the MOT Tester Annual Assessment app.