When a vehicle is first licenced, it must be mechanically inspected at one of the council’s testing stations, either Hatchpond Road or Southcote Road. The vehicle will then be issued with an Mechanical Examination Certificate (MEC).

The date of the first certificate becomes the annual inspection date for as long as the licence of that vehicle is active. The MOT will then be due six months from the MEC date.

Every year, you must present your vehicle for an MEC inspection. You will receive a letter giving you the appointment date and time for this inspection in advance. The mechanical technicians inspect a range of issues over and above a standard MOT. You must ensure that you regularly maintain your vehicle and it is presented in a clean condition.

Guidance for the MEC examination and its requirements can be found here.