And that was going to be my next question…how do the chavs in the Corsas (other chav-mobiles are widely available) manage to pimp their rides with the after market HID bulbs etc and manage to pass an MOT without being auto levelling or without the wash kit fitted?
Harry Monk:
Suedehead:
A bit of rag tied onto the mirror arm, about an inch wide and six inches long used to do the trick.Yep, that’s what I’ve just done, cut up an old T-shirt into lengths and tied them to the mirror arms. Not seen it done for 20 years but as you say it used to do the trick. I’ll report back tomorrow.
well■■? 
Actrosman:
And that was going to be my next question…how do the chavs in the Corsas (other chav-mobiles are widely available) manage to pimp their rides with the after market HID bulbs etc and manage to pass an MOT without being auto levelling or without the wash kit fitted?
and for that i have an answer.
section 1.7 (head lamps)
http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m4s01000701.htm
(for those intrested that’s the manual mot tester use (class 1/2/3/4/5/7) all vehicle’s up to 3.5ton’s (some exception like motor home’s…)
infomation
Vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) or LED dipped beam headlamps may be fitted with headlamp washers and a suspension or headlamp self levelling system. Where such systems are fitted, they must work; however, it is accepted that it may not be possible to readily determine the functioning of self levelling systems. In such cases, the benefit of the doubt must be given. Headlamp washers may work in conjunction with the windscreen washers (when the dipped beam headlamps are switched on) or by a separate switch. HID lamps may be identified by: · taking a few seconds to reach full intensity · having a bluish tinge to the light · having an igniter module/inverter behind the headlamp · having ‘DCR’ marked on the headlamp lens. HID headlamps use high voltage and extra care should be taken when inspecting these items.
method of inspection
Where HID or LED dipped beam headlamps are fitted, switch on the headlamps and check the operation of any headlamp levelling and cleaning devices fitted.
Reason for Rejection just so it’s clear, we have a set list of what we can fail, so we can’t fail hid for being there, we can only fail the beam it put’s out if it doesn’t fit in to the pass critera.
as long as the beam patten match’s the requirement at the bottom of the page in the link below it’s pass, we can advise if we want to.
http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m4s01000803.htm
and the only other reason for rejection is this;
A headlamp levelling or cleaning device inoperative or otherwise obviously defective.
note, the wording, it say’s nothing about them being missing/not fitted.
so that’s why it pass’s a mot…
…and back on topic, just found the hgv mot manual… could come in useful…
http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/2013%20Consolidated%20HGV%20Inspection%20Manual.pdf
for the mirror regulaton it’s page 104.
the oracle:
Known makes and models over 3500kg that do not require wide angle or close-proximity mirrors are:
Iveco Daily
Johnston Sweepers 5000 series
Mercedes Chassis Cab Vario with two wheel drive and all Sprinters
Mitsubushi Fuso Canter
Nissan Cabstar
Isuzu N Series this is any Isuzu up to 7500kg
Renault Mascott and Maxity
Volkswagen LT and CrafterThere are a minority of vehicles which can achieve the view to the front without a front mirror, if you are in any doubt about the necessity for a front mirror contact TaSS Swansea.
The retro fitting of mirrors from 1 January 2000 does not include the front mirror.
Internal mirrors must be surrounded by protective material, this does not apply to vehicles registered before April 1969.
For the purpose of this inspection on a left hand drive vehicle the nearside is at the right and the offside at the left.
Close proximity and front mirrors must be at least 2m from the ground. If a vehicle is fitted with a low mounted cab so that the mirror cannot be fitted at this height it is exempt from the requirement to fit a close proximity and front mirror. Some Mercedes Unimogs fall into this category or the category of not being a forward control vehicle the U300, U400, U500 & U3000, U4000, U5000, Zetro 1833A and Zetro 2733A are exempt the front mirror but the U20 is not exempt and requires a front mirror.
I seem to remember a guy on Dragon’s Den with a mirror wiper gadget. He bought it out just as manufacturers started fitting heaters to mirrors as standard. It’s heated mirrors that stopped the need for the bits of rag.