Failed MOT

Our electric socket folds up behind the bumper and to access it they need to move it down and then lift up the flap.  I am told that they are not allowed to do this as it would be like removing engine covers to view the engine.  Mine have never been checked on this vehicle and previous vehicles.

But strangely the old 12N socket is not tested 🤔

For whatever reason my MOT tester never tests mine.

another case for having a detachable tow bar and hidden electric socket?

From the MOT manual:

"Some tow bars are hidden behind an access panel in the bumper or bodywork. Unless requiring the use of tools or specialist equipment, these panels must be removed to facilitate the inspection of towbar components, as well as checking inside the luggage compartment, including lifting of loose fitting mats or carpet."

Why would you not want the towbar and electrics checked. Rather have an MOT fail than 6 points.

Why would you get 6 points if you check all your lights prior to leaving a site?  We always without fail check ours.

Whether they check our connection or not during a MOT does not concern us and regard it as a bonus if they do check!

Good that the MOT does check it and so easy to do ourselves if doing so with a partner, when the van is coupled up. Will put it on our routine so thanks for the heads up.

Is it something we would know had been checked or not, if not stood there to witness it or know by getting a fail? I have yet to have a 13 pin vehicle MOTed to find out but come May will.

Must admit I had never thought of that and we have never checked the fog lights largely because we have never had potential fog trouble when towing that I can remember.

I knew the tow bar had to be checked for rust and how its fitted but nothing about the electrics. as my friend own a garage that has mot testing I will ask him and his testers and report back to this page with the rules on tow bars etc. dave

4.10 Trailer electrical socket
You must only inspect the trailer electrical socket on vehicles fitted with a towing coupling.
If there's no tow ball or pin, but the attachment brackets are still in place, you must assess the electrical sockets if the tow ball or pin has been:
detached
unbolted
otherwise removed
You don't need to assess the electrical sockets if the attachment brackets have been deliberately made unfit for further use.
You don't need to assess the trailer electrical socket if you need tools or specialist equipment to remove access panels in the bumper or bodywork to gain access to the socket.
A trailer electrical socket with a defective or missing cover flap that incorporates a lug and spring to hold the plug in place isn’t considered to be a defect.
On vehicles fitted with a trailer 13 pin Euro-socket, use an approved device to check that the socket is wired to correctly operate the trailer:
position lamps
stop lamps
direction indicators
rear fog lamp
Defect
Category
A trailer electrical socket:

insecure
Minor
likely to become detached
Major
Trailer electrical socket wiring:

insulation damaged or deteriorated
Minor
insulation damaged or deteriorated and likely to cause a short-circuit
Major
A 13-pin trailer socket:

not functioning correctly
Major
not functioning at all
Dangerous

hi all 

my friend that owns a garage says that the tow bar and electrics if fitted must all work correctly and fit for the purpose. I asked him how he tests the electrics on 13 and 7 pin plugs. he said they have a test plug to use, so we all better check our electrics and tow bar before we have a mot. dave