Gaz - just done the same - coffee mid morning ( off the coast of Maine USA )
Totally agree that MOT Testers have a world of their own.
When I bought my car I got it re tested even though it had plenty of MOT.
In 234 miles & 4 months later they were quite different !
Date of test: 27/02/2009
Certificate issued (Pass)
Odometer reading: 6,737 Miles
Test number: 6745380xxx
Test station name: xxx SERVICES LIMITED
Test station number: 2662xx
Test station telephone number: 0197768xxxxx
Test class: IV
Test expiry date: 26/02/2010
Advisory Notice issued
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)
Offside Front Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order but not adversely affecting beam image (1.2.4a)
Offside Headlamp not in good working order but not adversely affecting beam image (1.2.4a)
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order but light output not severely reduced (1.2.4a)
Offside Headlamp not in good working order but light output not severely reduced (1.2.4a)
Nearside Rear Parking brake Your vehicle has only just met the required park brake efficiency. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.A.9/10)
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Date of test: 22/06/2009
Certificate issue refused (Fail)
Odometer reading: 6,971 Miles
Test number: 6141138xxxx
Test station name: xxx & CO MOTOR ENGINEERS
Test station number: V101xxxx
Test station telephone number: 01904 60xxxx
Test class: IV
Reason(s) for refusal to issue Certificate
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.2a)
Advisory Notice issued
Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)
Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)
Centre Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2a)
All 4 tyres cracking between tyre treads
Was a good bargaining tool - the web is a great thing.
Suspension was 30 years old, lights are seal beams on the first MOT yes tyres were the original 30 year old Goodyears & yes carbs were sticky as 30 years old on the 2nd one.
Now stick to the same garage who did the last test every year plus he only charges 30 quid a test.
He has old Jags himself but still strict - was approx 0.2 % high on emmisions & had a look of <font color="red">fail</font id="red"> in his eyes until he floored it & we watched the timer count down on the machine saying all within limits.
Went home for a beer afterwards [:D]