A MOT is a test that all road vehicles in the UK must pass each year in order to prove that they are safe to drive. The acronym MOT stands for "Ministry of Transport," which was the government department responsible for checking vehicle roadworthiness when the test was introduced in 1960. The test is required for most vehicles over three years old and covers dozens of checks on the car, ranging from the brakes and fuel system to lights, mirrors, seatbelts, windscreen wipers, and exhaust system. The MOT test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch, and gearbox. The test and the pass certificate are often referred to simply as the "MOT". The decision to pass or fail each presented vehicle comes down to the discretion of the tester following the guidelines issued by the DVSA. An MOT pass certificate confirms that at the time of the test, the vehicle has met the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards. It does not mean that the vehicle is roadworthy for the life of the certificate, and regular maintenance is still vital.