The dreaded TLA (three letter acronym) ITV; enough to put the fear into anybody. And it’s not surprising; with shows like Coronation Street, GMTV and Jeremy Kyle…… Actually I am referring to the OTHER dreaded ITV, or to give it its full name the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos – the Spanish version of the MOT.
The 12 months between my last ITV and the last one seemed to fly by. The windscreen sticker with the hole cut-out in the month of October a constant reminder of need to get our faithful car, or Bessie, as we call her, tested and approved to be driven on the road.
I think this is what makes the ITV so daunting; not only could you be without your car, you also have the hassle and inconvenience (not to mention the cost) of getting it put right again.
I drove to the ITV test centre in Algarrobo and booked my appointment. This can also be quite daunting. Especially for somebody that has been living in Spain for 2 years but still seems to be stuck at Spanish for Beginners, Level 1. The reception area was heaving with people, mainly Spaniards, arguing about who was next to be served. I dutifully waited in the queue, displaying my deftness at queuing in true British style. The man in front of me, who I think was German, seemed to be having difficulty being understood and for a minute I considered coming back when it was less busy. The thought quickly passed. What am I; A man or a mouse?
The appointment was acquired very easily and was 4 days away, giving me the time to concentrate (for the first time this year) on getting the car ready for the test.
Now I know there are companies that charge to do an ITV pre-test and even to take the car to the test centre for you. My advice is that this is a waste of money. Before you take your car for the test, think of the obvious things; all lights need to be working (and the light covers unbroken), check your tyres, windscreen wipers and washers and top up your oil. I know somebody whose car failed because the battery was not secured. All the aforementioned can be sorted by the likes of me and my knowledge of cars pretty much ends at where to put the diesel, the oil and the washer water. My car needed some new wiper blades (I knew because I saw the flaps of rubber hanging off only the week before) and a brake light. I had both of these replaced at the service centre at el Ingenio shopping centre for €26, which I thought was quite good value.
So the big day came. I went into reception, paid the fee and returned to my car to await my turn to be called. The cars are called by registration over a Tannoy that is also playing Spanish radio. One tip I would give is to learn your car registration number as follows; the MA prefix is for Malaga, ours is SE, Sevilla, but most importantly the following number is said as a whole. So 1234 is not said 12, 34 but as 1,234 (mil doscientos treinta y cuatro). My turn came and I drove into the test centre. One major difference between the ITV and the MOT is that you are involved in the test, so the examiner asked me if I spoke Spanish. I answered “un pocito” and we seemed to cope. My next tip would be to familiarise yourself with the names of car parts. For example brake – freno, windscreen wipers – limpiaparabrisas and so on. Others things are not as obvious; when he wanted me to put the car into reverse to check the reverse lights he simply said “detras”.
As the car was connected to the kit to check the emissions, he asked me to open the bonnet and began poking around in the engine. He pulled out the dipstick to check the oil. I suddenly realised that I hadn’t!
After this you drive forward onto a rolling road to check the brakes; front, back and handbrake are tested. You then drive forward once again to an inspection pit and are handed a walkie talkie. Again you are instructed to brake and steer the car so that they can be inspected from underneath.
Once this is finished you are asked to drive out of the test area and wait. This is the nervy part. My tester started examining something on the computer screen. This has to be a problem; I knew I should have taken better care of the car. But the he simply handed me the relevant paperwork and the all-important window sticker and said “un año”.
So I would definitely recommend you to take your car for the ITV test yourself. It will save you money and is good for practising your Spanish.
I cannot however say the experience is a fun one. I am already counting the days until next years test!
By Andy Wilkes
