MOT - Reversing Lights

[Mobius1]

My Mum's car is due for an MOT next month and currently the reverse lights don't work. There have been other problems with it recently that we've had to fix, like one of the brake lights, the windscreen washer resevoir and the head gasket blowing!

The reverse light is a switch/fuse issue, rather than a busted bulb. Having looked at the RAC's MOT checklist though it says, "Front and rear lamps etc, headlamps, headlamp aim, stop lamps, rear reflectors, direction indicators, hazard lamps, rear fog lights."

Doesn't mention reverse lights specifically unless they just fall generically under rear lamps. Does anybody know what the situation with this is, whether they are a legal requirement and if they are required to pass an MOT?

[Kev_UK]

I drive american cars (automatic) and my reversing lights wasn't working at one time.. the switch on the gear shifter wasn't making a contact, but it passed it's MOT.  You are correct, reversing lamps are not a testable item (same as a rear washer & wiper).

The general rule is, if fitted they should work. One way around this is to fit another switch but it must have an illuminated warning light to tell you they are on (like with a rear fog lamp)

[KebabMeister]

Reverse light was never part of the MOT when I used to be a MOT tester.