That's the problem with them, there is no consistency or common sense in their methods. Add to that the fact that they have absolute power is disgracefull. Didn't somebody on this site lose his bike entitlement on his licence due to their blundering? Unfortunately for me I have to deal with V.O.S.A. and the licensing authorities from time to time, and believe you me,.. no two same problems meet with the same outcome.
A mate tried to get a bike type approved last year to sell it on, it is a bog standard rev and go thing, only 4 years old with less than 1,000 miles under its belt.......... It failed!
It was built in the EU and he has all the type approval papers from the manufacturer. Firstly, the examiner told me to wait behind a barrier as two people going through the test process with him was?.........You guessed it, not allowed because of 'elf 'n' safety.'
All went well though untill he failed it because he couldn't see a kite mark on the exhaust. Fair enough you might think, but when my pal emerged and told me what had happened, I told him it was under the heatshield. Fuming, I stormed off to get the examiner, removed the heatshield in the car park, and showed him the kitemark.
He then told us that whilst he now accepted the exhaust was correct the test was concluded and logged as a failure with Swansea, and a re-test booking was needed. For those 'of a certain age' reading this will know, what happened next had me wondering when Brian Rix would turn up minus his trousers!........... He told us the bike must be presented complete with heatshield fitted so they don't burn themselves on it, but they also need to see the kitemark!........No problem says I, it only takes a minute to remove it. .....Can't do that Sir, says he. No work allowed on the vehicle allowed during the test, due to?......You guessed it again........Good old 'elf 'n' safety!........ A complete farce!
Good luck!