Timing belt

[benny3008]

is the timing belt on a car an MOT requirement? (as in no splits etc...)

[Count-A-Strong]

No

[Graham-W]

No, as in the Counts answer.
But, if it has got splits and cracks in it you'd better get it changed soon before you destroy your engine.

[alavahalf]

They dont need to look at he belt .... it should be changed as recommended by the car manufacturer... and I'm afraid that's the car owners responsibility.
The only way you can tell if it's perished, is to remove it and turn the belt inside out.
All the little cracks will show up between the teeth.
But if you have gone as far as removing it ... you might as well change it.

[TWR]

A point to remember regards the Belt Benny, when the car goes in for a MOT they will start your engine & rev the engine to its running temp, at times this is the time the belt snaps due to the sudden increase in rev's, I gather you are new to driving! if you are not Mechanically minded do not even try to change the belt on your own, If you do not get the timing spot on you can a valve hitting the piston, result complete strip down.

[maxi2]

If you are replacing the timing belt you should also replace any associated pulleys and tensioners at the same time. On some engines it is advisable to replace the water-pump as well. It is best to replace all items with original manufacturers parts, not pattern parts from other manufacturers.

[chas2008]

as TWR says, they will rev the nuts of it for emission tests, if it is likely to go it will...and they do...