I'd go along with rushjob on that one, and get a good brief to deal with it if it's an 8 pointer (no insurance carries a hefty markup with insurers too).
I'd also question how they determine they're not suitable for road use. Unless they have "Not For Road Use" blatantly visible of course.
The exhaust must be bsi or e-marked, and that's what is required for an MOT, also they cannot remove anything from the vehicle, so, if you happen to have a BSI marked plate, fixed to your cans, it's sufficient for an MOT, as you have a BSI marked can.
Extract from the testers manual on exhausts
www.motuk.co.uk/mcmanual_620.htm I know a few people who've used these,
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...2845 048&rd=1 or better still
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...sPageName=WDVW Also, I seem to recall that if the part is believed to be sub standard it must be tested at the expense of the Crown, which is such a ballache to process it gets dropped, especially if the test has any destructive element to it, as they'd have to replace the damaged item.
If they use SPL meters (noise level meters), the calibration argument comes into play, and I believe 80dB (drive by) is the current legal limit, also background noise etc can skew results. Mine read anything from 90-115dB dependant on what angle I hold the (uncalibrated) meter at.
Quick Edit
The limit is 80dB @ 50mph driveby.
[Edited on 25-5-2004 by Mr_S]