ITV test at the Almoradi-Orihuela road centre

It's the one I use and never have any problems (touch wood!).

Take your permiso, tarjeta and a print of your appointment, and get there a few minutes before your appointment time.

There are four lanes, the right hand one being for commercial vehicles. Park before the stop line. If there are cars waiting ahead of you, leave enough room so you can pull round them.

Go into the office and pay the fee. Start listening as you're walking back to the car. You'll soon hear a loudspeaker announcement calling you in to one of the test bays - be alert to hearing which test bay they say. They may call you by reg number, car make/model, or even just say 'coche con cita previa'. Last time I was called before I'd even got back to the car. The fun bit is driving round all the cars that haven't booked appointments!

The engineer will tell you where to stop. Open your windows and undo the bonnet. He'll open the bonnet then take a picture.

Tell him you're English - the engineers know a little, and are quite pleasant.

He'll check seatbelts, then want you to turn on all the lights and indicators and wipers/washers, including the emergency flashers.

Then you get out of the car and walk up to the pit at the far end.

The engineer tests brakes and emissions, then brings the cat up to the pit. You get in; he goes into the pit, and he'll ask you to put the brakes on and waggle the steering wheel from side to side while he checks brake hoses and steering and suspension joints.

All being well, he'll give you the sticker and print out. No need to go back into the office as you used to have to do.

Drive to the nearest bar and have a celebratory drink.

Thanks for your reply, very reassuring.

Jim

Just to let you know my car originally failed its ITV on 2 worn tyres and the need for headlight cleaning, but has now passed with flying colours! You were right, the Inspectors were generally pleasant and helpful. Thanks again for your recommendation.

I'm just glad you got it sorted, and hope my input made the experience a bit less stressful than it might have been.