Is it possible to have airbags de-activated, or is that an MOT failure if they are (how would they check?)
I have never owned a car with airbags, though doubtless I have driven a few hire cars with them, they make me nervous, and that in itself is not a desirable safety feature. I don't know whether my current car has ABS, I don't really figure on finding out. I used to drive an old series 3, and I drove that very cautiously (except for the time I crashed it into a hedge) the brakes were atrocious and the steering very imprecise.
As far as i understand it, as of Jan 2012 air bags if factory fitted must be working the air bag as well of several other dash warning lights are now tested.
There is nothing to be nervous of.
If they deploy it is a violent act for sure BUT if they don't deploy your body faces an even more violent act.
Air bags really are these best option if your involved in a collision, there is absolutely no doubt in that.
If your car was produced after around 1996 then there is a very good chance it has ABS.
There are exceptions, indeed there are cars that are still produced that are not fitted with ABS, but the vast vast majority of cars from 1996 onwards come factory fitted with ABS.
The first generation ABS systems of old were pretty poor, i have made comparisons with early systems and have found that on a small tight track i was able to consistently lap quicker with the ABS disabled.
BUT the newest generation is pretty fantastic and in my current 2005 Audi A3 the ABS system makes absolutely no difference to lap times, with current electronics your talking about the car carrying out measurements and reacting within 1/8th of a revolution of a wheel at 60 mph.
Should also say that even though i've been racing cars and bikes for just under 30 years, on a public road i would still prefer my car to have ABS.
I am well versed and experienced in brake modulation (to get to the point of locking up and release slightly) even with my left foot BUT still i cannot modulate anywhere near as quick as a modern ABS system, plus there are also times when even experienced drivers forget everything and just jump on the brake pedal.
There are (as always) exceptions like when driving on ice with unsuitable tyres, or certain off-roading where ABS can cause problems, to be honest though if your skidding over ice with no grip then ABS is the least of your worries.
So my advice is to leave the air bag and ABS to do it's job.