Hi all, I've just cleaned the rear brake shoes and reset the adjustment, one side was stuck and out of adjustment. The handbrake seems to work much better (let's hope the MOT inspector agrees) but the lever comes up quite a way. I would like to know where the cable adjuster is? Is it in the central consul by any chance or is it underneath? Skoda Octavia MK1 estate BTW.

The handbrake is supposed to self-adjust so try holding the footbrake and pulling the handbrake up 2 or 3 times.

The adjusters are under the centre console, but as said, the system should "Auto adjust" but only if the adjuster wedge is free to move

Thanks guys for your help I've located the adjuster OK. I cleaned the brakes and the auto adjuster has worked as the handbrake works efficiently on both side (was more on one side). The handbrake holds well but comes up 6 clicks which might be the maximum an MOT inspector will allow (but I'm not an expert on this). The adjustment will allow me to bring this back to between 3 and 6 clicks.

As long as the handbrake holds and is within spec the car will pass regardless of clicks, you may get an advisory if the tester is feeling picky.