Device and method for the optical testing of a tire

An apparatus for optically testing a tire (10) having a center point (M), one in an axial direction (z) extending width (B The apparatus further includes a positioning means (30) through which the measuring head (20) in an observation position can be positioned and aligned in a direction of observation. With the aid of a control and display device (40) is the positioning means (30) controllable. The control and display device (40) has at least one panel (44, 45, 46, 47), by means of which the coordinates of the position of the measuring head (20) can be input. Alternatively or additionally, the control and display means (40) at least one display field (44, 45, 46, 47), by means of which the coordinates of the position of the measuring head (20) can be displayed. The coordinates are defined by a coordinate system whose origin (0) at the intersection of the tire plane (RME RME