What is an MOT?

An MOT test is an annual inspection that is required by law on all vehicles in the UK that are older than 3 years. The test follows strict criteria that is set out by the DVSA to determine whether your car is fit for purpose and in roadworthy condition. A broad range of vehicle safety checks must be completed by an MOT garage with DVSA-approved examiners, including lights, tyres, seatbelts and emissions.

 

During the MOT test, the nominated tester, a person accredited by the DVSA to assess your vehicle, will conduct a comprehensive inspection to ensure the vehicle is in roadworthy condition. However, it is not the same as having your vehicle serviced and the MOT test does not check the general mechanical condition of the vehicle. Also, the assessment is based on the condition of the vehicle on the day.

 

If the vehicle passes, the nominated tester will provide you with a pass certificate. They will also separately list and inform you of any 'advisory' or 'minor' items that will require attention in the near future so you can keep an eye on them. 

 

If the vehicle fails, you may be entitled to a free re-test.

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How often do you need an MOT?

Any vehicle that is older than 3 years is required to have a valid MOT test certificate that should be renewed annually. This means that, if you have a vehicle that is younger than 3 years, you don't need to take it for an MOT test until it reaches the third anniversary of when it was first registered. After this date, it is your responsibility to ensure that it is renewed every 12 months.

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How long is an MOT certificate valid for?

An MOT certificate is usually valid for 12 months from the expiry of your previous certificate instead of 12 months from the day of the test. This is important to remember so that you aren't driving your car when the MOT has expired. You can find this expiry date on your existing MOT test certificate.

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How early can you do an MOT?

There are certain rules about how early you can take your car for its annual MOT test. The inspection can be carried out up to 28 days before the expiry date shown on your previous MOT certificate. This means that, if you take your vehicle for its test 28 days before the expiry, your MOT will essentially be valid for 13 months. You won't lose any days for taking the car early. 

 

For example, if your MOT certificate expires on the 20th July, you can take the car for its next test between the 22nd June and 20th July. The new certificate would then be valid until the 20th July the following year.

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Do I need an MOT? 

An MOT is a legal requirement to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive on public roads and isn't producing too many harmful emissions. This means that there are certain penalties that you could incur if you don't have a valid MOT. To find out what these are, see the section below.

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What if my MOT has expired?

Without a current MOT certificate, you will be unable to drive your vehicle lawfully or renew your road tax. The penalty for not having a valid MOT certificate is a fine of up to £1,000, however, if your car has failed the test and is deemed as 'dangerous', driving this vehicle could result in a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 points on your licence. For your car to be classed as dangerous following its MOT test, it either poses an immediate risk to road safety or has a serious impact on the environment due to its emissions. 

 

If you're asked to produce your MOT certificate following an accident and it isn't up to date, your car insurance claim could be affected, especially in the case of injury. Alternatively, recent computerisation of the MOT testing system by DVSA means that police and mobile camera units can now check remotely to see if your vehicle has a current MOT. They can use your number plate to check their database and may stop you if your MOT is invalid.

 

What do I need to take with me?

The only thing you need to bring with you is the vehicle being tested! Our nominated tester will be able to look up your vehicle on the DVSA database to find the existing MOT details. You can even book MOT tests up to 1 month before your current due date without losing the existing expiry date, essentially giving your 13 months on your MOT instead of 12. Book your MOT online today.

 

How long does an MOT take?

The MOT test takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.

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What’s Included in an MOT?

The nominated tester in centre will check the following components to ensure each meets the minimum standard set out by the DVSA before issuing an MOT certificate.

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Vehicle Identification Number

The MOT test checks that the Vehicle Identification Number, commonly referred to as the VIN, is present and legibly displayed on the vehicle. The VIN is a unique code including a serial number that is stamped on the vehicle. The location of the VIN varies from one vehicle manufacturer to the next.

 

What is checked during an MOT test:

Registration plate

The MOT tester will check the condition, security, legibility and the format of letters and numbers on your registration plate. The spacing and lettering on the number plate must meet current regulations and should not be altered in any way.

 

Lights

The MOT test checks the condition, operation, security and colour of your vehicles lights. The test will also check to see if the headlamp aim is correct.

 

Steering and suspension

The MOT tester will also check the steering and suspension components for correct condition and that the operation is correct.

 

Wipers and washer bottle

During the MOT the tester will check your vehicle's wipers and washers ensuring they operate properly and give the driver a clear view of the road.

 

Windscreen

During the MOT the tester will check your vehicle's windscreen for any chips or cracks. The maximum damage size is 10mm in the drivers’ line of vision or 40mm elsewhere in the remaining area swept by the wiper blades.

 

Horn

The MOT test will cover the horn’s operation for effectiveness and suitability.

 

Seatbelts

All seatbelts including those in the rear of the vehicle are checked for type, condition, correct operation and security and that all compulsory seatbelts are in place.

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Seats

Your vehicle’s front seats are checked for security during the MOT test.

 

Fuel system

The fuel system is checked during the MOT test for leaks and that the fuel cap fastens and seals securely.

 

Emissions

The MOT test checks your exhaust emissions, ensuring that the vehicle is within the specified guidelines and that the exhaust is complete, secure, without serious leaks and silences effectively.

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Bodywork

Vehicle structure and body shell are checked during the MOT test for excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas of the vehicle. Any sharp edge can result in an MOT failure. 

 

Doors

The MOT tester will check that the doors open and close correctly and that the latch is secure in a closed position. Front doors should open from both the inside and outside of the vehicle. Rear doors may need to be opened to gain access to testable items like rear seatbelts.

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Mirrors

The mirrors on your vehicle are checked during the MOT test for condition and security.

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Wheels and tyres

The nominated MOT tester will check the vehicle's wheels and tyres for a number of key points: the condition, security, tyre size and type and tread depth.

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Brakes

The MOT tests the efficiency of the vehicle's braking performance, condition and operation. Most vehicles are tested on a roller brake tester. 

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For more information about MOTs and the checks carried out as part of the MOT test, Please visit the GOV.UK website

 

 

When is my MOT test due?

To find out if your vehicle has a valid MOT and when your next MOT test is due, visit the GOV.UK website and enter your vehicle registration number or just give us a call. Alternatively, you could find your current MOT certificate and look for an expiry date. The MOT can be completed on the vehicle up to 28 days before this date.

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