MOT

WHEN DO i NEED A MOT?

Vehicles that are more than three years old from the date of their registration are legally required to take an MOT (Ministry of Transport) test every year to check it is roadworthy.

Upon your vehicle passing its MOT, you'll get an MOT test certificate with the date of test on it, and the date of expiry so you know when the vehicle requires a new MOT. If you choose, you can get the vehicle retested up to a month (minus a day) before it expires and keep the original renewal date.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN MY MOT IS DUE?

If you’ve lost your MOT certificate you can simply use the GOV.uk tool to enter your registration number and vehicle make.

This will check both your MOT status and tax status. You'll also be able to have a fresh MOT certificate sent to you for free to replace the lost one.

IS THERE A GRACE PERIOD ON MOTS?

Simply put - NO! As soon as your MOT has expired it becomes illegal to drive your car on the road. Doing so risks prosecution. You also cannot tax a vehicle without a current MOT certificate.

CAN I DRIVE WITHOUT A MOT?

Again, simply put - NO! The only exception is that you're able to drive your vehicle to its MOT test, so long as the test has been booked.

Our standard MOT charge is just £50

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WHAT'S INCLUDED IN A MOT?

Under the DVSA (formerly VOSA) requirements, an MOT will test all essential items on your car to make sure they meet the legal requirements. These include:

Exhaust and emissions - the exhaust should be secure without any serious leaks and vehicle emissions should meet the necessary requirements, which are dependent on the age and fuel type of the vehicle.

Seat belts - all compulsory seat belts must be in place and are checked for security, operation and condition.

Steering - the steering wheel should be in an acceptable condition and securely attached to the steering shaft

Windscreen - this will be checked for all aspects affecting the driver’s view of the road; its condition, the wipers and the washers.

Bonnet catch - this will be tested to ensure that it securely latches in the closed position.

Horn - the horn should be operational and of a suitable volume to be heard by pedestrians and other vehicles.

Number plate - the registration plate should be present and secure, not faded, dirty or obscured. All letters must conform to the approved font design with the correct spacing between them.

Lights - all required lights are checked to ensure that they are operational, in a good condition and secure.

Brakes - their condition, efficiency, operation and performance will be tested to ensure that they meet the legal requirements.

Tyres and wheels - tyres must be the correct size, condition, type and must have the correct tread depth.

Mirrors - mirrors will be checked to make sure that they are secure and visible from the driver’s seat and that they are not distorted or damaged so as to impair the driver’s view to the rear.

Doors - both front doors must be operational and have the facility to be opened from inside and outside the vehicle.

Seats - the driver and passenger seats must be secure and all seat backs in a stable upright position.

Suspension - suspension is checked and must be of a satisfactory operational condition.

Fuel system - this should have no leaks and the fuel filler cap must fasten securely.

Body and structure - the car body must be free from damage and excess corrosion.

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR A MOT?

There are a number of simple checks you can perform at home before bringing your car in for a MOT. We have provided the below informational video from the RAC to help.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CAR FAILS A MOT?

If your car fails its MOT, then you can only take your vehicle away if your current MOT certificate is still valid and no 'dangerous' problems were listed in the new report from the failed MOT. Otherwise, you must get it repaired before you're allowed to drive.

If you decide to take it to another garage to have the failed defects addressed then your car will still need to meet the minimum standards of road worthiness at all times or you can be fined.