An MOT test is a yearly review that is a legal requirement on all vehicles in the UK that have been on the road more than 3 years (and a few vehicles that are more than 1 year). The test follows strict guidelines set by the DVSA to decide if your vehicle is roadworthy. An MOT test centre must complete a wide scope of vehicle checks with DVSA-approved inspectors, including lights, tires, safety belts and emissions. For a full rundown of what is checked during an MOT when you have your test, see our MOT guidelines.

During the MOT test, the named tester, an individual authorized by the DVSA to inspect your vehicle, will lead an exhaustive examination to guarantee the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition. In any case, it isn’t the same as having your vehicle serviced, and the MOT test doesn’t check the overall mechanical state of the vehicle. Additionally, the evaluation depends on the state of the vehicle on the day – passing an MOT doesn’t ensure the condition of the tires a half year later, for instance.

If the vehicle passes, the designated tester will furnish you with a pass certificate. They will likewise independently list and notify you regarding any ‘minor’ (in the past ‘warning’) items that will require consideration soon so you can watch out for them.

If the vehicle fails, you will get a rundown of the ‘major’ or ‘dangerous’ deficiencies present. On the off chance that these are simple fixes and can be tended to without your vehicle leaving the garage, you might be qualified for a free re-test.

Any vehicle registered for more than 3 years requires an MOT test certificate which then needs to be renewed every 12 months. If you have a vehicle that has not yet been on the road for 3 years, you don’t have to take it for an MOT test until it arrives at the third anniversary of when it was first registered. After this date, you must guarantee that the MOT certificate is updated each year.

An MOT is valid for a year from the expiry of your past certificate rather than a year from the day of the test. This is critical to remember when ensuring you’re not driving your vehicle when the MOT has expired. You can discover this expiry date on your current MOT test certificate.

There are certain standards about how early you can take your vehicle for its yearly MOT test. The test can be completed as many as 28 days before the expiry date appeared on your last MOT certificate. Should you take your vehicle for its test 28 days before the expiry, your MOT will be valid for the next 13 months. You won’t lose any days for taking the vehicle early.

For instance, if your MOT testament terminates on the 20th September, you can take the vehicle for its next test between the 23rd July and 20th September. The new certificate would then be valid until the 20th of September the next year.

We prompt booking your MOT early. Should your vehicle fail the MOT, you will be not able to reestablish your road tax without a valid MOT pass certificate.

An MOT is legally required to guarantee that your vehicle is roadworthy for use on public highways and isn’t producing harmful emissions. There are punishments that you could bring about if you don’t have an up to date MOT.

Without a current MOT pass certificate, you will be not able to drive your vehicle legally or renew the vehicles road tax. The punishment for not having an MOT certificate is a fine of up to £1,000. If your vehicle has not passed the test and is regarded as ‘dangerous’, driving this vehicle could bring about a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points on your license. For your vehicle to be classed as dangerous after its MOT test, it either represents an impending danger on the public highway or seriously affects the climate.

In the case you’re involved in an accident, and you are unable to produce a valid MOT certificate, your vehicle insurance could be influenced, particularly if the accident results in injury. Police and mobile camera units are also able to check remotely whether your vehicle has a current MOT. If your vehicle does not have a valid MOT, then you may find yourself getting pulled over.

You only need to bring the vehicle you need an MOT for on the day of the test. You do not need to bring your current certificate as we can look this up on the DVSA website.

The MOT test takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to finish.

The tester will check the following parts to guarantee each satisfies the base guideline set out by the DVSA prior to giving a MOT pass certificate.

The MOT test asserts that the Vehicle Identification Number, usually alluded to as the VIN, is available and legible on the vehicle. The VIN is a unique code which includes a serial number that is stamped on the vehicle. The area of the VIN will be different on different models of vehicle.

As part of the test we will check the condition, security, readability and the arrangement of letters and numbers on your registration plate. The spacing and lettering must meet current guidelines and ought not to be changed at all.

The MOT test checks the condition, function, security and shade of your vehicles lights. The test will likewise verify whether the headlamp aim is right.

The steering and suspension components will be checked to ensure they are in a roadworthy condition and are operating correctly.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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. 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.