MOT Testing

What it’s all about

An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual assessment of a car’s safety, emissions and roadworthiness, required by law in the UK for any car that is three or more years old to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive.

How does it work?

MOT checks can only be carried out at garages with technicians that have been officially certified by the DVSA (formerly VOSA). Cars that do not have a valid, up-to-date MOT certificate are not legally allowed to drive on UK roads and may have their insurance invalidated. You can also be fined up to £1000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT Certificate.

What’s involved in an MOT?

The mechanic will typically work through a standard checklist that includes your:

Vehicle identification number (VIN)

MOT tests will check the Vehicle Identification Number or VIN is visibly displayed on the vehicle. The VIN is essentially a unique serial number that’s stamped into the inside of the vehicle.

Registration plate

The mechanic running through the MOT will check the registration plate to make sure it meets currents regulations. This includes the spacing and lettering but also the condition and stability of the license plate.

Lights

The MOT will run through a set list of checks including the colour, condition, safety and aim of your car lights. Headlights, rear lights, fog lights, brake lights, indicator lights and hazard lights. If any bulbs are blown, we are able to replace the bulbs if you decide to go ahead with the MOT repairs.   

Steering and suspension

The person conducting the MOT will check that the steering and suspension is operating normally and that both are in good condition.

Wipers and washers

The MOT tester also checks that the wipers and washers give the driver a clear view through the windscreen.

Windscreen

The tester will check to make sure the windscreen is free of any damage such as cracks or chips. If the damage exceeds 10mm within the driver’s line of sight this will be considered dangerous and will have to be changed.

Horn

During the MOT, the tester will check that the horn is functioning normally.

Seat belts and seats

The MOT will check the condition of the vehicle’s front seats for their safety. The seatbelts are also checked over for their condition and safety.

Doors

The tester will check the functionality of the doors to make sure they open and close correctly and are secure when closed.

Mirrors

The vehicle’s wing mirrors will be checked during the test to see if they’re in good, working condition.

Wheels and tyres

The condition of wheels and tyres are a hot topic at the moment in terms of public awareness.

They’ll be checked for condition and security but also tread depth to make sure they’re not too worn to the point of being dangerous. Check if all tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. Also, check if the tyre tread depth is at least 1.6mm – the legal minimum.

Brakes

The MOT tester will check the condition of the brakes to make sure they’re functioning normally and safely. This includes brake pads, brake discs, brake pipes. 

Fuel system

During an MOT test, the fuel system will be checked for leaks to make sure it’s functioning properly.

Exhaust system & Emission

The condition of the exhaust will be checked for leaks that may be considered not safe. The MOT tester will check that the vehicle’s emissions fall within safety guidelines.

Class 4 & Class 7 MOTs Explained

A Class 4 MOT is the most common type of test and here is a rundown of which vehicles need to get a Class 4 MOT:

• Cars that carry up to eight passengers
• Motor caravans
• Three-wheeled vehicles that weigh more than 450 kg
• Quads that are a maximum of 400 kg of unladen weight
• Goods carrying quads with a weight limit of 500 kg and maximum net power of 15 kW
• Dual-purpose vehicles
• Private hire and public service vehicles with up to eight seats
• Ambulances, taxis and private passenger vehicles

A Class 7 MOT is required for the following vehicles:

Commercial goods vehicles that weigh between 3,000 kg and 3,500 kg

This often includes but is not limited to the following vehicles:

• Ford Transit
• Mercedes Sprinter
• Renault Traffic

What if your car fails its MOT?

If the inspection picks up a problem related to any of the listed things that’s classed as ‘major’ or ‘dangerous’, your car will fail the test. You’ll receive a VT30 certificate outlining the reasons for the failure.

You’ll then need to have the repairs carried out and your car will be retested. On a MOT retest the test can be partial to cover only the faults discovered during the first test.

There is no extra charge for an MOT retest, standard class 4 cars are £40 and class 7 is £50.

However, if you want to take it elsewhere, the car will have to be fixed within 10 workings days. If you exceed this your car will have to undergo another full MOT.

The test can also identify other, less immediate problems. The mechanic may include some ‘minor faults’ on your certificate. These are problems which aren’t yet serious enough to cause your car to fail its MOT. For example, your tyres may be worn, although not yet below the legal limit.

However, these problems should be addressed sooner rather than later, as they may worsen. If unattended, these may cause you to fail your MOT the following year, or become dangerous.

We also offer an MOT reminder free of charge, will send you a reminder via email or post 1 month before your MOT is due to expire to allow you plenty time to book your car in the garage.

Worried you will forget when your MOT is due?

Join our MOT reminder service.