In the UK, vehicles that are three years old or older must pass a MOT examination. Without disassembling the vehicle at the time of the test, the test determines if the vehicle complies with minimal environmental and road safety criteria. The engine, clutch, and gearbox are not included in the test. Additionally, it does not represent a guarantee of the car's overall condition. Last but not least, it does not imply that the car is safe to drive for the term of the certificate.
When can a vehicle have its MOT?
The earliest date that your car can have an MOT test is shown on the MOT certificate. Typically, this is up to one month prior to its expiration date.
Where are MOT tests done?
MOTs are performed at authorized test stations. These can be identified by a blue sign with three white triangles displayed outside their premises. To become a test station, garages must meet specific criteria. This includes using equipment that meets the required standard specification for MOT testing and having designated test bays. There are approximately 19,000 test stations throughout the UK.
How much does an MOT cost?
The maximum fee for a car is £54.85, while motorbikes (without a sidecar) are £29.65. The MOT fee varies according to the vehicle being tested. For instance, it's more expensive to test a HGV vehicle than a car. MOTs are excluded from being charged VAT.
What happens during the MOT test?
There are a wide variety of important items that are checked during the MOT test to see whether they meet the key legal requirements at the time of the test. This includes external elements such as the body and vehicle structure, doors, mirrors, lights, bonnet, tires, wheels, wipers, washers, and registration plates. Internally, the seat belts, load security, brakes, horn, steering, and suspension are reviewed. For environmental reasons, the exhaust emissions are checked too.
The MOT tester will undertake the test and inspect all these areas. The test station must provide a designated area for you to observe the test being completed. However, during the test, you're not allowed to interrupt the MOT tester.
What happens once the MOT test is completed?
The result is entered into a central database. An MOT certificate is issued to cars that have passed. The computer record itself is the actual proof of a valid MOT, with the certificate simply being a receipt for the Full service Maidstone itself. Cars that have failed are issued a red 'refusal to issue an MOT certificate'. Any recommended repairs or items that need checking in the near future are sometimes listed on an Advisory Notice.
If your car has passed, you can simply drive away. Your MOT will be valid for one year from the test date. Should you lose the certificate, a replacement can be issued by the test center for a fee no greater than £10.
Cars that have failed need to be retested once any work has been completed to resolve any problems. Although it's common for the remedial work to be completed at the test garage, it doesn't have to be and can actually be done at any garage. Without a valid MOT, driving to and from the garage for the repair work is allowed, along with driving to the test center. However, although it's legal, it's advisable to contact your insurance provider to check if such journeys are covered. The car cannot be driven under any other circumstances.
It is possible to challenge a failed test result. This will involve discussing the result with the test center before any repair work is undertaken. Appealing against a failed result is done by completing a 'VT17' appeal form (from any test station), online, or by calling VOSA.
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