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.

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 soon so you can keep an eye on them.

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

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 do not 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. 

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 are not driving your car when the MOT has expired. You can find this expiry date on your existing MOT test certificate.

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 will not 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.

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

WHAT DO I DO 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 are asked to produce your MOT certificate following an accident and it is not 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.

HOW LONG DOES AN MOT TAKE?
The MOT test takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. We have a comfortable seating area with free tea and coffee and free wifi so you can make yourself at home and we will carry out your MOT while you wait. Or take advantage of the Tuck Inn Café situated on the A2 about a 2-minute walk.

WHATS 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.

Lights

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

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.

Seats

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

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.

Wheels & Tyres

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