MOT Testing
The MOT test (Ministry of Transport, or simply MOT) is an annual test of vehicle safety, roadworthiness aspects and exhaust emissions required in the United Kingdom for most vehicles over three years old. The MOT test was first introduced in 1960 as a few basic tests of a vehicle and now covers 20 different parts or systems on or in the car to check that they meet the legal standards. It isn’t the same as having your vehicle serviced and doesn’t check its general mechanical condition. The test doesn’t cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.
Car parts tested in the MOT test:
Standard cars require an MOT once they hit three years old, and every 12 months after that. You’ll need to renew your MOT before it expires – and the earliest you can do that is a month before the expiry date. If you don’t have the MOT certificate, you can check a vehicle’s MOT history on the UK GOV website. To do this, you’ll need the vehicle’s number plate. If you want to know the test location, you’ll also need the 11-digit number from the car’s log book.
Exceptions for MOT tests include historic vehicles over 40-years-old, counting from the date when they were first registered. These won’t need an MOT provided they haven’t been substantially changed in the past 30 years. When you tax your vehicle, you’ll have to declare that it meets the conditions for not having an MOT and – obviously – ensure that it remains in a roadworthy condition.
MOT Test Results
Dangerous
MOT Fail
Do not drive the vehicle until its been repaired!
Major
MOT Fail
Repair it immidiately!
Minor
MOT Pass
Repair as soon as possible
Advisory
MOT Pass
Monitor and repair it if necessary
Pass
MOT Pass
Make sure it continues to meet the standard
Once the test is completed, you will receive either a Pass or Fail, with a certificate. When this happens, the driver is issued with a VT20 MOT certificate. In the event of a Fail, the driver receives a VT30 certificate. You’ll have to act on the results where necessary, to avoid driving an unroadworthy vehicle or one with a major defect. To do so is a criminal offence and can result in a fine of up to £2,500, a driving ban and three penalty points.
What can I do if my car fails its MOT test? Don’t worry, we can repair any MOT fails, or we can book you in for another day if you’re not able to leave the vehicle with us straightaway. Also, remember you still have an MOT: even though it has failed, your car has a valid MOT certificate until the current one expires. Once the repairs are done, we offer a free MOT re-test within 10 working days from the date of the test! If you don’t think your car should have failed the failures can be disputed by completing a VT17 form (which is available online) within 14 working days of the test.
Pricing
Class 4
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It’s your standard MOT for most cars or motor vehicles that have up to 8 passenger seats. This also includes taxis & private hire cars, ambulances, motorhomes, campervans, most vans & smaller commercial vehicles that weight up to 3,000KG.
Class 5
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Vehicles are those of private passenger vehicles, motor caravans, ambulances and dual-purpose vehicles in all cases with 13 or more passenger seats.
Class 7
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The class 7 MOT is for bigger goods vehicles weighing from 3,000 – 3,500 KG and it includes larger Transit vans, lorries, high-tops and trucks.
