MOTs
It is a legal requirement If your vehicle is 3 years old or more, to have an MOT. The MOT test, is an annual vehicle safety check to ensure it meets minimum safety standards and levels of exhaust emissions set out by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency)
During the MOT test your vehicle will be assessed, an inspection and a comprehensive series of checks on the vehicle, including the inside, outside, under the bonnet the underside. The MOT inspection checks the vehicle is in roadworthy condition. This is not the same as having your car serviced and the MOT test does not check the general mechanical condition of your car.
Each check resulted is recorded – if the car passes all of these tests, we will issue you with a ‘pass’ certificate. If your car fails its MOT inspection a VT30 ‘failure’ document is issued. The inspection is based on the condition of the vehicle on the day.
We will be notify you of any ‘advisory’ items that have passed the test but will require attention in the near future.
Without a valid current MOT certificate, you will be not able to drive your vehicle legally or renew your road tax. An invalid MOT could lead to a fine or ban. If you and your car is involved in an RTC you may be required to produce a valid MOT certificate. An insurance claim could be affected without a valid MOT certificate.
With the introduction computerised of MOT testing system by DVSA the police and mobile camera units can now verify remotely if your vehicle has a current MOT.
MOT Failures
Should your car unfortunately fail an MOT any failure points must be repaired before an MOT pass certificate can be issued. A valid MOT certificate is a legal requirement in the UK and you will be unable to renew your road tax until a current MOT pass certificate is issued. We will give you a report on the areas in which your car has failed and we will be able to provide advice in order to rectify any issues highlighted during the MOT test.
Free MOT retest
If your car has failed the MOT and is left at the testing station for repair and re-test and does not leave the testing station, then the re-test is free.
If the vehicle fails because of one or more specific items (see list below), provided the vehicle is returned for re-test by the end of the next working day, then no fee applies.
Free Retest Criteria
No fee will be charged for a retest if your vehicle is repaired and returned for a retest before the end of the next working day if the failure is for one of the following:
- Bonnet
- Boot lid
- Brake pedal anti-slip device
- Direction indicators
- Doors
- Drop-sides
- Fuel Filler Cap
- Hazard Warning
- Horn
- Lamps
- Loading door
- Mirrors
- Rear reflectors
- Registration plates
- Seat belts (but not anchorages)
- Seats
- Sharp edges or projections
- Steering wheel
- Tailboard
- Tailgate
- Tyres *
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Windscreen and glass
- Windscreen washer and wipers
- Wheels *
* Does not include MOT or bicycles and side cars
If your car fails on emissions due to defective exhaust components, it may not be necessary to replace the complete exhaust system. Even a small leak in the exhaust can affect test readings so have the exhaust components checked before having its MOT Test.