MOT's
MOT Testing
We are a class 4 MOT site, our standards are set by VOSA (DVSA)
We would like to remind all of our customers that you can always bring your vehicle in for its MOT up to 30 days in advance of its expiry. You can do this without affecting your current MOT expiry date.
When your car is with us for its MOT, we’ll provide you with a free courtesy car so you can go about your normal day-to-day life until the test is complete.
Have you forgotten when your MOT is due?
FAQ's About MOT's
What is an MOT?
An MOT is an annual vehicle inspection which is required by law in the UK.
What is a Class 4 MOT?
Class 4 vehicles can be:
Cars, passenger vehicles, motor caravans, private hire vehicles, motor tricycles, quadricycles and dual-purpose vehicles in all cases with up to eight passenger seats. goods vehicles not exceeding 3,000kg design gross weight ( DGW ) taxis and ambulances with up to eight passenger seats.
Where do you take your car to MOT tested?
You must take your vehicle to a DVSA-approved examiner. We are pleased to report that we are DVSA-approved.
How often do you need to have an MOT Test?
Any vehicle over 3 years old is required by law to have a valid MOT test certificate.
How long does an MOT certificate last for?
An MOT certificate is valid for 12 months after the expiry of the previous certificate, as opposed to the day of the test.
How early can you take your vehicle in for an MOT?
Your MOT test can be carried out 28 days before the expiry date on the current MOT certificate.
My MOT certificate has expired can I still drive?
In short no, you will be unable to lawfully drive on UK roads, plus unable to renew your road tax.
What is the difference between an MOT and a Service?
An MOT test checks the important items on your vehicle to ensure that they meet the legal standards.
Do You Get A Free Retest After A Repair?
You only need a partial retest if you leave the vehicle at the test centre for repair and it's retested within 10 working days. There is no fee for this.
Guidance
Car parts checked at an MOT
Published 21 May 2015 - This below information has been taken from gov.uk and applies to England, Wales and Scotland.
About the MOT
The MOT tests some important items on your vehicle 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
gearbox
Car parts tested in the MOT
Boot / tailgate
Body / vehicle structure / general items
Fuel systems
Seatbelts / SRS
Steering / suspension
Wipers / washers
Windscreen
Electrical wiring & battery
Registration plates
Bonnet
Tyres / wheels & TPMS
Brakes
Horn
Exhaust system
Mirrors
Doors
Exhaust emissions
Towbar
Body, vehicle structure and general items
These will be inspected to check that:
they’re free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas there are no sharp edges likely to cause injury.
Towbars
Towbars will be inspected for:
secureness, condition, inappropriate repairs or modification.
The MOT tester will also check that:
the 13 pin electrical socket is working correctly
the speedometer is in good working order
the engine mountings are secure
Fuel system
The fuel system will be inspected to check that:
there are no leaks
the pipes and hoses are secure and in a good condition
the fuel cap fastens and seals securely
You should make sure that the key is available as the fuel cap will need to be opened.
Exhaust emissions
The vehicle will be inspected, depending on the age and fuel type of the vehicle, to check that it meets the rules for exhaust emissions.
Diesel vehicles
The MOT tester will refuse to test your vehicle if they think that the smoke test may damage your engine.
You should tell them at the start of the MOT if you think this may happen.
To reduce the possibility of damage and increase the chances of passing, you should:
keep your vehicle maintained at all times
have the camshaft drive belt replaced at the recommended intervals
go for the MOT with a fully warmed up engine - it will produce less smoke and is safer to test
not tamper with the governor settings
Exhaust system
The exhaust system will be inspected to check that:
it’s secure and complete a catalyst isn’t missing where one was fitted as standard it’s without serious leaks and not too noisy
Seatbelts
The vehicle will be inspected to check that:
the mandatory seatbelts are in place
they are suitable for the vehicle
they are in a good condition
they work properly
they are attached securely
The malfunction indicator lamps (MILs) or dashboard warning lights will be checked for the:
air bags
seatbelt pretensioners (which remove the slack from a seatbelt in the event of a collision)
seatbelt load limiters (which release a small amount of belt when it’s too tight)
Seats
These will be inspected to check that:
the driver’s seat can be adjusted
all seats are securely fitted and that seat backs can be fixed in the upright position
Doors
These will be inspected to check that:
the latch is secure in the closed position
the front doors open from inside and outside the vehicle
the rear doors open from outside the vehicle
hinges and catches are secure and in a good condition
Mirrors
The vehicle will be inspected to check for the minimum number of mirrors, their condition and security. Indirect vision devices will also inspected.
Load security
The vehicle will be inspected to check that the boot or tailgate can be closed properly.
Brakes
These will be inspected to check:
their condition, including inappropriate repairs or modifications
their operation and performance (the efficiency test) - the wheels and trims aren’t removed as part of the test
the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) (where fitted)
The MILs or dashboard warning lights will also be checked for the ABS, ESC, electronic park brake and brake fluid warning lights.
Tyres and wheels
These will be inspected to check for:
condition
security
tyre size and type
tread depth
Spare wheels and tyres are not inspected.
Vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2012 will be checked to make sure the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) MIL is working.
Registration plates
These will be inspected to check for:
condition
secure attachment
colour
characters correctly formed and spaced
Lights
These will be inspected to check:
their condition
operation, including high intensity discharge (HID) and light emitting diode (LED)
the headlamps for cleaning, self levelling and security
headlamp aim
main beam warning light working
Bonnet
This will be inspected to check that it closes securely.
Wipers and washers
These will be inspected to check that they work properly so the driver has a clear view of the road.
Windscreen
The windscreen will be inspected to check for:
condition the driver’s view of the road
Horn
This will be inspected to check:
that it works properly it’s suitable for the vehicle
Steering and suspension
These will be inspected to check:
their condition
steering oil level
they work correctly
for inappropriate repairs or modification including corrosion to power steering pipes or hoses
that the steering lock mechanism works properly
The MILs or dashboard warning lights will also be checked for the electronic power steering and steering lock.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The VIN will be on vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1980. Your car will be inspected to check that a single VIN is displayed, except on multistage build vehicles (eg van conversion, BMW, Alpina etc).
Electrical
Visible electrical wiring and the battery will be checked.
More information
The MOT inspection manual tells you:
everything that’s tested
how the MOT tester will check it
the reasons things can be failed