All You Need to Know About Your Car’s MOT Check
A test for vehicular safety and roadworthiness characteristics is mandatory after three years of purchase of a car in the UK. It certifies that various aspects of your vehicle are functional. You need to have the certificate to drive around the United Kingdom.
A total of 20,100 local garages like Roberts Tyres have authorised testers to issue MOT certification. You need to check your car thoroughly before you go for a check. Here are five facts you may be unaware of about your MOT certification.
- You can gain a ‘Pass’ certificate within ten days of a ‘Fail’ in MOT
If you leave the vehicle at the test centre for reconditioning, you can have a partial re-test free of cost within ten working days of the original test. If you plan to take the vehicle back to conduct repair and return it to the same test station within ten working days of MOT, you will be charged half of the total fee.
After the completion of 10 working days, you need to pay the full amount for an MOT check in Sleaford. You can pass the test once you carry out the necessary repairs mentioned in the advisory.
- Vehicles exempt from an MOT
Goods vehicles that run on electricity and having a registration date before 1st March 2015 do not need to take an MOT. Additionally, tractors and some classic cars are also exempt from an MOT. You can apply for tax exemption after filling up MOT exemption form V112.
Lightweight vehicles such as tram, trolley and hackney carriage are spared. A vehicle, except a public serving vehicle, registered more than 40 years ago and has made no significant changes in the last 30 years is also free from an MOT.
- Changes to MOT inspection guidebook
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) had introduced reforms in the inspection guidebook on 13th September 2018. They relate to the wording and clarity of some defects. The governing body has also changed the category of some faults from ‘major’ to ‘dangerous’. They have also added new defects in the manual to encompass all inadequacies.
A major or dangerous default means that your vehicle is not fit to be driven. If you are caught driving in such a car, you’ll be slapped with a hefty fine and penalty points against your license.
- Appeal for a failed MOT
If you think that your vehicle is fit to be driven around the city, although prescribed with a failed MOT, you can appeal for the same after filling up the complaint form. You need to fill it within 14 days of the test, following which DVSA will contact you within five working days.
If you succeed in defending your failure, you will receive an MOT clearance certificate. On the contrary, DVSA shall take the full amount for an MOT in Ancaster if you fail in your appeal. You need to fix a suitable date to have your vehicle rechecked.
Make sure you visit a reputable and authorised test centre for your car’s MOT.