Everything you need to know about MOT Tests

The MOT stands for Ministry of Transport. It is there to ensure that all cars are safe to drive on public roads. If you need your car regularly serviced and repaired, then it is recommended that you get an annual service.

Your mechanic will carry out a full inspection of your car to see if anything needs fixing before he starts working on it. He will also check that your brakes, lights, wipers, and tyres are all in good working order. He will also check your engine oil level and tyre pressures, and make sure that your exhaust system is clear of any blockages.

Vehicles older than three years and less than five years old should undergo annual inspections at an authorized MOT Holmes Chapel testing center. These centers check whether the car complies with certain important requirements of law.

Vehicles older than five years and those that have not undergone any inspection within the last two years will also require an additional inspection every six months.

The MOT test certificate relates only to the condition of the test items at the time of testing. It does not provide any guarantee about the future condition of those items.

There are many reasons why vehicles fail an MOT test. For example, the vehicle may need to have its tyres replaced before the next MOT test. Even if all the items pass the MOT test, the vehicle could still have defects.

These defects might affect the safety of drivers and passengers. We recommend you check your car regularly for defects.

If your car fails its MOT test, then you’ll get an MOT certificate showing what caused it to fail. You’ll also be given a list of repairs required for your car to pass the MOT test again. You may need to pay for any repairs yourself — although there might be discounts available depending on when you book them.

The average MOT test takes around two hours to complete. There are usually at least four technicians present during the test. Each technician needs approximately 10 minutes to check each car. If there is a problem, the technician will report back to the manager who will then notify the owner.

Depending on the severity of the issue, the car may require repairs before its next MOT. For example, if the car is not roadworthy due to a serious fault, a full MOT will not be carried out. Instead, the car will receive a partial MOT.

You may not be entitled to a free MOT if you’re taking your vehicle elsewhere for repairs. However, you’ll still be entitled to a partial MOT test, provided you return to the original testing center within the next working day. Should you fail to return in the allotted time, you’ll have to pay the full cost.

You can choose another MOT test center if you don’t like the one you’ve picked. You will need to pay the full cost of the MOT test at the chosen MOT test center. If you need full MOT testing and any necessary repairs, you may also need to pay for those services.

• Check all these aspects of your car to pass the MOT test
• Check all headlights, indicators, fog lights and turn signals are working properly. Make sure the headlights illuminate the road ahead sufficiently. Ensure the headlight beams are aimed forward and not toward other traffic.
• Check all tyres for any signs of uneven wear or damaged areas. Check all windows are clear of obstructions and debris.
• Check the seats for stains or marks that may indicate previous accidents.
• Check all seatbelts to ensure they are secure and undamaged. Pull the belts tight and pull them taut across your body. If you feel any looseness, tighten the belt further.
• Check that the windscreen is clear of any stones or dirt. Look for cracks or chips in the glass that could cause safety issues.
• Check whether the wipers are in working order and if there are any broken parts.
• Check the horn works well and sounds loud enough.

If you need to get your vehicle fixed at an authorized repair shop, you may be eligible for a free MOT test. However, if you miss the deadline, you’ll have to fork out for the full cost of an MOT test.

How frequently should a MOT test be scheduled?

An annual MOT is required for cars under three years old. You’ll receive a MOT test certificate upon passing your test, which will include your last test date and completion date, among other information. A month before it expires, you may commemorate the first anniversary of your automobile by getting it MOT checked if you so like.

Only if your most recent inspection revealed no “dangerous” issues and your MOT certificate is still valid will you be allowed to drive your car away if it fails the test. If not, you must address your issues first.

If your car needs an MOT, then you need to book it in advance. You can get an MOT online, or you can go to your local Car Servicing Holmes Chapel garage. If you’ve booked your MOT online, then you’ll need to collect your car at the garage before you can take it out onto the road again.