The MOT test (Ministry of Transport Test) is a yearly test to ensure your vehicle meets the UK's minimum acceptable safety, roadworthiness, and exhaust emissions requirements.
The MOT test is issued by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and taken across 23500 authorized test stations.
These test stations usually display an official blue sign featuring white triangles.
And the test involves a dozen of standard checks such as;
- Lights
- Wipers
- Mirrors
- Seatbelts
- Bodywork
- Fuel system
- Braking system
- Wheels and tyres
- Exhaust emission
The only vehicles exempted from exhaust emission test according to GOV.UK are ;
- Quadricycles
- Hybrid vehicles
- Electric vehicles
- Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
- Vehicles with 2-stroke engines
- Vehicles with fewer than 4 wheels
Engine condition, gearbox or clutch are excluded for all vehicles.
The tester is also forbidden from dismantling your car during testing.
Your MOT is crucial because you’ll be breaking the law if you don’t have one or it has expired.And your vehicle has to pass the test to remain operative.
Paying attention to your MOT helps you lower the risks of fines, and penalty points.
According to GOV.UK , you can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a car without a valid MOT.
When Should You Get an MOT?
You’re required to get an MOT test if your vehicle is over 3 years old and 4 years if you’re in Northern Ireland.
This means you’re due for an MOT at the third anniversary of your first registration date and subsequently the third anniversary of your last MOT.
You might also need to get an MOT for some vehicles at 1 year old for vehicles like ambulances and taxes, private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9 to 12 passenger seats), playbuses etc. Check out the MOT fees table for a complete list.
Also, in some areas like London, taxis and private hire vehicles are mandated to get the test twice a year.
The MOT is valid for a year and the date expires is printed on the certificate.
Only vehicles that meet the exempt criteria can operate legally without an MOT test or certificate.
And these include electricity-powered goods vehicles registered before 1st March 2015, tractors, classic vehicles over 40 years old that have undergone minimal modification in the last 30 years.
If your vehicle meets the exempt criteria, you just have to fill the V112 form to tax or register it as tax exempt.
Lorries, buses, and trailers don’t need an MOT. Another test is known as the ‘annual vehicle test’ is designed for them.
What Should You Do When Your MOT is About to Expire?
When your MOT expiry date is creeping in, you should find a testing centre close to you and book a test.
The earliest you can book a test so you don’t lose any time on your current MOT is on calendar month minus a day.
That means if your MOT expires on March 24, the earliest you can book a test to retain the same renewal date for next is February 25.
If you are looking for MOT Testing in Tunbridge Wells then look no further - our team are just a call or one visit away!
Even if your car fails the test, you get a comprehensive report on areas to be addressed.
And you get a free reset if you fix these areas and present your car for a retest within 14 working days.
Written on 27th June 2022