Ministry of Transport (MOT) test

MOT stands for Ministry Of Transport and an MOT test is required to determine whether your vehicle meets the minimum road safety and environmental standards, so in other words whether it is roadworthy or not. However you should be aware that the MOT does not guarantee that your vehicle does not have any other problems because only basics checks are done and you are therefore encouraged to have a proper servicing done if you have any worries at all.

When are you required to have an MOT test done?

For a new car, the first MOT test should be done when the vehicle is three years old. Vehicles over three years should have an MOT test carried out on them every year. You will receive an MOT test certificate from the garage which will state whether your vehicle has passed or failed the test together with the details of the components the mechanic has tested. The results of the MOT test are sent to central database now which makes it easier to check the MOT history of any vehicle (especially useful if you are buying a second hand car!).

What will the garage mechanic check during the test?

When performing the MOT test, the mechanic will look at the most important components in your car to make sure they are in good working condition and check that the other things required by law are present and on permanent display (for identification purposes). Below is the checklist that a typical mechanic will use:

• Vehicle Identification number
• Registration plate
• Lights
• Steering and suspension
• Wipers and washers
• Windscreen
• Horn
• Seatbelts
• Seats
• Fuel System
• Exhaust emission
• Exhaust system
• Vehicle structure
• Doors
• Mirrors
• Wheels and tyres
• Brakes

If there is a problem with any of the things listed above, you will fail the MOT test and will have to get it fixed to pass your MOT. Remember that it is an infringement to the law if you are driving without an MOT certificate.

How do I find out when my MOT is due?

If you are not sure when your MOT runs out, it probably means you have lost your VT20/VT30 certicate which was given to you during your last MOT. You can however get the expiry date of your MOT from DirectGov website. You will need to have the registration number of your vehicle along with its document reference number which is found on the V5C registration certificate.

How much does the MOT test cost?

The MOT fee for most vehicles is £54.85. You should know that this is the standard price for the MOT test across Britain and does not include any repairs to your vehicle. Should you require any repairs, you will have to pay for them separately. However you may notice that some places will charge you less than this as there are always promotions and special offers on the test across many garages. You may also be offered a combined MoT and service when you book the test to save you time and perform routine maintenance checks on your vehicle.