The MOT tester evaluates the different aspects associated with your vehicle to ensure it is roadworthy. Once your vehicle is qualified, then you can drive your vehicle on the UK roads without any worry or hassle. Your vehicle complies with the current government-specified emission regulations that are checked through the test. But this does not assure 100% safety. Also, you need to be careful when driving on the roads to have a grand driving experience. Performing timely DVLA mot check is necessary to ensure making your vehicle safe on the roads.
Essential things to know
As per the UK government’s testing data, about 40% of vehicles fail the MOT test in the very first attempt. DVSA (Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency) specifies a few common MOT failures. Going through them will help you realize and avoid such issues.
Do a free check reg lookup
Simply enter your license plate number below.
Common MOT failures to know about
- Tyre condition and pressure: Among all defects, tyres tend to account for approximately 10%.
- Signalling and lightbulbs: Together, their failure account is about. 30% failures.
- Wipers, washers and mirrors: Driver’s perspective of the road’ tends to account for about 5% failure.
Difference between MOT and Service
The MOT does not verify if your vehicle is being operated as recommended by the dealership or manufacturer. The reason is MOT only evaluates vehicle emissions and safety. On the other hand, service evaluates if the vehicle is performing as expected or not. Service also examines a few components similar to that of the DVLA mot check. It includes brakes, seat belts, tyres, etc. Besides this, the vehicle is evaluated in greater depth.
Moreover, topping up the engine oil and brake fluid is not part of the MOT test something that is examined in a service. The latter is essential to ensure the vehicle performs efficiently for a long time. The vehicle might qualify MOT test. However, it might need to replace certain components like the fuel filter, catalytic converter and air filter. Such items are to be thoroughly evaluated, replaced and fixed regularly to prevent long-term damage. Hence, your car will require servicing at least once a year besides the MOT test.
In case your vehicle fails to clear the test, then you should contact a reliable garage to perform necessary repairs.
How to prepare your vehicle for the MOT test?
It is important to take adequate steps to ensure that your vehicle qualifies for the DVLA mot check on the very first attempt. Inspect those sections that may fail like the road view, tyres, signals and lightbulbs. Although a time-consuming process, these components can be ensured to be fully functional. The vehicle should be very well maintained to qualify for the test. Clean and replace headlight bulbs, wiper blades brake as and when deemed necessary. They should work perfectly to qualify for the test.
What should you bring along to the test?
Certain documents will be essential besides prepping the vehicle. Do bring your V5C (vehicle log book) and previously conducted MOT certificate.
If your vehicle does not qualify for DVLA mot check, then it indicates ‘major’ or hazardous faults. In case you receive an ‘advisory’ or ‘minor’ list, then these are issues to be recorded and addressed later on. However, your MOT will qualify.