Vehicle MOT Check

Ministry of transport, shortly known as MOT, conducts an inspection test in the UK for all vehicles. All vehicles must pass the MOT check to ensure that they are safe from accidents and other problems significantly. Those who want to buy used cars should check whether they have passed the test or not. A car vehicle that is three years old must undergo an MOT test every year to make sure it meets the safety requirements on the roads while driving.

What are the procedures followed in an MOT test?

An MOT test includes several checks on a car vehicle that will help to know whether it is in good condition or not. The test takes around 45-60 minutes in approved centers and a car owner can collect his/her vehicle when it is over. It will evaluate the conditions of tow bars, exhaust system, fuel system, brakes, seatbelt, tires, wheels, body, vehicle structure, and general items. If a car fails an MOT test, it is impossible to operate the vehicle on the roads. Therefore, a vehicle should pass the test with good scores.

Why is an MOT check important for used cars?

Buying a used car vehicle involves several risks and one should aware of them in detail to minimize unwanted problems. An MOT check is necessary for a buyer to know whether a car has a clearance certificate or not. Second-hand car buyers should give more importance to an MOT check because it gives ways to invest money according to needs. This will help a lot to ensure more protection from additional expenses and other problems to witness peace of mind. It even gives ways to evaluate the conditions of a car in detail. The nidirect website from the UK government provides more information about why the MOT check is important.

Where to check MOT details?

With the internet technologies improving day by day, one can do a vehicle MOT check online that will help accomplish goals to a large extent. A buyer should type the registration number of a vehicle to know the details of an MOT test and other things. Many websites offer free vehicle check services online enabling buyers to generate a report with accuracy. Apart from that, they make feasible methods to buy a used car vehicle based on the choices. The report is suitable for those who want to purchase a second-hand from a dealer which gives ways to reduce unwanted problems.

How long does an MOT take, and what is covered?

An MOT test does not take long. The test takes 45 minutes to an hour. If repairs are required after the test, the process will be prolonged. During the test, the following areas are examined:

• The exhaust will be checked to ensure that it is not noisy, falling off, or emitting smoke – and car emissions will be checked to ensure that they are within legal limits.
• Brakes, suspension, and steering will all need to be in good working order to keep you and other drivers safe.
• Number plates: to drive legally, your number plates must be visible and securely fastened.
• Bodywork: They will inspect the vehicle for rust, especially near critical components.
• Lights, mirrors, and doors: MOT will check that all lights and mirrors are properly aligned and that all doors – including the boot and the bonnet – can be securely closed.
• Seatbelts and airbags must function properly, and the seats must be in good shape.
• Tyres: There are legal requirements for the size, tread, and pressure of your tyres, which your vehicle should satisfy to pass inspection.

How Much Should an MOT Cost?

MOT costs are controlled, and MOT test stations can only charge a certain amount. The actual cost varies based on the vehicle type, but a car can cost up to £54.85, and a standard motorcycle can cost up to £29.65.

What Documents Do I Need to Bring to The MOT Test?

If this is your first MOT, you must bring your VC5 – your vehicle logbook. You will also need your logbook if your car has a new registration number. Otherwise, no documents are required, only the car itself.

How to Check If Your Car Has An MOT?

When your vehicle passes its MOT, you will be given a certificate to show that it. Check the date on your most recent MOT certificate if you still have it. Your MOT is valid if it was issued less than a year ago and you can order a new one if you do not have one. A vehicle registration and an 11-digit reference number from your log book (V5C) will be needed to achieve that. You can also check the status of your MOT online.  Every car’s MOT information in the UK is publicly available.

What are the Most Common MOT Failures?

Specific parts of vehicles fail MOTs more frequently than others due to how cars are designed, being more prone to wear, and so on. However, what exactly will fail an MOT? Below, we look at the most common MOT fail defects.

• Brakes: Brake problems account for 7% of MOT failures. If they are discovered to have excessive or unusual wear patterns, they will fail an MOT check.
• Registration plate: If you have serious damage to your front or rear number plate or the broken light above the plate, your vehicle will fail the MOT check.
• Tyres: Tyre tread depth is essential, and if yours is found to be insufficient – less than 1.6mm – your car will fail the MOT.
• Windscreen/ Wipes: Your car will fail the test if there are any chips or cracks that block the driver’s view of the road.
• Exhaust System: If your exhaust system is loose, noisy, missing silencers, or shows signs of corrosion, your vehicle will fail the MOT test.
• Lights: A failed MOT can be caused by faulty brake lights and indicators, from a broken bulb to poor headlight alignment.

What Happens After MOT Tests?

Your car will either pass or fail its MOT. If your car passes the MOT, the test center will issue you an MOT certificate, and your results will be entered into the MOT database. If any minor issues are discovered, the testing facility should provide you with a list so you can keep an eye on them or choose to fix them.

What Happens If A Car Fails An MOT Check?

If your car fails its MOT, you will be given a VT30 Certificate of refusal of an MOT Test. The certificate will explain why your car failed its test. A VT30 indicates that your vehicle is not fit to drive and needs to be repaired before you start driving it again.

What Are MOT Defects Categorizations?

MOT has classified defects as dangerous, major, or minor, which are noted on the MOT certificate. Your vehicle will fail the MOT if it has dangerous or major faults. If your car has a dangerous fault, it cannot be driven until it is repaired. Major faults should also be repaired immediately; your car can pass with minor faults but should be repaired as soon as possible.

What is Not Covered by MOT Check?

The MOT is about determining whether your car meets legal standards rather than providing a general assessment of its mechanical condition. An MOT does not cover the engine’s condition (except for the casings), clutch, or gearbox because these are not considered a safety risk. 

Will I Get Notified When My MOT Is Due?

You will receive a reminder four weeks before your MOT when you sign up if you have not had it tested two weeks before your MOT is due. And on top of that you will also receive notifications if your vehicle’s MOT has expired.

Only the vehicle’s license plate (registration number) is needed and a phone number or email address.

Is It Illegal to Drive Without an MOT?

Driving your car without an MOT is illegal, dangerous, and unsafe unless you are going to an MOT test center or garage. MOT tests are required by law to ensure the safety of the driver, passengers, and other road users while the vehicle is on the road. Driving without a valid MOT certificate if your car is more than three years old is illegal because you may endanger yourself and other road users.

How Much Does A Failed MOT Cost?

Retesting after a failed MOT may not cost you anything other than the cost of repairs to get the car back into safe to drive state. If you meet specific requirements, you may be able to pay a cheaper rate for your MOT; alternatively, you will be required to pay full price for another MOT test.

What Is An MOT Retest?

If your car fails an MOT test, the driver most likely chooses to have the faults repaired to obtain a pass certificate. After the repairs are completed, the garage can perform a partial retest on the car.  The car is only checked on the parts on which it previously failed. It is faster than retaking the entire test, and no fee is charged.

What are the Penalties for Driving Without a Valid MOT?

It is essential for road safety that all vehicles over three years old have a valid MOT, and the penalties for not having one are severe. If caught driving without a valid license, you may face a police warning or a fine of up to £1,000. These fines may also include points on your license or, in serious cases, disqualification from driving.

Can I view My Car MOT History?

This data is freely available from the DVLA’s free MOT Checker service. As soon as you sign up and enter your license plate, we will extract all of your MOT histories and update them after each MOT service.

Can I Insure A Car Without MOT?

You can legally insure your car without an MOT, although it must be declared ‘roadworthiness,’ which means it is fit to drive. Many insurance policies state that your insurance will be void if you do not have a valid MOT.

What does the FREE MOT history Report include?

• The current MOT status indicates whether or not the vehicle has a valid MOT.
• Indicate when the next MOT is due.
• The expiration date of the MOT test certificate.
• Previous MOT results.
• Failure notes provide helpful insight into the repairs performed on this car and have no impact on the car’s existing situation.
• Mileage was recorded at the time of the MOT test.
• Check a car’s MOT status.