Every vehicle in the UK requires an MOT test to ensure it is kept in a roadworthy condition. An MOT test consists of various checks to ensure that each vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards, which are required by law. The first MOT is due when the car is 3 years old and each year thereafter.
Under the DVSA (formerly VOSA) requirements, an MOT will test all these important items on your car to check that your car meets the legal requirements:
Body & Structure – The car must be free from damage and excess corrosions
Bonnet Catch – this will be tested to ensure it securely latches in the closed position
Brakes – their condition, efficiency, operation and performance will be tested to ensure that they meet the legal requirements.
Doors – both front doors must be operational and have the facility to be opened from inside and outside the vehicle
Exhaust & Emissions – the exhaust should be secure without any serious leaks and vehicle emissions should meet the necessary requirements which are dependent on the age and fuel type of the vehicle.
Fuel System – this should have no leaks and the fuel filler cap must fasten securely
Horn – the horn should be operational and of a suitable volume to be heard by pedestrians and other vehicles
Lights – All required lights are checked to ensure that they are operational, in a good condition and secure
Mirrors – mirrors’ will be checked to make sure that they are secure and visible from the drivers’ seat and that they are not distorted or damaged so as to impair the drivers view of the rear
Number plate – the registration plate should be present and secure, not faded, dirty or obscured. All letters must confirm to the approved design with the correct spacing between them.
Seat belts – all compulsory seat belts must be in place and are checked for security, operation and condition
Seats – the driver and passenger seats must be secure and all seat backs in a stable and upright position.
Steering – the steering wheel should be in an acceptable condition and securely attached to the steering shaft
Suspension – suspension is checked and must be of a satisfactory operational condition
Tyres & Wheels – tyres must be the correct size, condition, type and must have the correct tread depth
Windscreen – this will be checked for all aspects affecting the drivers view of the road, its condition, the wipers and washers
What should I take with me?
You should take your vehicles current registration document or the “V5” document as it is more commonly known.
What if my car fails the MOT test?
When your car fails its MOT test this means that it does not meet the legal requirements that allow it to be driven on the toad and must be repaired so that it meets these requirements.
In the unlikely event that you disagree with your MOT test results you can appeal the decision. For more information, visit direct.gov.uk
For more information about the MOT test scheme visit the direct.gov.uk website
How do I know if my MOT has expired?
You can check the current status of any vehicle online. The date of the last test, the mileage at the time of the last test and the expiry date of the test by visiting direct.gov.uk
