What is an MOT Test?
Any vehicle that is over 3 years old is required by law to have an annual MOT Test. This is a safety check to ensure the vehicle meets the minimum safety level required set out by the Ministry of Transport and authorised by a government body called the DVSA (Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency). As a vehicle owner it is your responsibility to ensure that the vehicle is examined and passes the test every 12 months.
MOT Tests and the law
Without a current MOT certificate it is illegal to drive your vehicle, you cannot renew your road tax disc and your insurance is likely to be invalidated. If your vehicle is involved in a road accident you will usually be asked to prove that you have a current MOT certificate. Any resulting insurance claim could be declined on the basis of the absence of a current MOT, especially in the case of injury.
The DVSA database is available to the police and road camera units can now verify if your vehicle has a current MOT; so you could easily find yourself in trouble if you have failed to renew your MOT certificate. The penalty for not having an up to date MOT test certificate is usually a fine and points on your driving licence.[/spoiler]
What does the MOT test include?
An MOT test includes both the safety of your vehicle and the level of emissions coming from the exhaust. In accordance with DVSA requirements, your MOT test will include checks on the following items. For motorcycles see our Motorbike MOT Testing page. Please click on each item below for more information.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
As part of the MOT test we must check the VIN is legibly displayed on your vehicle.
Vehicle Registration Plate
Our MOT tester will check the security and legibility of your registration plate according to the law.
Fuel System
Our MOT tester will check to ensure that the fuel system is not leaking and that the fuel cap seals and fastens securely.
Exhaust and Emissions
As part of the MOT test we must also check the exhaust emissions from your vehicle to ensure that they are within the required limits. The exhaust must also be complete, without leaks, silencing effectively and securely fitted.
Steering and Suspension
Our MOT tester will perform a check on the condition of the components of your steering and suspension system to ensure the safety and operation of these is safe.
Wheels and Tyres
Our MOT tester will check the wheels and tyres on your vehicle to ensure the tyres are the correct type, size and tread depth.
Brakes
An MOT test requires us to test the efficiency of your vehicles brake performance to ensure the brakes perform and operate safely. As part of this test your vehicle is placed on a rolling road brake testing machine to simulate road conditions.
Bodywork
The MOT test also includes the inspection of the vehicles bodywork, structure and shell to check the integrity of the vehicle for any excessive damage or corrosion.
Doors
Our tester is also required to check the doors of the vehicle are easy to operate; open and close properly and are secure while the vehicle is moving.
Lights
The MOT test requires a check of the condition, operation, colour, security and orientation of the headlights.
Horn
The MOT tester will check the operation of your car’s horn is working effectively.
Mirrors
The mirrors on a vehicle are checked during the MOT test to ensure they provide good visibility, are secure and in good working order.
Windscreen
Our MOT tester will check the driver’s view of the road by inspecting the condition of your windscreen and ensuring there are no chips or cracks that obscure the drivers vision of the road.
Wipers and Washer
To ensure that you have a clear view of the road at all times, the MOT test requires a check to ensure that your wipers and washer bottle operate properly.
Seats
The car seats are checked to make sure they are securely fitted and safe to use.
Seatbelts
All of the seatbelts are tested to ensure they are in place, suitable for the vehicle, functioning safely and in good condition.
What happens after an MOT test?
Pass:
If your vehicle passes the MOT test, a VT20 ‘pass’ certificate is then issued and your vehicle is considered officially safe to drive in the eyes of the law. In the interests of your safety any items that are not quite a failure, but worth keeping an eye on, are highlighted as ‘advisory’ items.
Failure:
If the vehicle does not meet the required standard and fails the MOT test; a VT30 document is issued and our MOT tester will explain to you the reasons why your vehicle has failed the test. We will then provide you with a quotation for the parts and labour needed for your vehicle to achieve a pass. At SLP we offer our customers a free MOT re-test on their vehicle if it is completed within 10 days.
Find out more about MOT tests and the law by clicking the link below.
Please contact our Customer Service team to book your MOT Test on:
01245 464 869
