What to Expect from Your MOT

Whether you're a first-time car owner or have been driving for years, you might be a little confused about what an MOT test is, how often it's needed, and whether it affects how you use your car.

We have all the answers to your questions, so if you want to know when your car needs maintenance, how much it will cost and what it will take, read on.

What is TO?

The MOT test, or simply "TO" as it's more commonly known, is an annual safety check that scrutinizes almost every area of ​​your vehicle to make sure it's still roadworthy. The process includes static tests conducted in the test center and short road tests. MOT stands for Department of Transportation and was the name of the government agency that developed the test in 1960. 

What is checked in the MT test?

There is a long list of components that a maintenance tester checks on your vehicle. This includes:

- Light, horn and electrical wiring

- Safety indicators on the dashboard

- Steering, suspension and braking system

– Wheels and tires

- Seat belts

– Body and structural integrity

— Exhaust and fuel systems

The tester will also check that your vehicle meets emission standards, that the windshield, mirrors and wipers are in good condition, and that no hazardous fluids are leaking from the vehicle.

What documents are there for MOT?

When the test is completed, you will be issued an MOT certificate that shows whether your vehicle has passed or not. If the certificate fails, a list of culprit errors is displayed. Once these faults have been corrected, the vehicle must be re-tested.

If your car passed the test, you may still be given a list of "recommendations". These are defects that were noted by the tester, but they are not significant enough for the car to fail the test. It is recommended to fix them as soon as possible, because they can develop into more serious problems, which will cost even more to fix.

How can I find out when my vehicle is due for an inspection?

The renewal date for your vehicle's MOT is listed on the MOT certificate, or you can get it from the national MOT inspection service. You will also receive an MOT renewal notice letter from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) approximately one month before the test is due.

What do I need to bring with me to MOT?

In fact, all you need to carry out maintenance is your machine. But before you hit the road, make sure that there is a washer in the washer reservoir - if it is not there, the car will not pass the inspection. Clean the seats in the same way so that the seat belts can be checked. 

How long does maintenance take?

Most workshops can pass inspection within an hour. Keep in mind that if your vehicle fails the test, it will take some time to correct the errors and retest it. You don't have to have your car fixed at the same location where it was checked out, but driving a car without maintenance is illegal unless you're taking it in for repairs or some other test.

When does a new car need its first MOT?

New vehicles do not require inspection until they are three years old, after which it becomes an annual requirement. If you buy a used car that is less than three years old, its first service must be on the third anniversary of its first registration date - you can find this date on the V5C vehicle registration document. Keep in mind that an older vehicle's MOT renewal date may not be the same as its first registration date, so check its MOT certificate or MOT check website.

How often does my car need maintenance?

Once your vehicle has passed its first inspection on the third anniversary of its first registration date, additional tests are required by law every 12 months. The test doesn't have to be on a specific deadline - you can take the test up to a month in advance if that suits you better. The test is then valid for 12 months from the end date, so you won't lose by taking the test a month before it starts.

However, if you do a new MOT much earlier, say two months before the deadline, the next deadline will be 12 months from the date of the test, so you will effectively lose those two months. 

Any auto repair shop can carry out an inspection?

In order to perform a maintenance test, the garage must be certified as a maintenance test center and have registered maintenance testers on staff. There are criteria to be met and special equipment required, so not every garage makes this kind of investment.

Did you know?

All MOT Test Centers are required to allow you to view the test and have designated viewing areas for this. However, you are not allowed to talk to the tester during the test. 

How much does TO cost?

MOT test centers are allowed to set their own prices. However, there is a maximum amount they are allowed to charge, currently £54.85 for a car with a maximum of eight seats.

Do I need to have my car serviced before passing the MOT?

You do not need to have your car serviced before an MOT test, but it is recommended that you have your car serviced annually anyway, and a freshly serviced car will be better prepared for the test. If your car breaks down during a road test, it will fail the inspection. Many garages offer discounts on combined service and maintenance, which saves you time and money.

Can I drive my car after its MOT expires?

If you are unable to pass an MOT before the current MOT expires, you can only legally drive your vehicle if you are going to a pre-arranged MOT appointment. If you don't and get pulled over by the police, you could get a fine and points on your driver's license. 

Can I drive a car if it doesn't pass the inspection?

If your vehicle fails an inspection before the current one expires, you will be allowed to continue driving it if the testing center deems it safe to do so. This is useful if, for example, you need a new tire and need to drive to another garage to get it. You can then return to the center for another test. It is always wise to book an inspection prior to the actual renewal date to give yourself time to fix any issues.

Can I park my car on the road if it doesn't have MOT?

It is illegal to leave a car that hasn't passed the current inspection parked on the road - it must be stored on private land, whether it be at your home or in a garage where it is being repaired. If it is parked on the road, the police can remove it and dispose of it. If you are unable to test the vehicle for some time, you will need to obtain a Off-Road Off-Road Notice (SORN) from the DVLA.

Will a used car be inspected before buying?

Most used car dealers get their cars serviced before selling them, but you should always ask to be sure. Be sure to obtain a valid vehicle maintenance certificate from the seller. It is also useful to have older certificates - they show the mileage of the car at the time of the inspection and can help prove the correctness of the car's odometer reading.

You can use the public MOT verification service to see a particular vehicle's MOT history, including the date and mileage it was inspected, whether it passed or failed the test, and any recommendations. This can be very helpful when looking for your next car because it shows how well the previous owners took care of it.

Does every car need maintenance?

Not every car needs an annual technical inspection. Cars under three years old and cars over 40 years old are not required by law to have one. Whether or not your vehicle is legally required to have a service, it's always wise to have an annual safety check - most service centers will be happy to do so.

You can order the next maintenance for your car at the Cazoo service center. Simply select the center closest to you, enter your vehicle's registration number and select a time and date that suits you.