Car MOT in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

The MOT test is an official roadworthiness check, which must be undertaken and passed on an annual basis by all vehicles over three years old. MOTs must be carried out at registered testing stations – which may be found at an independent business dedicated to testing, or exist as part of a garage. There are around 21,000 testing centres across the country, all of which display the office blue MOT sign.

MOT tests ensure vehicles are safe to drive, safe for other road users, and safe for the environment – but should not be confused for a service. Tests do not include the inspection of the engine, clutch, or gearbox.

There are five potential outcomes of an MOT test. Vehicles can receive a pass, or be given an advisory, a minor defect, a major defect, or a dangerous defect. A pass deems the vehicle safe at the time of inspection and requires no further action until the next MOT 12 months after the pass date. A vehicle with an advisory is still legal to drive but highlights issues that may require attention in the near future, whilst a minor fault should be fixed as soon as possible.

Major defects significantly affect the safety of the vehicle, meaning it cannot legally be driven until repairs have been undertaken. There is one exception to this rule – vehicles with a current MOT may be driven to a garage for repair.

Book your MOT with Auto Service & Tuning Centre today here.

MOT stands for Ministry of Transport – a government department now absorbed by the Department of Transport, though, the abbreviation MOT is most commonly used when referring to the roadworthiness test of the same name.

The MOT test is designed to test vehicles on aspects relating to safety, emissions, and general roadworthiness. All cars over three years old must meet the minimum requirements of the MOT by law.

The MOT test will ensure the safety of the main components of a vehicle, such as the steering and brakes, alongside additional systems and parts such as fuel systems, exhaust, tyres, wheels, body structure, lights, and windscreen. Safety features such as wipers, seatbelts, and warning lights are also inspected.

MOT costs are capped by government restrictions in Scotland, England and Wales. The maximum charge for an MOT is dependent on vehicle type – with cars costing no more than £54.85, and standard motorcycles no more than £29.65. VAT is not applied to this fee.

All vehicles over three years old are legally required to have a valid MOT pass certificate. Driving a vehicle without this could result in fees up to £1000, or prosecution.

Auto Service & Tuning Centre currently charge £X for an MOT. Book in here.

MOTs generally take between 45 to 60 minutes from start to completion – however, if the test reveals issues with the vehicle, or the vehicle fails, the additional work required to bring all components up to passing standard may take more time.

Our clients are welcome to make use of our reception waiting area for the duration of their vehicle’s MOT, and for any repairs, or leave their vehicle with us for a specified period of time.

The MOT test involves the inspection of dozens of aspects of a vehicle. Listed below are just some on the primary points of inspection;

• Horn – able to hold a continuous note and suitable for the vehicle
• Seats – secure in the cab, with front seats able to perform all required adjustments
• Battery – must provide electricity to all electrical components of the vehicle. All wiring must be intact and functional.
• Lights - front, side, and rear lights must be functional.
• Towbar and corresponding equipment if applicable – can secure another vehicle or trailer safely
• Steering – will be checked for a full range of motion, and locking
• Suspension – all springs must be fully operational
• Brakes – must be fully functional and adhere to road safety standards
• Tyres – treads and air pressure must be at recommended levels
• Seatbelts and airbags – must be fully functional and adhere to safety standards
• Registration Plates – must conform to all UK number plate display standards
• Exhaust and Emissions – exhaust must be secure and adhere to emissions standards for vehicle type
• Fuel System – all pipes and hoses must be secure and intact
• Windscreen and Wipers – windscreen must be fully intact with wipers attached and functional
• Mirrors – must allow for full, unobscured vision on either side of the vehicle
• Bodywork – will be checked extensively for corrosion
• Boot – must open and close safely and securely
• Doors – hinges and latches must be secure and allow for full motion. Must remain secure when closed.

There are five potential outcomes of an MOT test. Vehicles can receive a pass, or be given an advisory, a minor defect, a major defect, or a dangerous defect.

A pass deems the vehicle safe and requires no further action until the next MOT 12 months after the pass date. A vehicle with an advisory is still legal to drive but highlights issues that may require attention in the near future, whilst a minor fault should be fixed as soon as possible.

Major defects (also known as dangerous defects or issues) significantly affect the safety of the vehicle, meaning it cannot legally be driven until repairs have been undertaken. There is one exception to this rule – vehicles with a current MOT may be driven to a garage for repair.

Any vehicles failing the MOT under the inspection of Auto Service & Tuning Centre will be re-tested free of charge following the provision of a list of failed items with a corresponding price estimate, and the implementation of all necessary repairs.

As is mentioned above, you may be able to take your vehicle away after failing an MOT – so long as your current MOT certificate is still valid, and no dangerous problems were listed in the MOT.

Vehicle owners are normally issued a certificate upon the successful completion of an MOT, which lists the issue, and expiry date. Luckily, if this certificate cannot be found, there are other ways to check when your MOT is due.

You can check the MOT history of a vehicle, including dates using the gov MOT history checker. This government database provides some great data on vehicle history, including any prior points of concern, and resulting action taken.