Read this Ultimate Guide before Submitting your Vehicle for the MOT Test

MOT is a legal test in the UK that is compulsory for car drivers. Car drivers have to submit their cars after the vehicle’s third anniversary for the MOT test to get a certificate. Moreover, after the first test, they must have the test every year to renew the certificate.

If you are a new car driver and have got a Car MOT Reminder from the nearest MOT center, we have to tell you a lot of things about the test. You need this information to increase your chance of success in the test.

Generally, several cars fail their test because of multiple reasons. You would not make similar mistakes if you were fully prepared for the test. Read this handy guide to enhance your knowledge about the MOT test.

General overview of the MOT test

The full form of MOT is the Ministry of Transport. This department introduced the MOT test in 1960. In the initial stage, the MOT required the cars to have the test after 10 years and it had limited items to be checked during the test.

Nowadays, the list of MOT has several components and a car owner has to submit the vehicle for the test after three years.

Generally, the MOT test checks lights, steering, suspension, wipers, windscreen, seats and seatbelts, tires, horns, exhaust, mirrors, bodywork, doors and windows, brakes, number plates, etc. during the test.

You can check many of these items before the test.

What is the proof of submitting the car for the test?

MOT certificate is the proof of the test and roadworthiness. This certificate is valid for one year. Next year, your car needs to have the test again on the same date. However, having the test earlier is also possible.

If the tester finds that your car has no mechanical faults, the driver receives a VT20 certificate. You need this certificate to drive your car legally on the roads of the UK.

How to replace a lot or damaged certificate?

You have to keep your MOT certificate safe to avoid any legal steps. If you lose the certificate or damage it unfortunately, you can get a new copy of the certificate from any MOT test center. You do not need to visit the original test center.

You have to provide the registration details of your car along with the V5C logbook reference number to get the replacement certificate.

You can check the status of your MOT online but getting a replacement is not possible with the help of the website.

How to locate a MOT center for the test?

You can easily locate a nearby garage or MOT center with the help of Google search. You can register your car to have the test in small garages. Moreover, you can check offers from big brands as well.

You can reach a good center with the help of social media. Moreover, talking to friends, neighbors or relatives can also help you to reach a valid center.

Expected time a tester may take to check your car

When you have located a center, you have to register your car at the center to get a date for the test. You must reach the test center on the same date with your car. Submit your car in the center and wait for the results.

Generally, the tester takes nearly one hour to check the vehicle. So, you can get your car after the end of the test easily if it has no faults.

If your car has mechanical faults, you have to repair your car to get it back because faulty cars are not safe for roads.

Types of faults in the vehicle

MOT centers divide mechanical faults into three main categories: minor, major, and dangerous.

Minor faults would not be responsible for the failure of the test. However, you have to be aware of the faults because of the risk factors in the future.

Major faults in your car will certainly disappoint the MOT tester. So, you would not get the certificate in the condition of these faults.

Dangerous faults are also responsible for the failure of the test.

After you find major or dangerous faults in your car, you have to repair the car as soon as possible to drive it again.

You can choose another garage to repair the faults as well. However, you cannot drive your car in the condition of dangerous faults. You have to tow your vehicle if you want another garage to repair your car. Driving the car is possible in the case of major faults.

Your options after failing the test

You have to repair major and dangerous faults to drive your car again on the roads. As mentioned above, you can repair your car with the help of the original center or you can choose another garage as well.

You may have a retest if you repair your car within 10 working days, after this limit; you have to submit your car for a full test again. If you are 100% confident about the condition of your car, you can appeal against the decision of the MOT center. 

The MOT department will arrange a test to check the condition of your car. After choosing this option, you cannot change the condition of your vehicle.