What To Expect At Your First MOT Test

Never had an MOT test before? Don’t know what it’s all about or what to expect? This article will run-through everything you need to know. An MOT is basically a health check up for your car. It tests that your car is roadworthy and meets the environmental standards. If you’re wondering whether the MOT is something you can skip, the answer is NO. It’s a legal requirement. If the car you own is over three years old, you must take it for a yearly MOT test.

There are thousands of authorised MOT test centres around the country. Many of them are run by commercial businesses. Some local councils also offer MOT tests.

What do MOT tests check?

An MOT test normally takes no longer than an hour to complete.

As well as checking that your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration plate is legible and in the correct format, the MOT will also check over a number of your car’s essential parts and functions, including:

• Lights
• Steering and suspension
• Windscreen, wipers and screen wash
• Horn
• Seats and seatbelts
• Bodywork
• Doors, windows and mirrors
• Fuel system
• Emissions
• Wheels and tyres
• Brakes

There are some things that you can easily check yourself to boost your chances of passing your MOT and minimise the inconvenience of not being able to drive for a while. For instance, you can top-up your screen wash, check your tyre tread, clean your registration plate, mirrors and windows, and check for any dashboard warning lights which signify that something is wrong.

Can you still drive if you fail an MOT?

If your car fails its MOT test, you are only permitted to drive it if your existing certificate is still valid, or if you’re taking the car somewhere else to get the faults fixed.

How much does an MOT cost?

According to The Money Advice Service, the maximum fee an official test centre can charge for a car MOT is currently £54.85. However, there are plenty of centres that will charge less than this to offer a competitive service.

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