An MOT test is an annual inspection that is required by law on all vehicles in the UK that are older than 3 years (and some vehicles that are older than 1 year). The test follows strict criteria set by the DVSA to determine whether your car is safe to drive on the road. Vehicle safety checks must be completed by an MOT test centre with DVSA-approved examiners, including emissions, tyres, seatbelts, suspension and lights. During the MOT test, the tester will conduct an inspection to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy. 

However, it is not the same as having your cars engine/clutch serviced and the MOT test does not check the general mechanical condition of the vehicle. 

The test is based on the condition of the vehicle on the day so for example if the tyre is passed and advised on the day of the test it doesn’t guarantee the same condition in 3 months.

Results of an MOT test

If your vehicle passes, the tester that is testing your car will issue you with a pass certificate. 

If your vehicle passes with advisories, the tester again will issue you with a pass certificate but this time with the advisory notes on there so you can keep an eye on the items that will need attention in the near future.

If your vehicle fails, you will receive a fail certificate with the faults listed. Here at Brentwood Rd Vehicle Repairs, we will try our best to help you to repair the vehicle on the same day while you wait. If the repairs take longer than a day then we will try our best to give you a courtesy car to get you around until your car is ready.

Brentwood Rd Vehicle Repairs do not charge for Re-Tests so you will get a free re-test once all the faults are rectified. 

How long does an MOT take? 

The MOT test takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. We have comfortable seating and free wifi so you can make yourself at home and we will carry out your MOT while you wait. Please attend 15 minutes before your appointment time.

When is my MOT due?

To find out if your vehicle has a valid MOT and when your next MOT test is due, visit the GOV.UK website and enter your vehicle registration number.

What if my MOT has expired?

Without an MOT, you will be unable to drive your vehicle by law and you wouldn’t be able to renew your road tax. If the vehicle is involved in an accident your insurance company will not take your claim on (even if it’s a non-fault accident).The penalty for not having an up to date MOT certificate could be a fine of up to a £1000. Police and mobile camera units can now check remotely to see if your vehicle has an MOT.

What do I need to take to my MOT?

The only thing we will need on the day is the vehicle. Our testers will take details from your vehicle and enter them onto the DVSA database.

How early can I have an MOT test?

You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date. If your MOT runs out on 15 August, the earliest you can get an MOT to keep the same renewal date for next year is 16 September.

• CLASS 1 – This class is primarily for small motorbikes that are up to 200 cc, or for motorbikes with sidecars up to 200cc. Essentially, this just means low-power motorbikes for one or two riders.

• CLASS 2 – Class 2 includes any kind of motorbikes (with or without sidecars) that are over 200cc. These higher-power motorbikes will tend to be larger and have more components to handle the extra power output of the engine.

• CLASS 4 – Class 4 is the most common category as it includes vehicles:, Cars (with up to eight passenger seats), 3-wheeled vehicles over 450kg, Motor caravans (Campers, RVs, or Motorhomes), Service vehicles such as ambulances and taxis, Private passenger vehicles (up to 12 passenger seats), Goods and services vehicles with a gross weight of up to 3,000kg

• CLASS 7 – A Class 7 MOT is required for commercial vehicles with a gross weight between 3,001kg to 3,500kg. The tests carried out in a Class 7 MOT are very similar to a Class 4 MOT; however, the tests are slightly more in-depth for a larger vehicle. Additional checks as part of a Class 7 test include further tests on whether the tyres are suitable to carry extra weight, and brake efficiency tests for additional safety.