Approved Vehicle Testing Station by the Department of Transport.

What you need to know about an MOT

The current price for a MOT Class 4 Test (as at 07/05/09) is £54:00.

If your car is 3 years old or more, you are required by law to book your car in for an MOT test.

The MOT test ensures that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition and meets the standards outlined by the Government/DVLA at the time of testing, this does not mean your car is roadworthy for the length of validity of the MOT certificate.

MOTs are regulated by Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).

The following areas are checked to ensure they meet legal standards: Seatbelts, Exhaust system, Exhaust emissions, Fuel system, Doors, Mirrors, Brakes, Tyres & Wheels, Lights, Registration plate, VIN (Vehicle identification number ), Horn, Steering, Suspension, Windscreen, Wipers & Washers, Bonnet, Body & Vehicle structure.

To avoid an MOT failure it is worth checking the above before booking in.

If your car fails its MOT!

• • We will telephone you to advise on the repairs needed and an approximate cost of these repairs if you are not present at the time of test.
• • We do not carry out work without your authorisation.
• • You then have a choice if you want us to complete your repairs or you take the car away to make any repairs yourself.
• • If the vehicle is taken away for repairs a re-test fee may be applicable.

It is illegal to drive on a public road if the vehicle does not have a valid MOT certificate.

Quick Pre-MOT 10 Point Checklist

• 01. Headlights and Indicators • Check that all of your car’s headlights, sidelights, rear lights, hazard lights and indicators.
• 02. Brake Lights • Press the brake pedal and ask a friend to check that the rear brake lights come on, including any supplementary brake strip light.
• 03. Number Plate • Make sure that the number plate is clean and legible. The font and spacing of letters must also comply with legal requirements to be passed by the MOT station.
• 04. Wheels and Tyres • Check that wheels and tyres are undamaged. The minimum legal tyre tread depth is 1.6mm.
• 05. Seats and Seatbelts • The driver's seat should adjust forwards and backwards and all seatbelts should be in working order. Test movement of the seat and inspect the seatbelt's full length for damage.
• 06. Windscreen • Check the front windscreen for damage. Any damage larger than 40mm will fail, as will any damage wider than 10mm in the direct area of the windscreen in front of the driver.
• 07. Windscreen Wipers • Make sure your wipers are able to keep your windscreen clean, any tears or holes in the wiper rubber can be an MOT failure.
• 08. Washer Bottle and Screenwash • Top up the washer bottle before taking the car in for a test as something as simple as an empty container can cause an MOT failure.
• 09. Car Horn • Give a short blast of the horn, if it doesn’t work, you or your dealer will need to repair or replace it.
• 10. Fuel and Engine Oil • Make sure your car is filled with enough fuel and engine oil. You can be turned away from the MOT without suitable levels, both of which are required when running the car to test its emissions levels.