ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR VEHICLE’S MOT
Have you ever wondered what your car goes through during an MOT? This post aims to answer all the relevant questions relating to MOT.
What is an MOT?
An MOT is a test carried out to check your vehicles road-worthiness, safety and its envronmental standards (emissions).
When is my MOT due?
Your vehicle’s MOT is due on the third annversary of the vehicle’s life and every year thereafter. You can book your vehicle MOT upto a month minus one day of the expiration i.e. if the MOT expires on 15th of March 2022, you can book your MOT from 16th February 2022. You can find out the status of your vehicle’s MOT here.
Can I tax my car if it has no MOT?
No, you can not tax your vehicle if it the MOT has either failed, or expired. You must ensure the vehicle’s MOT is valid.
How much does an MOT cost?
Every garage charges different rates for the MOT. At Masumin, we currently charge £30 for a small car and £40 for a 4×4 vehicle.
What is checked during an MOT test?
Whilst your vehicle is undergoing an MOT, we ensure all the checks meet the minimum legal standards set out by the DVSA. It is important to remember that the test does not check the condition of the Engine, Gearbox or Clutch. All checks are visual and do not require opening of any mechanical parts or wheels. In brief, the checks include the following;
How do I know the status of my vehicle’s MOT?
Once the MOT is undertaken, you will receive either a ‘Pass Certificate’ or a ‘Refusal Certificate’. If there are any major or dangerous issues identified, the MOT tester will issue a ‘Refusal Certificate’. These issues must be rectified before the MOT can be passed. If a minor or advisory defect is recorded, this means that you will need to address these defects in the future.
The outcome of each MOT is recorded in the national database immediately.
How much time do I have to rectify the major or dangerous defects?
If a major or dangerous defect is recorded, this means your MOT has failed. In order to keep your vehicle road-worthy, you must rectify these defects with ten working days and get a retest undertaken by the same MOT station.
Do I have to pay for a Retest?
Each garage operates differently. The guidelines allow garages to charge for a retest, especially if the rectification of the defects are performed by a third party. However, most garages offer a free restest within 7 or 10 working days. If this period lapses, you will need to pay for a new MOT. At Masumin, we offer a free 10 working days retest even if the rectification is done independently. This ensures you are under no obligation to get the vehicle repaired by us.
If you like to find out the expiry of your vehicle’s MOT, please click here.
The author of this blog is Komail Rajani ‘Raj’ – MOT Manager and Supervisor for Masumin Motor Spares
Disclaimer: The above infromation is derived from the DVSA guidelines which can be subject to change. All MOT standards are based on DVSA guidelines. You can appeal the result of the MOT. More information can be found here.
