Automotive

Everything You've Ever Wanted To Know About Mot?

By Lewis Bell 05 Jul, 2022 258

Mot test is an annual test of vehicle safety, roadworthiness features, and exhaust emissions required in the United Kingdom for most vehicles over three years old. It is a legal requirement to ensure that your vehicle has a valid MOT Whitchurch certificate if you use it on the roads in the UK.

Several things are being checked during an MOT test, including:

  • Tyres and wheels
  • Lights and reflectors
  • Steering and suspension
  • Brakes
  • Seatbelts
  • Windscreen, wipers, and washers
  • Mirrors
  • Horn
  • Body Repair

If any of these items are faulty or not up to standard, your vehicle will fail its MOT. The MOT test is important in ensuring that your vehicle is safe to use on the roads and is a legal requirement in the UK. MOT is a simple but effective way to check whether your car is roadworthy. It involves checking the car's tyre tread depth, tread wear indicator (TWI) position and other visual aspects of the tyres.

How to read the MOT certificate?

The MOT certificate contains a lot of useful information about your car.

  • The date of the test
  • The date of the last test
  • The registration number of the car
  • The odometer (kilometres)
  • The class of the vehicle
  • Whether the car passed or failed
  • If the car failed, the reasons why

What do I need to do if my car fails its MOT?

You'll need to get your car fixed and retested if your car fails its MOT. And you can take it back to the same testing station for a retest or choose another one. And you will need to pay for the retest. Once your car passes its MOT, you'll receive a new certificate.

I'm selling my car. Do I need to get an MOT?

Yes. You'll need to get an MOT if you're selling your car. This is so the new owner can see that the car is roadworthy and safe to drive. The new owner must register the car in their name and pay for any outstanding MOTs.

My car's MOT has expired. Can I still drive it?

No. If your car's MOT has expired, you can't drive it on the road. And can only drive it to a testing station for a retest or a garage for repairs. You shouldn't drive your car if it fails its MOT, as it may be unsafe. You could face a monetary fine if caught driving without a valid MOT.

5 Common Reasons Why Your MOT Isn't Working (And How To Fix It)

If your MOT is no longer working, it could be for several reasons. Here are five common reasons why your MOT may have stopped working and how you can fix them.

Your MOT expired.

If your MOT has expired, you will need to renew it to continue using it. You can renew your MOT online or at a local MOT centre.

Your vehicle has failed its MOT.

If your vehicle has failed its MOT, you must have it repaired to pass the test. You can find a list of common failures and their solutions here. 

Your vehicle is not roadworthy.

Your car will not be able to pass its MOT if it is not roadworthy. Before putting it in for an MOT, make sure it's in good working order.

You need the necessary documentation.

To get your vehicle MOT, you must have a valid insurance certificate, registration document, and MOT certificate. You will not be able to take your vehicle for an MOT if you do not have these documents.

Your vehicle is not compatible with the MOT test.

If your vehicle is not compatible with the MOT Whitchurch test, it will not be able to take the test. You can check whether your vehicle is compatible with the MOT test here.

If you're selling your car, you'll need to get an MOT to show the new owner that it's roadworthy and safe to drive. An expired MOT is not used to drive on the roads, so make sure you renew it before driving your car. If your vehicle has failed its MOT, you'll need to have it repaired before you can take the test again. Lastly, check that your vehicle is compatible with the MOT test before taking it in for its MOT. Thanks for reading!