There’s one annual event you can’t escape if your car is over three years old: the MOT test. The Ministry of Transport (MOT) mandates this examination to ensure that your beloved ride is roadworthy and safe. Whether you’re a seasoned car owner or new to the world of MOTs, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide that will walk you through everything you need to know about this yearly automotive ritual.
The Countdown to MOT Day
When Should You Get an MOT Test?
The countdown begins when your car reaches its third birthday from the date of registration. From that point on, it’s a yearly affair on the anniversary of its last MOT. Once your vehicle successfully navigates the test, you’ll receive an MOT certificate that specifies the test date and the expiration date for your peace of mind. You can even choose to get your vehicle retested up to a month (minus a day) before it expires to keep the same renewal date.
Failing the MOT Test: What Happens?
If your car happens to falter during the MOT exam, you’ll only be allowed to drive it away if your existing MOT certificate is still valid, and no ‘dangerous’ issues are recorded in the new report. Otherwise, it’s back to the garage for some TLC before you hit the road again. Taking it to another garage for repairs? Well, your car still needs to meet the minimum roadworthiness standards throughout this time, or you could face fines.
Keep Tabs on Your MOT Due Date
Lost your MOT certificate? No problem. The GOV.uk tool is your best friend here. Enter your registration number and vehicle make to instantly check your MOT status and tax status. You can even request a fresh MOT certificate if the old one decides to play hide-and-seek.
There’s No Grace Period
Remember, there’s no grace period once your MOT expires. It’s illegal to drive your car without a valid MOT certificate, and you can’t even tax it without one. The only exception? Driving to your pre-booked MOT appointment.
Vehicle Recalls and MOTs
With 2.3 million vehicles in the UK grappling with outstanding recall notices, authorities are pondering an integration of the MOT and vehicle recall systems. This potential change could lead to vehicles failing their MOT if a recall fault isn’t fixed within a year of the previous test. While the scheme’s future remains uncertain, you can check the gov.uk recall database to see if your vehicle is subject to a recall.
Prepping Your Ride for the Big Day
The Importance of Pre-MOT Checks
Many vehicles fail the MOT due to minor issues that could have been nipped in the bud before the test. Surprisingly, some of these problems are quite minor. That’s why it’s a smart move to create an MOT checklist a couple of weeks ahead of your inspection date. This proactive approach allows you to address any issues and prevent inconvenient surprises on the day of the test.
A Complete MOT Checklist
Pre-MOT Checks
Here are some quick tips to give your vehicle the best shot at passing its MOT:
- Keep It Clean: A cluttered or excessively dirty car might lead to an examiner refusing to conduct the MOT.
- Clear Number Plates: Ensure your number plates are clean and readable.
- Wipers in Shape: Check your windscreen wipers for tears and damage.
- Lights in Order: Verify that all lights, from headlights to brake lights, are functioning properly.
- Tread Depth and Tyre Pressure: Use the 20p test to check tyre tread depth and make sure the pressure is correct.
- Fluid Levels: Top up screenwash, brake fluid, and oil levels.
- Honk That Horn: Ensure your horn works and is audible.
- Mirror Check: Confirm that all mirrors are intact and secure.
- Matching VINs: The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on your car’s V5C logbook should match the one on your car’s bodywork.
Brakes
Brakes are crucial for safety, and they’re a focal point during the MOT. The examiner will check if your brakes can decelerate the car effectively and stop it in a straight line. The pedal rubber should not be excessively worn, and the ABS warning light must function if your car has anti-lock brakes. Your handbrake must work correctly and hold the car firmly, even on a steep incline. They’ll also inspect the condition of the brake discs, pads, and calipers, as well as the relevant pipes and cables. The brake servo and master cylinder under the bonnet will undergo scrutiny too.
Bodywork
Sharp edges on the bodywork, resulting from corrosion or accidents, are a no-go as they could pose a danger to pedestrians. Rust is a general MOT concern, especially for older cars. Excessive corrosion on safety-related parts, such as the steering and brakes, is a red flag. Even rust within 30cm of these components could lead to a fail.
Doors and Openings
Examiners will check that doors can be opened from both inside and outside the car, and all openings, including the bonnet and tailgate, can be securely shut.
Exhaust and Emissions
For fuel-powered vehicles, emissions are examined using specialized equipment connected to your car’s exhaust. The legal emission limits vary depending on your vehicle’s age, with stricter standards for newer models. Visible smoke from the tailpipe or excessive noise can spell failure. The examiner will also check the exhaust system and fuel filler cap to ensure they’re securely fixed to prevent leaks.
Horn
Simple but vital, your horn must work and be loud enough to alert other vehicles. No fancy, melodic car horns are allowed here!
Lights
All your vehicle’s lamps must function correctly, including headlights, tail lights, indicators, sidelights, brake lights, and rear fog lights (if your car was built post-1986). Headlight alignment is checked and adjusted if necessary to avoid blinding oncoming traffic. Cars built after April 1, 1980, must have two red rear reflectors.
Seats and Seatbelts
Seats should be securely fixed, and seatbelts are a legal requirement for all cars post-1965. They must be securely fixed, including the clip/locking mechanism, and be in good condition. Inertia-reel belts should retract properly to fit around the driver.
Steering
Steering faults are tricky to diagnose and fix yourself. The examiner will ensure that the steering wheel and column are in good condition and properly fixed. They’ll check for excessive ‘free play’ in the system and inspect steering bearings, bolts, clamps, gaiters, and universal joints. The operation of power steering, found in most modern cars, is tested with the engine running, and the wheels should not foul the bodywork on full lock.
Tow Bar
If your car has a tow bar (for trailers or caravans), it must be secure and free from damage or corrosion.
Vehicle Identification
Your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) must be displayed and legible. It’s often located at the base of the windscreen or on a stamped metal panel under the bonnet.
Wheels and Tyres
All four wheels should be securely attached to the car with no missing bolts. Rims will be checked for damage, including distortion or cracks, and the condition of the wheel bearings will be assessed. Regarding tires, the law states that tread depth must be at least 1.6mm throughout a continuous band comprising the central three-quarters of the breadth of tread around the entire outer circumference. If your tires are close to this limit, you may receive an advisory warning about needing new tires soon. Examiners will also check the tires for cuts or bulges and ensure that the same-size tires are fitted on each axle. While the spare wheel is not part of the MOT test, it must be securely mounted if it’s kept outside the car.
Windows and Mirrors
Windscreen damage is a common cause of MOT failure. Chips or cracks must measure less than 10mm across if within the area swept by the windscreen wipers. Outside this area, up to 40mm is allowed. Wipers must operate correctly, and the rubber blades should be in good condition. Rear-view mirrors must be secure and free from damage that could impair the driver’s vision.
The MOT Itself
The Price of Safety: How Much Does an MOT Cost?
The cost of an MOT test varies depending on your vehicle type, but there’s a maximum charge. You can find detailed fees on the GOV.UK website, but in a nutshell, the maximum MOT fee for a car with up to eight passenger seats is £54.85, while it’s £29.65 for a motorcycle. Typically, the larger the vehicle, the higher the maximum fee.
What to Expect During the MOT
An MOT test is a relatively brief affair, taking around 45 minutes to an hour. Some owners opt to wait while their vehicle is under the examiner’s watchful eye. However, if repairs are necessary after the test, it will take longer. During the examination, these crucial areas will be scrutinized:
- Electrical Equipment: This includes headlights, brake lights, indicators, and fog lights.
- Steering: The examiner assesses the strength and condition of the steering wheel.
- Tyres: Tread depth and tire condition are carefully examined.
- Suspension: Shock absorbers and signs of corrosion and wear are checked.
- Brakes: The overall condition of pedals and brake efficiency is assessed.
- Seat Belts and Seats: Seats should be securely fixed, and seatbelts must be in good condition.
- Exhaust and Emissions: Inspection for leaks in the exhaust and fuel system.
- Mirrors, Wipers, and Windscreen: Assessment of damage to the windscreen and wiper blade condition.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Ensuring the vehicle displays its VIN correctly.
MOT Exemptions: When Age Brings Freedom
Cars aged 40 years or older are exempt from MOT testing unless they’ve undergone significant changes.
Understanding MOT Fails and Defects
With an initial fail rate of 36.80% for cars, vans, and passenger vehicles with up to 12 seats in 2015-2016, it’s essential to know what to do if your car falls into this category.
Top Three Reasons for MOT Failures
The primary culprits behind MOT failures are lighting issues, suspension woes, and brake troubles. Here’s a breakdown of categories and their respective percentages of defects for cars and light vans up to 3,000kg in the 2017-2018 financial year:
- Lights & Signals: 29.6%
- Suspension: 20.2%
- Brakes: 17.2%
- Tyres: 10.4%
- Driver’s View: 8.7%
- Fuel & Exhaust: 5.4%
- Steering: 3%
- Seat Belts: 2.2%
- Body: 1.9%
- Reg & VIN: 0.9%
- Wheels: 0.5%
After the MOT: What’s Next?
Deciphering Advisory Notes
Sometimes, your car may pass its MOT but with “minor faults.” These indicate issues that aren’t severe enough for a fail but need attention soon. Think of them as friendly warnings. While your car may be deemed fit to drive, don’t brush off these minor faults. Ignoring them might lead to an MOT failure down the line and could impact your vehicle’s resale value, as potential buyers will be aware of the need for repairs.
In conclusion, the MOT test is a vital step in ensuring your vehicle is safe for the UK’s roads. Regular maintenance and pre-MOT checks can help you steer clear of unpleasant surprises and ensure your car passes the test with flying colors. And remember, even if your vehicle encounters issues, it’s all part of keeping our roads safe and secure. Drive safely!