MoT Testing


 

Please note that this page is still under construction. VOSA MOTContent is being added continuously.

As of Wednesday 16th June 2010, Cheeklaw Garage can now offer customers full MoT Testing in house. To book your MoT please contact us to make an appointment.

Please use the options below to find out all about the MoT service we offer.

 

Diagnostics
Our MOT testing computer

About the MoT
When does my car need an MoT?
What do I need to take to the MoT?
What should I do if my vehicle fails the MoT?
The MoT test
The MoT re-test

About the MoT

Back to top

If your vehicle is 3 years or older, you are required by law to have an annual safety check, the ministry of transport test, commonly known as the MoT Test. The purpose of the MoT test is to ensure the vehicle meets the minimum safety level required by law.

During the MoT test the nominated tester, a person authorised by the government body called VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) will conduct an inspection and a comprehensive series of checks around the vehicle, including the interior, exterior, under the bonnet and under the vehicle. The result of each check is recorded- if the vehicle passes a VT20 ‘pass’ certificate is issued. If the vehicle fails to meet the required standard a VT30 ‘failure’ document is issued. Items that are not quite a failure, but worthy of a mention to you so you can keep an eye on them are drawn to your attention as ‘advisory’ items.

It is your responsibility to ensure your vehicle is examined every 12 months. Without a current MoT certificate, you will be unable to drive your vehicle lawfully or renew your road fund license. Recent computerisation of the MoT testing system by VOSA means police and mobile camera units can now check remotely to see if your vehicle has a current MoT.

The penalty for not having an up to date MoT certificate could be a fine. Also if the vehicle is involved in an accident you may be asked to produce your MoT certificate. An insurance claim could be affected by the absence of your MoT, especially in the case of injury.



When does the car need an MoT?

Back to top

It is your responsibility to ensure that your vehicle is examined every 12 months. Without an MoT certificate, you will be unable to renew your road tax and your car may not be insured. Having a current MoT certificate is also a legal requirement in the UK.



What do I need to take to the MoT?

Back to top

Once you have booked your vehicle in for its MoT, remember to take your Vehicle Registration Document – often referred to as the 'V5' document – and a means of paying the current fee.

You can book an MOT up to 28 days in advance of its due date. In fact it is not widely known that the expiry date on your new MOT is 12 months from the expiry of your old one. This means you could have an MOT that last 13 months.

The MoT certificate is only required if you would like the new MoT to run for more than 12 months.


What should I do if my vehicle fails the MoT?

Back to top

If the vehicle fails its MOT, it does not meet legal requirements and must be repaired to comply with MOT Test standards. The notes on the back of the report your Nominated Tester gives you will help you.

If you think the Nominated Tester has been unfair you can appeal against the decision. Ask for a VT17 form that explains what to do.


The MoT test?

Back to top

Under the VOSA requirements a MoT test will check the following components before issuing a MoT certificate.

Components tested during your MOT test are usually:

• Vehicle Identification Number
• Registration Plate
• Lights
• Steering & Suspension
• Wipers and washer bottle
• Windscreen
• Horn
• Seatbelts
• Seats
• Fuel System
• Emissions
• Bodywork
• Doors
• Mirrors
• Wheels & Tyres
• Brakes
• Futher Information


The MoT re-test?

Back to top

VOSA stipulates that there are only two sets of re-Test circumstances where the price for a re-Test is zero – that is 'Free'.

If the vehicle has failed the MoT and is left at the Testing Station for repair and re-Test and does not leave the Testing Station, then the re-Test is free. If the vehicle fails because of one or more items on the list of specific items below, provided the vehicle is returned for re-Test by the end of the next working day, then no fee applies. No fee will be charged for a retest if your vehicle is repaired and returned for a retest before the end of the next working day if the failure is for one of the following:

• Bonnet
• Boot lid
• Brake pedal anti-slip device
• Direction indicators
• Doors
• Drop-sides
• Fuel Filler Cap
• Hazard Warning
• Horn
• Lamps
• Loading door
• Mirrors
• Rear reflectors
• Registration plates
• Seat belts (but not anchorages)
• Seats
• Sharp edges or projections
• Steering wheel
• Tailboard
• Tailgate
• Tyres *
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Windscreen and glass
• Windscreen washer and wipers
• Wheels *

* Not applicable to to motor bicycles and side cars

If your vehicle fails an emissions test because of defective exhaust components, it may not be necessary to replace the complete exhaust system. Even a small leak in the exhaust can affect test readings. Have you exhaust tested before hand if you have any doubt.

< < Back to products and services