WHEN TO GET A MOT TEST DONE ?
You must get an MOT for your vehicle when,
- your vehicle reaches 3 years old, then once a year after that.
WHATS THE EARLIEST I CAN MOT MY VEHICLE ?
An MOT lasts for a year. The date it runs out is printed on the last pass certificate.
You can get an MOT up to a month (30 days) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.
THE ONLY TIME YOU ARE ALLOWED TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE WITH OUT A MOT IS,
- to or from somewhere to be repaired
- to a pre-arranged MOT test
WHAT'S INVOLVED IN A MOT TEST ?
- a mot test is a basic safety and environmental test here is a brief description of what is checked during a MOT test
BODY WORK AND CHASSIS
These will be inspected to check that:
- they’re free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas
- there are no sharp edges likely to cause injury
TOWBARS
Towbars will be inspected for,
- secureness
- condition
- inappropriate repairs or modification
- the 13 pin electrical socket is working correctly
- the speedometer is in good working order
- the engine mountings are secure
FUEL SYSTEM
The fuel system will be inspected to check that,
- there are no leaks
- the pipes and hoses are secure and in a good condition
- the fuel cap fastens securely and the seal is in a good condition
EXHAUST EMISSIONS
The vehicle will be inspected, depending on the age and fuel type of the vehicle, to check that it meets the rules for exhaust emissions.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
The exhaust system will be inspected to check that,
- it's secure and complete catalyst and diesel particulate filter isn’t missing where one was fitted as standard
- it’s without serious leaks and not too noisy
SEAT BELTS
The vehicle will be inspected to check that,
- the mandatory seatbelts are in place
- they are suitable for the vehicle
- they are in a good condition
- they work properly
- they are attached securely
The malfunction indicator lamps ( MILs ) or dashboard warning lights will be checked for the:
- air bags
- seatbelt pretensioners (which remove the slack from a seatbelt in the event of a accident)
SEATS
- These will be inspected to check that,
- the driver’s seat can be adjusted
- all seats are securely fitted and that seat backs can be fixed in the upright position
DOORS
These will be inspected to check that,
- the latch is secure in the closed position
- the front doors open from inside and outside the vehicle
- the rear doors open from outside the vehicle
- hinges and catches are secure and in a good condition
MIRRORS
The vehicle will be inspected to check for the minimum number of mirrors, their condition and security.
LOAD SECURITY
The vehicle will be inspected to check that the boot or tailgate can be closed properly.
BRAKES
These will be inspected to check,
- their condition, including inappropriate repairs or modification
- operation and performance (the efficiency test) - the wheels and trims aren’t removed as part of the test
- the anti-lock braking system ( ABS ) and electronic stability control ( ESC ) (where fitted)
The MILs or dashboard warning lights will also be checked for the ABS, ESC, electronic park brake and brake fluid warning lights.
WHEELS AND TYRES
These will be inspected to check for,
- condition
- security
- tyre size and type
- tread depth
Spare wheels and tyres are not part of the MOT test
Vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2012 will be checked to make sure the tyre pressure monitoring system ( TPMS ) Malfuntion lamp is working.
Number plates
These will be inspected to check for,
- condition
- secure attachment
- colour
- characters correctly formed and spaced
LIGHTS
These will be inspected to check,
- their condition
- operation, including high intensity discharge ( HID ) and light emitting diode ( LED )
- the headlamps for cleaning, self levelling and security
- headlamp aim and beam pattern
- Main beam warning light working
BONNET
This will be inspected to check that it closes securely.
WASHERS AND WIPERS
These will be inspected to check that they work properly so the driver has a clear view of the road.
WINDSCREEN
The windscreen will be inspected to check for,
- condition
- the driver’s view of the road
- it’s suitable for the vehicle
STEERING AND SUSPENSION
- their condition
- steering oil level
- they work correctly
- for inappropriate repairs or modification including corrosion to power steering pipes or hoses
- that the steering lock mechanism works properly
The MILs or dashboard warning lights will also be checked for the electronic power steering and steering lock.
ELECTRICAL
Visible electrical wiring and the battery security will be checked.
