The MOT test is a requirement that all cars over three years should undergo to establish their roadworthiness. Car owners who do not let their vehicles go through this procedure may find themselves meted with penalties or worse a driving ban. Your car insurance can also get invalidated when you are found out to be driving a car with an expired MOT.
MOT or Ministry of Transport test is conducted yearly to cars over three years in the United Kingdom with the exemption of Northern Ireland, which requires cars over four years to undergo the test. This mandatory requirement ensures that automobiles meet road safety and environmental standards.
Every car owner should find out what an MOT is. An informed car owner will avoid any of the stiff consequences while he can take advantage of the benefits that come with it.
MOT Testing Centers
Up to the present, there are more than 23,000 authorized MOT testing centers. A considerable number of these testing centers are carried out by commercial garages and repair shops. You may also opt to have your car undergo the MOT test through a local council authority, which can have a more impartial assessment of the condition of your car. They do not have repair services, that’s why.
Cost
Before going to an MOT test, you should go over the list of authorized centers. Some centers may offer as high as a 50% discount. Although the maximum rate for cars is 54.85 pounds and 29.65 pounds for motorbikes, prices may vary among centers.
Test Time
The time needed to test your car may range from 45 to 60 minutes. Testing centers may be able to render service to a maximum of ten cars a day. It is advisable to schedule your test in advance, so you will know when you are going to leave your car in the testing center and spend the day without using it.
Passing the Test
The MOT test does not include the car engine, clutch, and gearbox. This will allow you to focus on other components of your car, like the overall cleanliness of your vehicle. Make sure that you have solved any registration problem. You should check on the lit-up warning light, headlight, brake light, mirrors, and the horn if they are in good condition.
Make sure that there are no stickers on the windscreen that obstruct the view, and the screen wash, hand brake, and wipers are all functional. The driver’s seat should be adjustable and seatbelts are ready to use. Usually, these are the most common reasons why a car fails an MOT test.
Retest
You cannot drive a car that has failed an MOT test. You can only do so if you are driving to a scheduled MOT test or when your previous MOT certificate has not expired yet. If you schedule a retest, make sure that all major and dangerous faults are repaired. It may be better if you leave your car with an authorized MOT testing center for repair because you will not be charged with extra cost as long as it is within ten working days since the MOT test failed.