What Is An MOT In The UK?

In order to legally drive on UK roads, every car over three years old must undergo an annual MOT test and receive an MOT certificate. But what's the big deal?

For many car owners, the MOT test procedure is somewhat confusing. Every year, you must leave your car at a garage or testing centre, then sit, wait, and pray that it does not result in a large repair cost. As a result, it is rarely something to predict.

However, knowing MOTs is critical when purchasing, selling, or transferring ownership of a vehicle, as well as driving safely.

If you don't have a valid certificate, you might face a fine, points on your licence and at worst, a driving ban. It also has a significant influence on the price of a vehicle when you're buying or selling one.

So, in this MOT guide, we'll explain why it exists, what the testers will look for, and how to handle issues like losing your certificate.

When the MOT was initially launched in 1960, the abbreviation MOT stood for Ministry of Transport, which was the Government department in charge of roads.

The MOT test involves a variety of inspections on various areas of your car to ensure that they fulfil the Driving and Vehicle Criteria Authority's basic standards.

Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is present and visible, as well as the security, legibility, and format of your registration plate (number plate). You can go online and check MOT history of your car to establish reasons for failures in the past.

The MOT also involves inspections of:

• Lights

• Steering and suspension

• Wipers and Washer Bottle

• Windscreen

• Horn (beep beep!)

• Seatbelts

• Seats

• Fuel System

• Emissions

• Bodywork

• Doors

• Mirrors

• Wheels and tyres

• Brakes

Many of these issues are simple to check before booking your vehicle for a MOT test. This means you won't have to pay for a retest or repairs just because a light bulb went out or a windscreen washer bottle ran out. As mentioned earlier, it may be worthwhile searching for a car service near me garage and booking a pre-MOT test check.

You'll receive a VT20 MOT Test Pass certificate after your car has passed its MOT test. The MOT certificate's design was modified in May 2018 to a new A4 form that details any faults and problems in a clearer and easier-to-understand manner.

An MOT tester can fill up a 'Contingency MOT test certificate' if the MOT computer system isn't operating for whatever reason.

A VT30 MOT Test Failure certificate will be issued if your car fails the MOT test.

It is recommended when looking to book for your next MOT search for a car service in Reading garages that carry out MOTs, car repairs and service. The reason for this is if your car fails the test, the selected garage will be able to carry out the necessary repairs for the MOT test to pass. Otherwise, you will have to arrange to either drive or have your car recovered to a repair garage and then back for a retest.

It's critical that your MOT certificate is current and genuine. If you misplace or destroy your papers, you should replace it as quickly as possible.

Any MOT test centre can provide you with a new MOT Test Certificate. As a result, you are not required to return to the location where the MOT was initially completed.

They will replace the paperwork if you provide them with the vehicle registration number and the V5C logbook reference number. It can cost £10 or half the cost of a full MOT test, whichever is less.

You can look at a car's current MOT status and history on the internet, but you can't obtain a replacement MOT certificate.