Your Ultimate Guide To MOT

September 1, 2024

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The MOT test is an obligatory operation regulated by the DVSA (Driving and Vehicles Standards Agency). It is performed annually by certified test centres where the vehicle is inspected by qualified technicians using several tools. Once your car turns three years old, it becomes an annual mandatory procedure. Therefore, you must maintain the appearance and working conditions to pass the MOT test.

That being said, there is some necessary information you must know before taking your car to the garage for MOT. Let’s dive in!

Cost of an MOT test Kidderminster

The prices charged by the MOT test centres depend upon the vehicle type and the capacity. That means the MOT cost of a four-wheeler is higher than that of a two-wheeler. For a rough idea, motorcycle MOT charges range between 30-38 pounds depending on the engine size. On the other hand, Car MOT prices do not cross 55 pounds depending on the passenger seat capacity.

Time taken in MOT test

The duration to perform a MOT inspection is around 45 to 60 minutes. However, it also depends on the vehicle type, model, condition, age, etc. This period can exceed in case you fail the test. Then, you have to give the vehicle for servicing to solve the issues which previously led to the MOT failure. After the service, the re-test MOT takes around half the time of the original MOT, i.e., 30 minutes.

Re-test MOT Rules

One has to take the vehicle for a re-test MOT within the 60 days following the failed MOT. However, if the re-test is performed within 21 days, it will be free of cost. The MOT test centres will charge a fee of 28 pounds for a partial re-test MOT. Moreover, you cannot drive your vehicle between the period of a failed and re-test MOT. You will have to pay a fine of 1000 pounds if you are found driving. You can leave or take your car to the same test centre for the service within ten days. The professional mechanics will fix the respective issues and do the re-test MOT free of charge.

Best Testing Centre for the MOT

The experts advise choosing the DVSA-certified MOT test centres because they know the guidelines and standards set by the authorities. Also, they possess the official right to provide the pass and the fail certificates. Search for a nearby MOT test centre and ensure it has the DVSA certification. You can easily visit their website and book an appointment for the MOT Check Evesham by filling in the basic details. However, you can also check in the test centre for the fast service.

MOT Certificates

There are two main MOT certificates— VT20 and VT30. The VT20 certificate means you passed the MOT test, and the VT30 means you have failed the test. However, there are other extended versions of MOT certificates which do not make it completely clear about passing or failing status. So many people receiving one of these certificates often get confused. Do not worry, you will not face that situation because we will make their meanings clear to you in simple words.

VT20 (passed with no defects): As the name suggests, this VT20 certificate means you have successfully passed the test with no defects. There are no major or minor defects found during the testing. Therefore, your vehicle is in excellent condition. However, you still need to maintain the car, so it remains in this condition for a good period.

VT20 (passed with minor defects and advisory item): This version of VT20 means that your MOT test result status is PASSED, and there is no need for a re-test. However, there are some minor defects found in your car that must be fixed at the earliest. Because these minor defects, if not repaired, could turn into major defects and create problems in the next MOT test.

VT30 (Refusal of an MOT test Certificate): VT30 means your car is in a danger zone for the road and the environment. There are too many minor and major defects to be ignored. MOT authorities advise you to take your vehicle for a Major car service to fix those issues. Furthermore, apply for the re-test MOT within 60 days, till then your vehicle is prohibited from being driven on UK roads.

The Right Time to Apply For an MOT

Your vehicle registration date becomes your MOT Evesham test due date every year following the completion of three years of age. However, a one-month period is leverage, meaning that you can apply for MOT a month before the due date of the MOT.

For example— Your car registration date is 1 April 2019, so it will also be your MOT test due date. In 2024, you must appear for an MOT test on or before 1 April.

You can start applying for the MOT from the date month before that is 1 March 2024. In conclusion, you must apply and appear for your MOT test between the due date and the date before that month.

We hope this information helped in learning the basics of the MOT test. In case of any questions, do not hesitate to contact our team. We will be happy to solve your doubts!