Every vehicle in the UK requires an MOT test to ensure it is kept in a roadworthy condition. An MOT test consists of various checks to ensure that each vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards, which are required by law. The first MOT is due when the car is 3 years old and each year thereafter.<\/p>\n
Under the DVSA (formerly VOSA) requirements, an MOT will test all these important items on your car to check that your car meets the legal requirements:<\/p>\n
Body & Structure<\/strong> – The car must be free from damage and excess corrosions<\/p>\n Bonnet Catch<\/strong> \u2013 this will be tested to ensure it securely latches in the closed position<\/p>\n Brakes<\/strong> \u2013 their condition, efficiency, operation and performance will be tested to ensure that they meet the legal requirements.<\/p>\n Doors<\/strong> \u2013 both front doors must be operational and have the facility to be opened from inside and outside the vehicle<\/p>\n Exhaust & Emissions<\/strong> \u2013 the exhaust should be secure without any serious leaks and vehicle emissions should meet the necessary requirements which are dependent on the age and fuel type of the vehicle.<\/p>\n Fuel System<\/strong> \u2013 this should have no leaks and the fuel filler cap must fasten securely<\/p>\n Horn<\/strong> \u2013 the horn should be operational and of a suitable volume to be heard by pedestrians and other vehicles<\/p>\n Lights<\/strong> \u2013 All required lights are checked to ensure that they are operational, in a good condition and secure<\/p>\n Mirrors<\/strong> \u2013 mirrors\u2019 will be checked to make sure that they are secure and visible from the drivers\u2019 seat and that they are not distorted or damaged so as to impair the drivers view of the rear<\/p>\n Number plate<\/strong> \u2013 the registration plate should be present and secure, not faded, dirty or obscured. All letters must confirm to the approved design with the correct spacing between them.<\/p>\n Seat belts<\/strong> \u2013 all compulsory seat belts must be in place and are checked for security, operation and condition Steering<\/strong> \u2013 the steering wheel should be in an acceptable condition and securely attached to the steering shaft<\/p>\n Suspension<\/strong> \u2013 suspension is checked and must be of a satisfactory operational condition<\/p>\n Tyres & Wheels<\/strong> \u2013 tyres must be the correct size, condition, type and must have the correct tread depth<\/p>\n Windscreen \u2013 this will be checked for all aspects affecting the drivers view of the road, its condition, the wipers and washers<\/p>\n What should I take with me?<\/p>\n You should take your vehicles current registration document or the \u201cV5\u201d document as it is more commonly known.<\/p>\n What if my car fails the MOT test?<\/p>\n When your car fails its MOT test this means that it does not meet the legal requirements that allow it to be driven on the toad and must be repaired so that it meets these requirements.<\/p>\n In the unlikely event that you disagree with your MOT test results you can appeal the decision. For more information, visit direct.gov.uk<\/p>\n For more information about the MOT test scheme visit the direct.gov.uk website<\/p>\n How do I know if my MOT has expired?<\/p>\n
\nSeats \u2013 the driver and passenger seats must be secure and all seat backs in a stable and upright position.<\/p>\n