The importance of having an MOT
The MOT, or Ministry of Transport test – is a crucial part of making sure that cars on our roads in the United Kingdom maintain an essential level of roadworthiness. In 1960, the first time MOT was introduced and is now an integral component of operating and maintaining vehicles throughout the UK.
Since the MOT extension, put in place to ensure that key workers were moving during the coronavirus outbreak, has ended and more people than ever are making their way to garages to get their cars MOT’d. What exactly is it and why do we need to get one? Let’s learn more.
How do you define an MOT?
An MOT is a routine maintenance check that is carried out every year on vehicles more than three years old. A qualified MOT tester will perform the procedure and focus on the key components of the vehicle such as the brakes, lighting, and the windshield wipers. They’ll also conduct an emissions test to ensure that the car is compliant with the standards.
Are there any components of a vehicle which the MOT can’t test?
While an MOT test can review a wide range of components of a car however there are some elements not examined. An MOT tester won’t look at the engine, gearbox or clutch systems, though they are still required to be in good working order. For instance, if your car can’t be driven onto an inspection ramp under its own steam, then it’s going to be rejected immediately.
What should an MOT cost me?
Although you’ve probably seen garages advertising ‘special offer’ deals on MOTs, the reality is that the highest price they’re permitted to charge is £54.85. Like most things it’s a good idea to check around to ensure that you’re paying the proper amount.
If your car fails its MOT, then you’ll be able to return for a second test at the same testing centre, which often comes for no cost or at a discounted cost. It’ll need to be retested within 10 working days in order to qualify, however.
How will the MOT exam be?
Though an MOT test usually takes between 45 minutes and one hour, if your car needs any additional work doing, you may have to wait for longer. We’d usually advise planning that your vehicle will be out for the day, in case it requires additional work.
What happens when my car passes?
If your car has passed the MOT test Cheltenham you’ll get a pass certificate from the test center, while the pass will also be recorded on a national database. Also, you’ll be given a report of any ‘minor’ or “advisory’ problems that need to be looked at and addressed in the near future. You can then drive the car away.
But if my car fails its MOT, will I be able to drive it away?
If your car is not passing its MOT, and the certificate has expired, garages aren’t able to let you drive away as normal. However, if your car’s certificate is still valid (if it’s still within the expiry date of your test certificate) then you’re allowed to drive it off, provided it doesn’t have any ‘dangerous’ defects listed against it.
If this is the case, then you can’t leave the test centre. If you do, you could be with a penalty of as much as £2,500 if found guilty in the process, and also the possibility of three points being added to your license and potentially even being banned from driving.
You’ll have to get these issues addressed and the vehicle tested again. If the car passes, you’ll be able to drive off.
Do I need to be a driver in the car without an MOT?
Absolutely not. If caught, you’ll be handed a fixed-penalty note of £100. Although no penalty points will be issued if it is discovered that you not have an MOT, a penalty could be imposed by the courts to the amount of 1,000 £.
Are there any vehicles that are not subject to an MOT?
There’s a handful of cars that don’t have to have an MOT to be legal to drive. They include vehicles for goods powered by electricity , first registered on or before March 1 of 2015, and classic cars built or registered over 40 years ago.