FAQs About MOT Testing

05 July 2018

At Setyres we frequently get asked questions in relation to MOT testing and what’s involved. These are the queries that we get asked the most:

What Is An MOT Test?

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) test is a road safety measure designed to ensure that your vehicle meets minimum safety standards and your exhaust emissions meet the environmental standards required by law.

How Often Do I Need an MOT Test?

Once your vehicle reaches three years of age, it is a legal requirement to undertake an MOT test every 12 months. After your car passes its MOT test, your MOT certificate will be updated. Without this, you cannot legally drive your car or renew your road tax.

Can I Drive My Car Without an MOT Certificate?

You can only drive without a valid MOT Certificate if you are driving to a booked MOT test or for repair work. If you are caught driving without a legal MOT certificate you can be fined up to £1,000 and your car insurance may be invalid. Police and mobile camera units have the technology to check whether or not your vehicle has a valid MOT certificate.

How Can I Prepare for The MOT Test?

Carrying out simple checks can help you to prepare your vehicle for the MOT test. Nearly half of MOT test fails could be avoided by regular maintenance. These are the top causes of fails and what you can do to help prepare your car to pass:

• Tyres – check your tread depth is above the legal limit of 1.6mm, all four are in good condition and correctly inflated.
• Mirrors – ensure that all mirrors are correctly positioned and do not have any damage that disrupts your view.
• Windscreen – make sure that you have no damage across your windscreen which obstructs your view. Your windscreen wipers should also work fully.
• Lights – check that all your lights are working and fitted with the correct colour bulb.
• Brakes – if your brakes are not working properly you must have them inspected by a specialist as soon as possible.

For more information on preparing you vehicle for its MOT test, take a look at our helpful MOT checklist.

What Are The New Changes for the MOT Test?

As of May 2018, some changes were made in line with a new EU roadworthy directive. Emissions testing is now stricter, with a lower limit for diesel cars and rules around diesel particulate filters. Tyre pressure, reverse lights and brake pads will also face checks as part of the MOT test.

In addition, MOT test faults will now fall in to three categories – dangerous, major and minor. A dangerous fault means that that the vehicle has a severe default which needs to be fixed before the vehicle can be driven on.

Find out more about the changes to the MOT test.

What Can I Do If My Vehicle Fails its MOT Test?

If your vehicle does fail its MOT test, our trained technicians will explain the reasons why it has failed and we will quote for any repairs before undertaking work on your vehicle. Our centres will also provide a free re-test in the unfortunate event that you do fail your MOT test.

For further guidance on MOT testing please contact your local Setyres branch where one of our trained technicians will be happy to provide further guidance.

MOT test coming up? Book an MOT test online at your local Setyres branch.