What is an MOT?
Uh oh – is it time for your car’s annual MOT test? Taking your car or van in for an MOT can be worrying, especially if you have an older car.
Your car’s MOT (Ministry of Transport) test isn’t the same as a service, but they do often go hand in hand. The MOT is a test that checks if your car meets the legal standards required to prove it’s safe to drive on the roads.
It’s a comprehensive checklist. However, it doesn’t test the condition of your engine, clutch or gearbox, which means annual maintenance or a service is still very important. We can make sure you have one less worry by helping you compare MOT and service costs near you.
Compare prices almost instantly in three easy steps via Quote Goat to see if you can find a local MOT centre with a good deal. Whether you’re just in for an MOT or you’d like quotes for a service and MOT, we’ll help you make an informed choice by taking the hassle out of hunting down a good price.
How much does an MOT cost?
The price of an MOT for petrol and diesel vehicles depends on several factors. As it’s a legal requirement for all vehicles over the age of three years to have an MOT, the Government has set a price cap on them. Currently, the maximum you can be charged for a car MOT is £54.85, and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle. There’s also no VAT on an MOT.
However, many local test centres offer an MOT and service deals for much less than the price cap, with stiff competition keeping prices low for customers. They also often offer deals that make booking an MOT more affordable when you get a car service at the same time.
This is why it’s important to compare MOT centres near you, which is the best way to potentially snap up a good price.
How can I find out when my MOT test is due?
Your car’s first MOT will be due the day it turns three years old. After that, you must book your vehicle’s MOT yearly. Your MOT certificate will tell you when it runs out. But if that’s gathering dust under your bed somewhere, it’s easy to check when your MOT is due online.
Simply head to the Government website and enter your vehicle reg and postcode to see when your previous year’s MOT certificate expires. If you’re unsure when your MOT is overdue, you can also set up handy MOT reminders, which will send you an email or text when it’s time to book your vehicle for an MOT test.
How long does an MOT take on a car or van?
The MOT itself is usually pretty speedy, as the mechanics are simply testing and checking. An MOT typically takes 45 – 60 minutes.
If you book in for a service as well, or if your MOT uncovers problems that need fixing, that will take longer, depending on the level of car service and the gravity of the repairs needed.
When you book an MOT and service together, the garage will usually do the MOT before the service to highlight any potential MOT fail, which they can then rectify with the service.
What is checked on an MOT?
The tests and checks completed during an MOT service or repair are extensive. It’s impressive how they get through it all so speedily. Here’s a rough MOT checklist of what they’re looking for:
| Part of the vehicle | What the MOT checks |
| Body and structure | Corrosion, sharp edges |
| Towbar | Whether its secure, its condition, electrical socket |
| Fuel system | Potential leaks, condition of pipes and hoses, fuel cap fastening |
| Exhaust system | Measured against the legal smoke test |
| Seatbelts | Condition, security and safety |
| Seats | Whether they’re adjustable and securely fitted |
| Doors | Their security and operation from outside (all doors) and inside (front doors only) |
| Mirrors | Their condition, whether any are missing |
| Load security | The security of your boot or tailgate |
| Brakes | Condition, operation and performance. They’ll also check the ABS and ESC |
| Tyres and wheels | Their condition and tread depth |
| Registration plates | Legibility, condition and proper formatting |
| Lights | Their aim and proper function |
| Bonnet | Closes securely |
| Wipers and washers | In working order to give a clear view of the road |
| Windscreen | Its condition, giving a clear view of the road |
| Horn | Working properly |
| Steering and suspension | Condition, steering oil levels, steering lock function |
| Vehicle identification number (VIN) | Check this is correct and matches the VC5 |
| Electrics | Wiring and battery operation |
What fails an MOT?
MOT fail points are categorised by minor, major or dangerous problems. While you can pass an MOT with minor points, just one major or dangerous point will cause it to fail its MOT test.
The most common failures are due to little problems such as light bulbs being blown, brake pads or discs running low, tyres having too little tread or cracking, wiper blades being corroded, and even washing fluid being low.
These are all simple checks and repairs that you can do yourself before you take your car in for its MOT to try and reduce the risk of an MOT failure.
What happens if your car fails its MOT?
If your vehicle fails its MOT test with a major fault, you can ask the garage to do the repairs for you before they then do an MOT retest. This tends to be done on the same day. Alternatively, you can drive it away to have the repairs done at a different local test centre before you rebook an MOT within 10 days.
But you can only drive it away if you still have a current valid MOT. If your vehicle fails the initial test on the last day of your MOT’s validity, you can’t drive it away, so the garage will have to fix it for you.
If your car has a dangerous fault, you can’t drive the car until it’s repaired, so your only real option is to ask the local garage to fix it for you before doing a retest within 10 days.
Most MOT garages will call you to explain why it’s failed and give you the full service and MOT cost. If you decide to drive it away to have the repairs done elsewhere, you’ll need to bring it back to the original MOT garage for its retest within 10 days. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay for a whole new MOT test.
Find the right price on an MOT near you
Compare deals and save when you book your MOT online. If you know your vehicle registration number, enter your reg and postcode above to get started on finding an MOT quote:
