The term ‘MOT’ stands for Ministry of Transport. In the UK, once a car reaches three years of usage, it must go through a series of tests and checks that certify that it is still safe to be driven on-road as it initially was. After the first MOT test, the car is to be verified at least once a year to ensure compliance with roadworthiness and environmental requirements – and so helps to the government's policy for road safety.
An MOT Reading is required by law and can be carried out at government-certified centers.
Documents needed for the Test
The documentation you require may now be accessible online at authorized MOT testing centers thanks to recent government advancements and efforts. If you still want to carry your paperwork, you must have your current MOT certificate and the V5C Vehicle Registration Document.
Did you know?
If you’ve lost your previous MOT certificate, you can simply call up the MOT center and request a new one by providing your vehicle’s registration number.
Cost of an MOT Test
Because the MOT test is regulated and mandated by law, the government has determined a maximum cost that a test center can charge for an MOT test. Different areas and different types of vehicles may have different testing costs.
The maximum cost for an MOT Test varies depending on the vehicle; for example, the maximum fee for a car is £54.85 and the maximum fee for a basic motorbike is £29.65.
Many garages and centers may also choose to charge less for an MOT test, therefore it may be wise to surf around and check what other centers have to offer.
Why is an MOT test so important?
Do you know why your automobile must have an MOT test, other than the fact that it is needed by law?
MOT tests have gone a long way since their inception in the 1960s. This test was created for one purpose and one purpose only: to discover any flaws in your vehicle that might lead to accidents and jeopardize your life and the lives of others. It is the obligation of the car owner to ensure that their vehicle is safe in every manner. Several adjustments have been made to the test throughout the years as well. When it was first established in the 1960s, the only item necessary to pass the test was optimal tyre pressure.
MOT test Overview
The MOT test simply evaluates all of your vehicle's parts to ensure that they satisfy the minimal on-road safety requirements. Here is a list of equipment checked under an MOT test-
- Headlights- must be in good working order, show the right color, and be lighted with a single switch flip.
- Tyres- the tyres are securely fastened with good condition wheel nuts. There are no bumps, rips, cuts, or tread separation.
- Body structure- ensuring that the different elements of the body, such as engine mountings, seats, bonnet, boot, and doors, are free of corrosion or wear and tear that might result in injuries.
- Electrical equipment- Any electrical equipment's wiring is in place and is not damaged, which might lead to short circuits.
- Windscreen wipers- In addition to the washers, ensure sure your wipers efficiently clean your windscreen. Keep in mind that any rips or holes in the wiper rubber might result in an MOT failure.
- Windscreen- any damage in the driver’s center vision should not be more than 10mm or 40mm in the entire swept area.
- Seatbelts- are of the proper length, in excellent functioning order, and the restraint mechanisms operate well.
- Suspension and steering- the steering is precise and does not have a lot of "free play." There aren't many fissures or distortions in the suspension.
- The horn should be operational and loud enough to be heard by other vehicles.
1 Exhaust and fuel emissions must be free of leaks, and fuel emissions must be under the permissible level.MO
