Are You Fully Prepared to Have the MOT Test?

by Malling Repair Service Tyres Maidstone

Car drivers in the UK need to bring their vehicles to a nearby MOT test centre every year. This legal rule is applied to every car that is three years old. MOT test is a legal test that car drivers cannot avoid in any condition. If the vehicle clears the test, the owners of the vehicle will get a certificate to prove that the car is safe for use on roads.

Since the MOT Maidstone is mandatory for every car driver, you have to enhance your knowledge about the test.

In this blog, we are telling you about some most common things related to the MOT test.

Consider these points and properly prepare yourself for the test.

The Objective of the MOT Test

The main aim of the MOT test is to check the roadworthiness of the vehicle. Ill-conditioned vehicles are not safe for roads. Therefore, the MOT centre wants every vehicle to follow at least minimum road safety standards. Sometimes, car drivers avoid proper car maintenance but they cannot avoid the MOT test since it is a legal requirement.

Because of the MOT test, car drivers try to maintain their vehicles properly. It is a good sign for the roads of the UK.

The MOT Certificate

If your vehicle clears the test, it means it is completely roadworthy. You will get a certificate after the test. This document is not valid forever. You have to get the test again next year to obtain a new certificate. Generally, the due date is printed on the certificate of the previous year. You can browse the official website of MOT to check the MOT history of your vehicle. Generally, DVSA does not send any reminders for the MOT test.

Driving with an Expired Certificate

Your MOT certificate is valid for only one year. After this limit, your certificate is expired and you cannot drive your car with an invalid certificate. If you drive your car without a current MOT certificate, you face legal steps against you by the police department.

MOT is Different From the Car Service

During the test, the tester will check different components of your vehicle. He will not change the present condition of your vehicle. He will tell you about the fault your car has but he is not responsible to remove these faults.

On the other hand, the car mechanic will check your vehicle for mechanical faults. He will repair or replace the important components of your vehicle to improve its health.

MOT is a legal test that is mandatory for every car driver. A car service schedule comes with the car and you can check the instructions in the user’s manual.

So, the difference between the MOT test and car service is quite clear and both are essential for proper roadworthiness and safety of the car.

Car Components to Check

During the MOT test, a lot of car parts are examined. These components usually include lights, horn, seat & seatbelts, exhaust, tyres, driver’s view, windscreen wipers, registration place etc.

Types of Faults in Your Car

DVSA divides the faults into three main categories. These categories are minor, major and dangerous.

If your car has minor faults, it is possible that your car clears the test with an advisory. This advisory says that you have to keep an eye on the faults.

In case your car has major faults, the centre will not allow you to drive your car on the roads. However, you can drive the vehicle to your preferred garage to repair the faulty components if you like.

If your car has dangerous issues, the centre will not provide the MOT certificate to the car driver. Moreover, they will not allow the driver to drive the vehicle if he shows his interest in another garage. Towing is, however, possible in this condition.

Your Options After the Failure

If your car is unable to obtain the certificate because of major or dangerous faults, you have to repair these faults as soon as possible. After that, you may have an MOT retest if you return to the garage within 10 working days. If you do not return to the garage within this period, you have to submit your vehicle for the full test again.

Your second option is appealing; sometimes car drivers think that their vehicle should pass the test. They can choose this option to arrange a test again with the full fee. The fee is usually refundable only when your appeal is successful.