MOT Examination- How long does an MOT test take?

Is the MOT test coming up for your car? Although it should be a straightforward in-and-out task, there are a few items you can cross off your list to ensure that you know exactly what to expect from your MOT and are well-prepared.

You likely know that vehicles older than three years old are required by law to pass an annual MOT Redcar test in order to prove their roadworthiness, but do you know what exactly a MOT test includes and how long it takes? If the response is negative, continue reading to learn everything there is to know about the MOT exam.

What is an MOT test?

A Ministry of Transport (MOT) test determines if your car is roadworthy and satisfies the DVSA's mandatory safety and environmental criteria by examining the general condition of your car and its components.

In the UK, it is against the law to operate a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate, and your insurance will be void if your MOT has expired. When applying for free road tax for a disabled driver, for example, or when taxing your automobile or changing its tax class, you must have a valid MOT certificate.

MOT certifications lose their validity after 12 months from the test date. Consequently, you will need to schedule an annual MOT test if your automobile is older than three years old. To give yourself some flexibility in scheduling the MOT test at a time and date that suit you, you may renew your car's MOT up to one month before your existing certificate expires.

When is the due date of my MOT?

You'll get a certificate with the expiration date on it each time you pass a MOT; this will tell you when your next MOT is due. If you misplace this certificate, enter your registration number and the make and model of your car using the gov.uk tool. The tool verifies when your next test is due by looking up your road tax status and MOT.

Does a MOT have a grace period?

Unfortunately not. Driving your car on the road after your MOT has expired is prohibited. If you try to do so, you could be prosecuted. If the test has been scheduled, the only exception is when you drive to the MOT.

What does a MOT test check?

The designated tester will examine the automobile in a number of areas. To help you get ready for your MOT exam, we've included a few below:

External features include the vehicle's body, mirrors, towbars, wipers, washers, and registration plates.

Seatbelts, brakes, steering and suspension, wheels and tyres, head and brake lights, and horns are all components of safety.

Electrics: speedometer, dashboard warning lights, and wiring

Fuel and Exhausts In contrast to a service, a MOT test excludes the engine, clutch, and gearbox.

Will my automobile be able to pass the MOT?

 It's reasonable to assume that everyone who owns a car wants the response to be in the affirmative. To ensure that you're ready for the test, it's crucial to be aware of the typical causes of a failed MOT. You may then double-check these parts.

According to DVSA data, a few of the most typical MOT failures are as follows:

• Reflectors, lights, and electrical devices

• Tyres, Brakes, Windscreen

Performing routine maintenance such as repairing wipers, lights, and tyres might save your automobile from failing its MOT test. Nearly 50% of all defects discovered during MOT inspections, according to the DVSA, might be prevented. 

Small faults like this one might simply be fixed yourself, so don't let them cause your car to fail its MOT test. Minor issues like poor screenwash can cause cars to fail their MOT test.

You can file a written appeal to the DVSA or use an online form to contest your test result if you don't think your car should have failed.

How can I get ready for the MOT test?

A car's likelihood of passing a MOT test can be affected by a number of variables, including age, mileage, and general condition. That being said, you may do the following tests to get your automobile ready for the MOT:

• Check to make sure you have enough fuel, engine oil and windscreen wash.

• Check for any chips in the windscreen.

• Bulb, light, and indicator lights

• Inflation rates of tyres

Warning lights: There's little chance your automobile will pass the MOT test if your dashboard is showing glowing warning lights.

Minimum tyre tread depth and damage is 1.6 mm.

How long does an MOT test take?

Your MOT test will typically take 45 to 60 minutes to complete. This implies that when the MOT is over, you may quickly return to the test facility to pick up your car and get on with your day as usual.

You may unwind till your next MOT in a year if your car passes the MOT test and you obtain your certificate. Your car will probably be fixed and delivered back to you the following day if it does not pass its MOT and needs maintenance.

In the event of a "major" problem, you can take your car to a garage to have fixed. You won't be able to drive away from a "dangerous" flaw in your automobile until it has been remedied. Your automobile will need to undergo a MOT testing when repairs are completed.

Advisory remarks may be provided in addition to failing a MOT test. The advisory notes point out issues with the vehicle that should be fixed but aren't serious enough to fail the MOT.