MOT Test Explained: What Happens?

The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual inspection required for vehicles over three years old in the UK. Its primary purpose is to ensure your vehicle meets minimum road safety and environmental standards. While many vehicle owners understand the necessity of an MOT, the specifics of what actually happens during the test can be a bit of a mystery. This comprehensive guide will demystify the MOT process, detailing the checks performed, common reasons for failure, and what to do if your vehicle doesn't pass.

Understanding the MOT Test

The MOT test is not a service or a check of the general mechanical condition of your vehicle. It is a specific set of checks mandated by law to ensure your car is safe and compliant. The test is carried out by a trained and authorised examiner at an official MOT test centre. The examiner will use a detailed manual provided by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to conduct the inspection.

What is Inspected During an MOT?

The MOT test covers a wide range of components, focusing on safety and emissions. Here's a breakdown of the key areas:

1. Structure and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The examiner will first check the vehicle's overall structure. This includes:

• Chassis and Body: Looking for signs of excessive corrosion, damage, or distortion that could compromise structural integrity.
• VIN: Ensuring the VIN is present, legible, and matches the vehicle's registration documents.

2. Fuel System

The fuel system is checked for:

• Leaks
• Properly secured fuel lines and tank
• Corrosion or damage to the fuel filler cap

3. Steering and Suspension

These are critical for safe handling and control. Checks include:

• Steering System: Examining for excessive play, damage to steering components, and proper operation.
• Suspension: Inspecting shock absorbers for leaks or damage, and checking suspension bushes and mountings for wear or damage.
• Wheel Bearings: Checking for excessive play.

4. Wheels and Tyres

Tyres are a vital safety component. The examiner will assess:

• Tyre Tread Depth: The legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre's breadth.
• Tyre Condition: Checking for cuts, bulges, or any damage that could lead to a failure.
• Tyre Pressure: While not directly tested, incorrect pressures can affect tyre wear and handling.
• Wheel Condition: Ensuring wheels are not damaged or excessively corroded.

5. Brakes

The braking system is arguably the most crucial safety feature. The MOT includes:

• Brake Performance: A roller brake test (on most vehicles) measures the effectiveness of the front and rear brakes, as well as the handbrake.
• Brake Fluid: Checking for leaks and ensuring the fluid level is adequate.
• Brake Lines and Hoses: Inspecting for leaks, corrosion, or damage.
• Brake Pedals: Checking for excessive travel.
• Handbrake: Ensuring it holds the vehicle securely.

6. Lights

All lights must be in working order and of the correct colour:

• Headlights (dipped and main beam)
• Parking lights
• Brake lights
• Tail lights
• Indicators
• Number plate light
• Reflectors

7. Visibility

Visibility is paramount for safe driving:

• Windscreen: Checked for chips or cracks in the driver's line of sight (a chip larger than 10mm or a crack longer than 40mm in this area will cause failure).
• Wipers and Washers: Ensuring they function correctly to clear the windscreen.
• Mirrors: Checking that all mirrors are present, secure, and in good condition.

8. Doors, Body, and Seatbelts

These checks ensure the vehicle's occupants are protected:

• Doors: Ensuring they open and close correctly from the inside and outside.
• Seats: Checking that seats are secure.
• Seatbelts: Inspecting for wear, damage, and proper operation of the locking mechanism.
• Body: Checking for sharp edges or protrusions that could injure pedestrians.

9. Exhaust Emissions

This is a critical environmental check:

• Exhaust Emissions: The vehicle's exhaust emissions are measured to ensure they meet the current legal limits for its age and fuel type. This involves connecting a gas analyser to the exhaust pipe.
• Exhaust System: Checking for leaks, corrosion, secure mounting, and the presence of a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) for diesel vehicles.

10. Other Equipment

Various other components are also inspected:

• Horn: Ensuring it works and emits an audible warning.
• Speedometer: Checking it is present and working.
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): If fitted, its operation is checked.
• Battery: Ensuring it is securely fitted.

What Happens if My Vehicle Fails the MOT?

If your vehicle fails the MOT test, you will receive a refusal of an MOT certificate. The examiner will provide a 'Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate' document, detailing the reasons for failure. These are categorised as either 'Dangerous' or 'Major' defects.

Dangerous defects mean the vehicle must not be driven on the road under any circumstances until it is repaired. Driving a vehicle with a dangerous defect is illegal and can lead to prosecution.

Major defects require immediate repair to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy. While you may be able to drive the vehicle to a pre-booked repair appointment, it's advisable to get it fixed as soon as possible.

You can continue to drive your vehicle if it has failed the MOT, provided it is still within its current MOT expiry date, and the failure is not classed as 'Dangerous'. However, it is strongly recommended to get the necessary repairs done promptly.

Re-testing After an MOT Failure

If your vehicle fails, you have a few options for re-testing:

• Same Day Repair and Re-test: If the repairs are minor and can be completed at the test centre, you can often have a free re-test on the same day.
• Repair and Re-test Elsewhere: You can take your vehicle away for repairs and bring it back to the same test centre for a re-test within 10 working days. In this case, only certain items will be re-inspected.
• Repair and Full Re-test: If you don't return within 10 working days, or if the repairs require the vehicle to be taken elsewhere for significant work, you will need to book a full MOT re-test.

Common Reasons for MOT Failure

Understanding common failure points can help you prepare your vehicle:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I drive my car without a valid MOT certificate?

No, unless you are driving to a pre-booked MOT appointment or to a place of repair. Driving without a valid MOT (unless exempt) is illegal and can result in a fine.

Q2: How much does an MOT cost?

The maximum fee for an MOT test is set by the government, but garages can charge less. For cars, the maximum fee is currently £54.85. Prices can vary between test centres.

Q3: What documentation do I need for an MOT?

You don't strictly need any documentation to take your car for an MOT. However, having your V5C registration document (logbook) can be helpful for the examiner to confirm the VIN and other details.

Q4: Can an MOT be done early?

Yes, you can get your MOT up to one month before your current one expires. The new expiry date will be exactly one year from the original expiry date, not from the date of the test. For example, if your MOT expires on 15th October, you can have it tested anytime from 15th September onwards, and the new expiry date will still be 15th October of the following year.

Q5: What is the difference between an MOT and a service?

An MOT is a legal requirement to ensure your vehicle meets minimum safety and environmental standards. A service is a routine maintenance check recommended by the manufacturer to keep your vehicle in good working order and prevent future problems. They are distinct but both important for vehicle ownership.

Conclusion

The MOT test is a vital part of ensuring road safety and environmental protection. By understanding the comprehensive checks involved, you can be better prepared for your vehicle's annual inspection. Regular maintenance and addressing minor issues before they become major defects will significantly increase your chances of passing the MOT and keep your vehicle running safely and legally on UK roads.

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