What do you need to do for an MOT?
For something that happens annually, it’s easy to forget what is required for an MOT, let alone what MOT even stands for. (It stands for Ministry of Transport; they originally created the test as a means to determine if cars were safe to stay on the roads.)
Documents
It would be helpful to have both your current MOT certificate and V5C Vehicle Registration Document with you. Even if you can’t find either of these, we should be able to find your details on our systems.
What if you’ve lost your documents?
If you’ve lost your MOT certificate, you can get a replacement by contacting any MOT centre and giving them your vehicle registration number and your V5C reference number. The MOT centre will then provide you with a replacement certificate.
To order a new V5C, you can call the DVLA on 0300 790 6802 and they’ll send a replacement to you within 5 working days.
Other things you need for your MOT
You’ll need the test fee of course, along with additional funds for any work that may need to be taken out on your car to ensure it is road safe. (Fingers crossed you won’t need it)
Make sure your tax is up to date. It’s illegal to drive an untaxed vehicle to and from the test centre for an MOT test unless you have adequate insurance cover in place.
Another requirement is that all areas of the car are clear for checking. For example, if the passenger seat is full of bags or rubbish etc, you will need to remove this for us to be able to complete all the required checks on your vehicle.
What is checked in an MOT?
The MOT checks various parts of your car to make sure they meet the minimum safety standards set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
The checks include:
- Brakes: We check the brakes decelerate your car effectively, and that they stop your car in a straight line
- Bodywork: There must be no sharp edges on the bodywork from corrosion or accidental damage, as these could injure pedestrians
- Doors and openings: We ensure doors can be opened from the inside and outside, and that the bonnet and tailgate shut securely
- Horn: Your horn needs to work and be loud enough for other vehicles to hear
- Lights: All lights must be working properly. The alignment of your headlights will be checked to ensure they don’t blind oncoming traffic
- Seats and seatbelts: Seats and belts must be securely fixed and in good condition
- Steering: Your steering wheel and column must be in good condition without excessive ‘free play’ (Steering free play is when the steering wheel can be moved back in forth in your hands, but the vehicle is not steering)
- Tow bar: If your car has a tow bar for pulling a trailer or caravan, it must be secure and in good condition.
- Vehicle identification: Your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – found on your V5C registration document – must be displayed at the base of your windscreen or on a metal panel under your bonnet.
- Wheels and tyres: These must be in good condition. Your rims and wheel bearings will be checked for wear and tear.
- Windows and mirrors: Chips or cracks to your windscreen must measure less than 10mm across the area covered by the wipers. Outside this area, cracks of up to 40mm are allowed. The wipers, blades and rear-view mirrors must be in good condition.
If you have any other questions about MOTs, get in touch with our team on 01452 524611 or contact us here.