Our complete guide to the MOT test

What is an MOT test?

In the UK, an MOT test is an annual inspection of your vehicle. During the inspection, different aspects of your vehicle are tested, including exhaust emissions, general roadworthiness and vehicle safety. The test certificate should provide drivers with a level of assurance about the safety of their vehicle and other vehicles on the road.

It is a legal requirement in the UK for most vehicles over three years old (four years old in Northern Ireland) to undergo an MOT test. There are only a few exceptions for vehicles on smaller islands, but these vehicles cannot be driven on mainland UK.

The test was first introduced in the UK in 1960. Back in those days, vehicles only had to undergo the test once they were 10 years old^[1], a far cry from the three-year mark which is enforced now.

What does 'MOT test' stand for?

MOT test stands for ‘Ministry of Transport’ test. The Ministry of Transport was once a department of government that was in use from 1919 to 1970. They were the department who introduced the test in 1960.

Since 2002, the part of government that controls and regulates UK transport and roads is known as the Department for Transport. Although the Ministry of Transport is now defunct, the acronym for the test has not been replaced.

Currently, the MOT test certificate is issued by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in the UK. In Northern Ireland, the certification is issued by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA).

When will a new car need its first MOT test?

As discussed above, a new car needs its first MOT test after it is three years old – or, more accurately,. This is no later than three years from the its date of registration. Your vehicle’s date of registration can be found on your V5C registration document.

After your car is three years old, the test must be carried out on an annual basis. If you have purchased a car from us and downloaded our app, we’ll send you personalised MOT reminders. So, when it comes round to the time of your test, you won’t forget!

What does an MOT test cover?

Our MOT tests cover an array of components inside, outside and underneath your vehicle. When our testers have checked everything, they then decide whether your car will pass or fail its MOT based on these checks.

If your car fails its MOT, its usually because checks have been carried out and deemed the vehicle as having a ‘dangerous’ defect. If this is the case, you will not be able to drive away from your MOT appointment without having the repair fixed beforehand.

Other defects or issues can mandate a ‘major’ issue on your MOT, these are still often classed as a failure. However, you may be able to drive your vehicle away from the MOT centre if no ‘dangerous’ problems are recorded in the MOT. You should still look to have ‘major’ issues repaired as soon as possible.

Advisory notes are also very common to receive from your test. These are things that testers found during the MOT which you should look to have repaired but do not warrant a failure. Below encompasses everything that we would usually check during an MOT test. We have broken it into two sections: ‘Exterior and under the bonnet’ and ‘Interior’.

Exterior and under the bonnet

Lights and reflectors

During the test, the MOT tester will check that all your exterior lamps and reflectors are in proper working order and in good condition, that they are secure and correctly positioned and show the correct colour when in use. Exterior lamp checks include:

• All rear lights, including brake lights and registration plate lights
• All front lights, including main dipped beam, daytime running lights and fog lights
• Indicators

Additionally, pairs of lights (e.g., main and dipped beam headlamps) must illuminate in the same colour, shape and size and should not dazzle other drivers.

Tyres and wheels

Your tyres and wheels will also be checked in terms of:

• Tread depth
• Tyre size and type
• Tyre condition (i.e., checking for cuts, bulges, tears etc.)
• Appropriate speed and load rating
• Wheel nuts are secure and in place

If your vehicle has run flat tyres, our MOT testers will check that the warning light is working properly.

Steering

In an MOT, your steering wheel and components must be in good working condition. Our MOT testers will check:

• The steering wheel is secure.
• The level of steering oil.
• Steering components for wear, damage or corosion.
• The steering wheel locking device only locks when the engine is not in use.
• For inappropriate repairs or modification.

Suspension

A car’s front and rear suspension system components will also be checked during an MOT. This can include checking for things like:

• Damaged or worn shock absorbers
• Damaged or won mechanical joints, springs and levers

Brakes

With brakes being one of the most important components for safety, it’s no surprise that they are also tested. At Arnold Clark, our MOT tester will check that your brakes and braking system are working correctly by looking at things like:

• Brakes, pads, pedals and levers
• Brake warning lights
• General condition of brakes (checking for inappropriate modifications or repairs)

During this part of the test, an efficiency test is also carried out. This is when our tester physically drives the car and tests the brakes to determine adequate operation and performance.

Exhaust system and emissions

The exhaust system and emissions are a significant part of the MOT. Your car’s fuel type – petrol or diesel – will dictate the type of emissions testing it receives. It will then be inspected to ensure it meets minimum exhaust emission criteria for the particular fuel type.

The exhaust system is inspected to check that all components are present, in good condition and proper working order. Our tester will check the exhaust for the following:

• It is secure.
• The catalytic converter is present and without modification.
• There is no serious damage causing leaks.
• It does not produce antisocial levels of noise.

Vehicle body and structure

The general condition will be checked on the exterior, under the bonnet and under the car. This is to check for excessive corrosion or wear on specific areas of the body. Testers will also check for sharp edges on or around the vehicle’s body to mitigate injury. Other components checked include:

• Chassis
• Engine mountings
• Boot - ensuring it can be closed properly (load security)
• Mirrors - ensuring the minimum number of mirrors and that they are in appropriate condition
• Tow bars - ensuring they are in good working order and condition

Electrical equipment or wiring

Any electrical equipment and wiring which is visible will also be inspected during an MOT. This will include testing of the battery.

Doors

Doors will be inspected to ensure:

• Front doors open from both inside and outside the vehicle.
• Rear doors open from outside the vehicle.
• Catches and hinges are in working order and secure.
• Latches are secure in closed position.

Registration plates

Registration plates allow cars on UK roads to be easily identified and are used by the DVLA to register all vehicles. During an MOT, our tester will check the general condition of your number plate to certify:

• It is securely attached.
• It is the correct colour (white on the front, yellow on the back).
• The characters are appropriately spaced and formed.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Another thing inspected during an MOT is your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Composed of 17 characters, both capital letters and digits, a VIN acts as a distinctive identifier for the vehicle. Our testers will check that a single VIN is shown on your car.

There are some exceptions to this, for example, with multistage build vehicles. You can check the GOV.UK website for more advice.

Windscreen and wipers

Having windscreen and wipers in good condition and proper working order is essential for a driver to have a proper view of the road ahead. This is another important part of the MOT. The windscreen and wipers will be inspected to check:

• The windscreen is in good condition with no cracks.
• The wipers function properly.
• The driver can see the road ahead clearly from the driver’s seat.

Interior

Speedometer

During an MOT, your speedometer will be inspected to ensure it illuminates correctly and is legible to the driver. Some damage to the dashboard which houses a speedometer can be acceptable if the driver is still able to read their speed.

Interior mirror

The interior mirror is checked at the same time as other rear-view or indirect vision devices. It is checked to ensure it provides an adequate view of the rear to the driver.

Seats and seatbelts

Seats are examined during an MOT to confirm that:

• The driver’s seat can be adjusted appropriately.
• All seats are securely fitted.
• All seat backs can be fixed in an upright position.

Seatbelts are inspected to confirm that:

• All seats have a suitable seatbelt.
• All seatbelts are in good condition and good working order.
• They are securely attached.

Horn

Your car’s horn will also be checked. It’s a very important, yet sometimes overlooked, component within a vehicle. It alerts other road users of your presence. During an MOT, your horn will be examined to ensure that:

• It is in proper working order i.e., can sustain a continuous and unbroken note which is loud enough for other road users to hear.
• It is appropriate for the vehicle.

Why do MOT tests include an exhaust emissions test?

In 2018, emissions tests became a part of the annual MOT test. They include an exhaust emissions test because this plays a part in moderating the levels of harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere by our vehicles. This is also a question asked in the driving theory test.

During the exhaust emissions test, the MOT tester will measure the amount of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in your vehicle emissions. If you drive a diesel vehicle, the MOT tester will also check for levels of nitrogen dioxide. There are certain vehicles which are exempt from official emissions testing as of the time of writing. According to GOV.UK, these include:

• Electric vehicles
• Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
• Hybrid vehicles
• Vehicles with two-stroke engines
• Vehicles with less than four wheels
• Quadricycles (four-wheeled microcars)

However, this may change in the future.

How long does an MOT test take?

Usually, an MOT takes between 45 minutes to an hour. However, there are various factors that can influence how long the test takes. For example, if your vehicle fails the test, repairs are likely necessary. The time taken is then dictated by the complexity of the repair work.

Rather than waiting around for the test to be completed, you should book an MOT for first thing in the morning, drop your car off and pick it up at the end of the day. This will give the garage enough time to carry out the test and any potential repairs if needed. Sometimes, you may need to leave your car with a garage overnight.

How much is an MOT test - 2024?

At Arnold Clark, an MOT will cost you £54.85 and, with over 150 dedicated services centres across the UK, it’s not hard to find us.

How far in advance can you get an MOT test?

If you would prefer to get the test done a little in advance rather than waiting to the day your previous test expires you can do so. You can get an MOT in advance up to one month minus a day prior to the date of your existing MOT certificate expires. Doing it this way will allow you to keep the same renewal date as the previous year. For example:

Looking to book an MOT?

At Arnold Clark, we carry out over 320,000 MOTs each year - that's more than 26,000 MOTs every month. So, you can rest assured that you're in good hands when you book your MOT with us.

References

1. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/changes-to-the-date-of-the-first-mot-test-and-research-into-other-mot-enhancements/changes-to-the-date-of-the-first-mot-test-and-research-into-other-mot-enhancements#:~:text=The%20MOT%20test%20was%20first%20introduced%20in%201960.,carried%20out%20after%203%20years