The significance of MOT

You are aware that every form of vehicle, including cars, needs to get a MOT Bicester examination once a year. This holds true for many other kinds of vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, and freight trucks. The Ministry of Transport exam, sometimes known as the MOT test, certifies that cars are safe to drive and roadworthy.

From its inception in the 1960s, the MOT test has experienced many expansions over its lifetime. For example, one of the initial elements of MOT testing in the 1960s was a tyre examination. These days, a wide range of car components are inspected and the test is much more comprehensive.

Numerous checks of the car’s paint, suspension, lights, and brakes are part of the test. Making ensuring your car is safe to drive and roadworthy is the goal in order to prevent accidents and breakdowns.

What Is An MOT?

A vehicle must undergo an annual MOT test when it turns three years old to ensure that it still meets all applicable road safety and environmental standards. One of the 21,000 approved test facilities located around the country is where you can get your car’s MOT test completed (simply look for the official blue sign with the three white triangles).

During a MOT test, your car will go through a number of checks to make sure it is safe to drive. These inspections cover everything from testing your brakes to inspecting your exhaust system to make sure everything is in functioning condition so you may continue driving on the roadways. The test usually takes 45 to 60 minutes, so you will need to drop your car off at the designated place and pick it up after you’re done. You should bring your most current MOT certificate and the V5C vehicle registration document.

What are the most frequent causes of MOT test failures for automobiles that may be easily avoided?

Most of the time, a car failing its MOT is due to little problems or defects that the owner might have easily remedied in the past. The following are some of the most common reasons why cars fail a MOT:

Insufficient screen cleaning

Refilling your car’s screen wash just takes a few minutes, but skipping it might have an impact on how well your MOT test goes. Top up your screen wash before your next MOT test to avoid being found wanting.

Issues with the licence plate

Your MOT may be impacted by a number of registration plate issues, including dirty plates or plates with the incorrect typeface or spacing. Although many people like having personalised licence plates, it’s important to make sure that your plate meets with legal requirements and DVLA standards.

Dashboard caution light flashing

One method to fail your MOT test when you show up for it is to have a warning light illuminated on your dashboard. Make sure you know what each warning light on your dashboard means before your car gets its MOT. Make sure you address any lights that are on prior to your MOT!

Stickers obstructing the driver’s vision

Make sure everything that has to be attached to the windscreen is completely outside of the wiper’s sweep area, such as parking permits. Furthermore, stickers must to be positioned so as not to interfere in any manner with the driver’s field of vision.

Before your MOT test, take care to address all of the aforementioned issues as they are some of the most common, yet simple, reasons why MOT failures occur.

What happens if you fail your MOT Test?

The testing facility will provide you a “refusal of a MOT test certificate.”

That is going to be noted in the MOT database.

If you believe the outcome is incorrect, you can file an appeal.

You are able to remove your car if:

  • You have a few days left until your MOT expires. Your MOT is still valid.
  • There were none of the “dangerous” issues with your automobile.
  • After the automobile is serviced, you can choose to have a new MOT test performed. If you get it maintained and tested within a certain amount of time, the majority of service centres waive the MOT retest price. They could then charge a little fee after that.

What happens if my car’s MOT is unsuccessful?

The test facility will provide you with a VT30 Certificate, detailing the reasons for the vehicle’s failure, if it fails its MOT. The certificate will classify the flaws as minor, significant, or dangerous.

If there is a major defect with your car, you won’t be allowed to drive it from the lot that day. Rather, you will have to select a reliable garage to do the necessary maintenance. Most of the time, the garage where you had your MOT test will be able to take care of the repairs for you, but it may be beneficial to check costs for MOT repairs in your region if you want to be sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

You may be able to drive your car away even if it has a major issue as long as it’s still deemed roadworthy and your previous MOT Bicester hasn’t expired. Even if your MOT has expired and it’s still safe to drive, you may still drive your car to get the issues rectified and to your planned MOT. In all other cases, driving without a MOT can cost you £2,500, get you banned from driving and add three points to your licence.