Getting a car for the first time? That’s great. Now you can drive where you want at your convenience without using public or commercial transport. However, your car must be in good shape. Its roadworthiness requirement is demanded by the government, not just for your safety, but also for the safety of other road users.
Yes, you should service your car and keep it in good shape (if you want to keep driving it on the roads). However, your vehicle is expected to have a valid MOT certificate to ascertain its roadworthiness. This certificate is issued after your car undergoes testing at an MOT test centre. For more information, this article further details all you need to know about an MOT, including how long an MOT takes.
What is an MOT?
An MOT is known fully as the Ministry of Transport test. It essentially involves determining whether a vehicle is fit for driving in the public. The requirement is backed by the 47th section of the 1988 UK road traffic act. You can be guilty of violating the law if you drive a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate or if someone else drives your vehicle without it. Therefore, as a car owner, it’s your duty to take a vehicle for an MOT at an approved testing centre, to ensure you’re not in violation.
The test is usually carried out annually. All vehicles are expected to have the certificate unless exempted. Therefore, it’s an important requirement to look out for if you want to purchase a used car. You should check the MOT history as it can reveal all the previous damages and fixes that have been done on a used vehicle you want to buy.
How long does an MOT take?
As listed below, the checks can last up to an hour or even more, depending on the type of vehicle. Whatever the vehicle type, the test centre will issue the MOT certificate if your car passes its test. The certificate will give you a one-year grace before another Ministry of Transport test is due.
What should be checked?
Everything about your car will be checked, from the brakes to the horn, chassis, headlights, tyres, seat belts, emission, and more. The MOT test checks if a car is safe, not just for you, the driver, but also for the safety of other road users. The test reduces the risk of road accidents and other dangers.
If you are visiting an authorised MOT centre any time soon, below is a list to take note of. Some of these checks may not delay you for too long, even if they don’t pass, as they can quickly be resolved. Others may prevent you from driving your car for days until they’re resolved.
- Brakes
- Tyres and wheels
- Lights and reflectors
- Electrical equipment and wiring
- Mirrors
- Windscreen wipers and wash
- Battery
- Horn
- Steering
- Suspension
- Seat belts
- Vehicle body
- Vehicle identification number
- Speedometer
- Registration plates
- Exhaust and emissions
- Fuel system
- Oil
- Seats
- Doors
- Boot
- Bonnet
What if your car fails MOT?
If your vehicle fails at the test centre, it’ll no longer be fit for the road, as an MOT certificate won’t be issued. Sometimes, advisory notes may be given after testing your car. If the issues noticed aren’t severe, this note is issued to highlight the fixes needed instead of failing the car. After the fixes are made, the certificate will be issued.
Therefore, you might want to check your vehicle before visiting a test centre. Although many tests are carried out, the following are the common reasons that make a car fail MOT.
- Very high missions from the exhaust
- Warning indicators on the dashboard.
- Significantly cracked windows, stickers, or dirt that could impair visibility.
- Vehicle plates that don’t adhere to DVLA law
- Broken lights
- Damaged side or rear view mirrors
- Worn out tires.
- Tire with low pressure.
- Broken wipers
What if you are caught driving without a MOT?
Driving without an MOT certificate is an offence. It may attract a fine and could also lead to impounding of your vehicle. If you’re involved in an auto accident, and your car has no valid MOT certificate, it could nullify your insurance claims. This is because your insurance company can refuse to cover your damages if the cause of the accident could be linked to a fault that could have been detected and fixed with a prior MOT.
Which cars are exempt?
As mentioned earlier, MOTs are done yearly. However, if your vehicle is new, it may be MOT-exempt. MOT exemption means that a vehicle doesn’t need to undergo MOT. This mainly applies to new vehicles that are three years old.
What’s more, if you live or drive your car in Northern Ireland, your new car will be exempted from MOT for the first four years. An MOT exemption doesn’t mean you should neglect your car’s maintenance. Your vehicle must be super healthy to prevent breakdown. You can also drive to an MOT centre to check your car as part of the service routine. However, you are not mandated by law to do so if your car is exempt.
A tractor or classic car can also be MOT-exempt. If a car was registered 40 years ago, with no substantial changes carried out on its engine, running gear, chassis, and axles for over 30 years or more, it may be MOT exempt. The reason classic cars are MOT exempt is that the owners are usually hobbyists and don’t have these cars for everyday use, which makes them wear and tear.
There is a misconception that electricity-powered vehicles are MOT exempt. If you own an electric vehicle, the electric feature does not make the car totally MOT exempt. However, your electric car will be exempted from the emission test since it’s a zero-emission vehicle. It will, however, still undergo other tests the diesel and PMS-powered vehicles undergo as they are subject to other wear and tear like every other vehicle.
