Taking the MOT? FAQ and the Answers to Help you Pass It

It’s that time of year again for many car owners- The MOT test. If it’s time for you to take your MOT into the garage to be tested, there might be a few things you want to know. This is especially true if it’s your first time. But where do you find the answers to all of your questions? You find them here. Continue reading for information regarding the most frequently asked questions car owners have about the MOT

 

What is a MOT?

MOT stands for Ministry of Transport and refers to a scheme set up to test the road safety of cars, light goods vehicles and motorcycles over three years old. This test ensures that every vehicle has been properly maintained and helps owners understand what car parts may be affecting the safety of their vehicle.

It’s important to understand that while the MOT ensures the safety of the car at that particular test time, that doesn’t mean the vehicle is mechanically sound or that it won’t have a few car parts that fail after the test is complete. The MOT is not exhaustive and simply checks certain parts to ensure their condition.

 

When do I Take the MOT?

The MOT is required for vehicles after they become three years old. After this, you must take your car to an authorised station at least one time each year to ensure all parts meet the minimum requirements of the law.

There are ways to get out of taking the MOT each year. If you own a classic car built before 1960, you are exempt from having to take this test. Tractors and electric goods vehicles are also exempt.

 

How Much is it Going to Cost Me?

The fees for taking the MOT vary, depending on the age and type of vehicle being tested. There is a maximum fee amount that can be charge, however. If you’re taking your Vauxhall in, for instance, it would be classified under Class IV Cars on the fee table. The maximum amount a MOT test station could charge you in 2015 was £50.35. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be charged the full amount, however. Many certified MOT test stations offer car owners a discount on the test, especially if they use the garage on a regular basis for basic maintenance and Vauxhall part repairs.

 

How Long Should I Expect the MOT to Take?

In most cases, MOT testing takes about 45 minutes. There are a number of car parts the tester needs to inspect and check off his or her list, and that takes time. If problems occur, testing time may be extended.

 

Will I be Notified by Mail When My MOT is Due?

While the VIA sends out reminders for road taxes, they do not do the same for MOT testing. This test is your responsibility and yours alone. Be sure to mark down on a calendar when your last test was so you know when to take it next.

 

Can I Take the MOT Early?

If you took your MOT last year in February, but want to get a head start and take it in January this year, that’s acceptable. However, it’s important to note that MOT certificates last for only one year. If you take it in January this year, you’ll need to take it in January next year as well.

 

What do I do if I Fail the MOT?

If your Vauxhall doesn’t pass the MOT, you’ll be given a VT30 Certificate stating why the failure occurred. It is your responsibility to make sure you understand what that failure is before leaving the MOT station. You’ll need to fix whatever Vauxhall parts have caused the failure before taking the test again for a retest.

Know your retest options.

• If you leave the Vauxhall at the MOT test station and have them repair the issue, there will be no fee charged for the retest.

 

• If you leave with the vehicle and come back for a retest by the end of the next business day, no retest fee will be charged.

 

• If your Vauxhall failed because of the bonnet, loading door, mirrors, seat belts, seats, doors, hazard warning, fuel filler cap brake pedal, steering wheel, wipers or steering wheel, no additional fee will be required when you return for your test. This is what is known as a partial re-examination.

 

Can I Drive my Vauxhall Without a MOT Certificate?

It depends. Legally, cars without a current and valid MOT certificate are not allowed on the road. There are exceptions, however. You can drive a car without a current MOT if you are taking that car to be repaired prior to your MOT exam or if you are driving to a prearranged MOT test. Driving home from a MOT test you failed is also acceptable.

 

What do I do if I Lose my MOT Certificate?

Losing your MOT certificate can be a problem, especially if you are stopped by the police and asked to produce it. Luckily, you can get a duplicate from the Vehicle Inspectorate or from the garage where you took the test. If you choose to go back to the garage, but sure to have the £10.00 replacement fee in hand and the date of your MOT test. If the garage has closed since your MOT or you don’t have the details necessary to get hold of them because you just purchased the used vehicle, call the Vehicle Inspectorate at 0845 600 5977.

 

What Should I Bring to the MOT?

Aside from the necessary fee needed by the garage, you shouldn’t need anything other than your vehicle when going in for a MOT. However, if you’re changing the registration or if this is the first MOT for the car, you’ll need to bring in the V5C vehicle registration certification.

Are you ready to go in for your MOT? Be sure you pass the first time by checking and maintaining your Vauxhall’s parts. Use these answers to better understand what to expect from the MOT testing centre and the test itself.