Alastair Reid Garages - MOT Testing

When you need a re-test

Questions answered - MOT FAQ

What is included in your MOT?

When your car is brought for an MOT test it will be given a comprehensive check of major components. These checks are designed to ensure that your car is safe to drive on the road without endangering you or other road users. The test will also check the vehicle meets regulations for items such as lights and environmental emission. The following is a summary of what is included in the MOT test.

Body or vehicle structure and general items

Free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas. No sharp edges likely to cause injury. Towbars for security, condition, inappropriate repairs or modification. Correct operation of 13 pin electrical socket. Speedometer condition and operation. Engine mountings.

Fuel system

No leaks. Security and condition of pipes or hoses. Fuel cap fastens and seals securely. Note the fuel cap will need to be opened. Make sure the key is available.

Exhaust emissions

Vehicle meets the requirements for exhaust emissions, dependent on the age and fuel type of the vehicle.

Exhaust system

Secure. Complete. Catalyst missing where one was fitted as standard. Without serious leaks and is not too noisy.

Seat belts

All the seat belts fitted are checked for type, condition, operation and security. All mandatory seat belts must be in place. Check of the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) for air bags and seat belt pre tensioners.

Seats

Driver's seat can be adjusted. All seats for security and seat backs can be secured in the upright position.

Doors

Latch securely in closed position. Front doors should open from inside and outside the vehicle. Rear doors should open from outside the vehicle. Hinges and catches for security and condition.

Mirrors

Minimum number required, condition and security.

Load security

Boot or tailgate can be secured in the closed position.

Condition including inappropriate repairs or modifications, operation and performance (efficiency test). Note the removal of the road wheels and trims are not part of the test. ABS or electronic stability control (ESC) where fitted. Check of the MIL for ABS, electronic stability control, electronic park brake and brake fluid warning.

Tyres and wheels

Condition, security, tyre size and type and tread depth. Spare tyres are not inspected. Note: vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2012 - check of the MIL for tyre pressure monitoring.

Registration plates

Condition, security, colour, characters correctly formed and spaced.

Lights

Condition, operation including HID and LED headlamps for cleaning, self levelling and security. Headlamp aim. Main beam warning light.

Bonnet

Securely latches in the closed position.

Wipers and washers

Operate to give the driver a clear view ahead.

Windscreen

Condition and driver’s view of the road.

Horn

Correct operation and of suitable type.

Steering and suspension

Condition, steering oil level, operation, a check for inappropriate repairs or modification including corrosion to power steering pipes or hoses. Operation of steering lock mechanism. Check of the MIL for electronic power steering and steering lock.

The vehicle identification number (VIN)

Is on vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1980. Only one unique VIN is displayed except on multistage build vehicles.

Electrical

Visible electrical wiring and battery.

When you need a retest

In the unfortunate event of your car failing to pass an MOT test, then Alastair Reid Garages can undertake the necessary work to ensure a test pass, there is no additional test fee in this instance. You may prefer to take the car away and undertake the work elsewhere, in which case a retest will be required. Should you return with your vehicle for testing before the end of the next working day then you won’t have to pay again if the vehicle is brought back to the same test centre. This applies only for a partial retest only on the following items

• bonnet
• boot lid
• brake pedal anti-slip
• direction indicators
• doors
• drop-sides
• fuel filler cap
• hazard warning
• horn
• lamps (excluding headlamp aim)
• loading door
• mirrors
• rear reflectors
• registration plates
• seatbelts (excluding body around anchorage points)
• seats
• sharp edges or projections
• steering wheel
• tailboard
• tailgate
• tow-bars (excluding body around anchorage points)
• vehicle identification number (VIN)
• windscreen and glass
• windscreen wipers
• windscreen washers
• wheels and tyres (excluding motorbikes and motorbikes with side-car)

Any other reason for failure will require a retest.

If the vehicle is removed from the test centre, repaired and returned within 10 working days following the day it originally failed, then only a partial retest is needed. In this case, a partial retest fee will be charged.

In all other cases, you’ll need to get a full retest and pay the full MOT fee again.

Your questions answered with our MOT FAQ

How vehicles are tested

MOT test stations have designated test bays where they conduct the test, using a range of equipment that meets the required specification for MOT testing. The standard test procedures are laid out in an inspection manual that the test station should make available on request. If your vehicle has failed the test, you will be given a failure document with reference to this manual. You can watch the test from a designated viewing area, but you are not allowed to interrupt the tester while he is working.

Your MOT test record

When your vehicle is tested at a testing station your test record will be entered onto a secure central database. You will then be given either an MOT (pass) certificate or notification of failure. The certificate is your receipt for the MOT test and shows the information that’s held on the database. The MOT certificate only relates to the condition of testable items at the time of the test and should not be regarded as:

• evidence of their condition at any other time
• evidence of the general mechanical condition of the vehicle
• evidence that the vehicle fully complies with all aspects of the law on vehicle construction and use

Your certificate

The test certificate is no longer proof of an MOT and shouldn’t be relied on as such. Only the MOT computer database record can prove a vehicle has a valid MOT. Your MOT certificate may also contain information on advisory defects found during the test that do not, in the personal opinion of the tester, warrant a notification of failure. These may include:

testable items which only just pass and may need attention soon or items which are not within the scope of the MOT test and may need attention any peculiarity of the vehicle.

When you can MOT your vehicle

You can renew your MOT up to one month before it expires without affecting the anniversary of your expiry date. The earliest date you can present your vehicle for test is printed on the pass certificate.

Why do you need an MOT certificate

It is generally an offence to use on a public road, a vehicle of testable age that doesn’t have a current test certificate, except when: taking it to a test station for an MOT test booked in advance bringing it away from a test station after it has failed the MOT test, to a place of repair taking it to a place, by previous arrangement, where problems that caused the vehicle to fail its MOT test, can be repaired bringing it away from a place where the problems with the vehicle have been repaired.

Even in the above circumstances you may still be prosecuted for driving an un-roadworthy vehicle if it doesn’t comply with various regulations affecting its construction and use. Your car insurance may also be invalid.

The police can ask to see an MOT certificate for a vehicle that needs to have one. They also have access to the computerised records of MOT test results and can tell if the MOT certificate for your vehicle has expired.

Do I need an MOT test for my vehicle?

Everyone who uses a vehicle on the road is required to keep it in a roadworthy condition at all times. The road worthiness is checked in the interests of road safety and the environment by the test we call the MOT. The first test is required once a car is three years old. The MOT test looks at some important items on your car to see that they meet the key legal minimum requirements at the time of the test. You should be aware that the MOT certificate is not a guarantee of the general mechanical condition of a vehicle.

How are vehicles tested?

The Alastair Reid Garages MOT test station has a designated test bays where the test is conducted, using a range of equipment which meets the required specification for MOT testing. The standard test procedures are laid out in an inspection manual which the test station will make available on request. If your vehicle has failed the test, you will be given a failure document with reference to this manual. All of Alastair Reid Garages MOT testers have been trained by Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and their test standards are checked and audited regularly.

Who supervises the scheme?

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) is the government agency responsible for supervising the MOT scheme. It does this by:

• Authorising MOT Test Stations & approving MOT testers
• Setting standards for testing and requirements for authorisation for the MOT test station and testers
• Training Authorised Examiners and MOT testers
• Visiting MOT test stations and carrying out checks to ensure testing standards & facilities are maintained. Giving advice/taking disciplinary action where tests are not being carried out to the required standards
• Dealing with appeals and complaints from MOT customers

What if I lose my certificate?

You may purchase a duplicate test certificate from any MOT test station. However, you must demonstrate your right to acquire the duplicate document. You must provide the test number from the original certificate or the unique number from the registration document (V5C), plus the Vehicle Registration Mark. Alternatively, you may present the vehicle to the original MOT test station to satisfy this proof.

The maximum fee for a duplicate certificate is £10 or half the test fee if this is less.

When does my car need an MOT?

It is your responsibility to ensure that your vehicle has a valid MOT at all times it is being used on public highways. Without an MOT certificate, you will be unable to renew your road tax and your car may not be insured.

To assist customers in remaining legal at all times Alastair Reid Garages offers a reminder system. You will receive a reminder of the need for an MOT test on your car around 2 weeks before the current certificate expires. You can have a vehicle tested up to 30 days before the expiry of the current MOT and have the new certificate post dated for 12 months from expiry of previous certificate i.e. up to 12 months plus 30 days on your new certificate.