Prices

£25 – CLASS I & II MOTORBIKE MOT
£30 – CLASS III TRIKE & QUAD MOT
£45 – CLASS IV CAR MOT 
£50 – CLASS V MINIBUS MOT
£50 – CLASS IV & VII LIGHT COMMERCIAL MOT 
£46 LABOUR +VAT per/hour

What is an MOT?

MOT testing is required by law on all vehicles in the UK that are 3 years old or more. The annual inspection follows strict criteria set out by the DVSA that determines if your car is fit for purpose and in roadworthy condition. The MOT test covers a broad range of vehicle safety checks including lights, tyres, seatbelts and emissions and can only be carried out by an MOT garage with DVSA-approved examiners. 

During the MOT test the nominated tester, a person accredited by the DVSA to assess your vehicle, will conduct a comprehensive inspection to ensure the vehicle is in roadworthy condition. However, it is not the same as having your vehicle serviced and the MOT test does not check the general mechanical condition of the vehicle. Also, the assessment is based on the condition of the vehicle on the day.

If the vehicle passes, the nominated tester will separately list and inform you of any ‘advisory’ or ‘minor’ items that will require attention in the near future so you can keep an eye on them.

If the vehicle fails, you may be entitled to a free re-test.

DUE TO CUSTOMERS NOT ATTENDING PRE-BOOKED MOT SLOTS WE NOW TAKE AN UP-FRONT PAYMENT FOR ALL MOT SLOTS.

IF YOU THEN CANCEL YOUR SLOT LESS THAN 7 DAYS BEFORE YOU WILL SADLY NOT BE ENTITLED TO A REFUND.

OVER 7 DAYS YOU WILL BE CHARGED A £5 CANCELLATION FEE

What’s Included in an MOT?

The nominated tester in centre will check the following components to ensure each meets the minimum standard set out by the DVSA before issuing an MOT certificate.

The vehicle will be inspected to check that the boot or tailgate can be closed properly.

The vehicle will be inspected to check for the minimum number of mirrors, their condition and security. Indirect vision devices will also inspected.

These will be inspected to check that:

  • the latch is secure in the closed position
  • the front doors open from inside and outside the vehicle
  • the rear doors open from outside the vehicle
  • hinges and catches are secure and in a good condition

These will be inspected to check that:

  • the driver’s seat can be adjusted
  • all seats are securely fitted and that seat backs can be fixed in the upright position

The vehicle will be inspected to check that:

  • the mandatory seatbelts are in place
  • they are suitable for the vehicle
  • they are in a good condition
  • they work properly
  • they are attached securely

The malfunction indicator lamps (MILs) or dashboard warning lights will be checked for the:

  • air bags
  • seatbelt pretensioners (which remove the slack from a seatbelt in the event of a collision)
  • seatbelt load limiters (which release a small amount of belt when it’s too tight)

The exhaust system will be inspected to check that:

  • it’s secure and complete
  • a catalyst isn’t missing where one was fitted as standard
  • it’s without serious leaks and not too noisy

The vehicle will be inspected, depending on the age and fuel type of the vehicle, to check that it meets the rules for exhaust emissions.

Diesel vehicles

The MOT tester will refuse to test your vehicle if they think that the smoke test may damage your engine.

You should tell them at the start of the MOT if you think this may happen.

To reduce the possibility of damage and increase the chances of passing, you should:

  • keep your vehicle maintained at all times
  • have the camshaft drive belt replaced at the recommended intervals
  • go for the MOT with a fully warmed up engine – it will produce less smoke and is safer to test
  • not tamper with the governor settings

The fuel system will be inspected to check that:

  • there are no leaks
  • the pipes and hoses are secure and in a good condition
  • the fuel cap fastens and seals securely

You should make sure that the key is available as the fuel cap will need to be opened.

Towbars will be inspected for:

  • secureness
  • condition
  • inappropriate repairs or modification

The MOT tester will also check that:

  • the 13 pin electrical socket is working correctly
  • the speedometer is in good working order
  • the engine mountings are secure

These will be inspected to check that:

  • they’re free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas
  • there are no sharp edges likely to cause injury

These will be inspected to check:

  • their condition, including inappropriate repairs or modifications
  • their operation and performance (the efficiency test) – the wheels and trims aren’t removed as part of the test
  • the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) (where fitted)

The MILs or dashboard warning lights will also be checked for the ABSESC, electronic park brake and brake fluid warning lights.

The VIN will be on vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1980. Your car will be inspected to check that a single VIN is displayed, except on multistage build vehicles (eg van conversion, BMW, Alpina etc).

Visible electrical wiring and the battery will be checked.

These will be inspected to check:

  • their condition
  • steering oil level
  • they work correctly
  • for inappropriate repairs or modification including corrosion to power steering pipes or hoses
  • that the steering lock mechanism works properly

The MILs or dashboard warning lights will also be checked for the electronic power steering and steering lock.

This will be inspected to check:

  • that it works properly
  • it’s suitable for the vehicle

The windscreen will be inspected to check for:

  • condition
  • the driver’s view of the road

These will be inspected to check that they work properly so the driver has a clear view of the road.

This will be inspected to check that it closes securely.

These will be inspected to check:

  • their condition
  • operation, including high intensity discharge (HID) and light emitting diode (LED)
  • the headlamps for cleaning, self levelling and security
  • headlamp aim
  • main beam warning light working

These will be inspected to check for:

  • condition
  • secure attachment
  • colour
  • characters correctly formed and spaced

These will be inspected to check for:

  • condition
  • security
  • tyre size and type
  • tread depth

Spare wheels and tyres are not inspected.

Vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2012 will be checked to make sure the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMSMIL is working.

MOT Information obtained from gov.uk Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency, Published May 2015.