MOT's

Everyone who uses a vehicle over 3 yrs old from new is required to maintain it to a roadworthy condition. Let Search 2 drive help you understand what a MOT is all about! The road worthiness is checked in the interests of road safety and the environment by the test called an MOT. The first MOT is when the vehicle is 3 years old.

The MOT looks at some important items on your car to see that it meets key legal requirements when it is tested. You should be aware that the MOT certificate is not a guarantee of the general mechanical condition of the vehicle. What is included in an MOT test?

Vehicle Structure - Free from excessive corrosion (rust) or damaged in specific areas, no sharp edges.

Fuel System - No leaks!! Cap fastens and seals correctly, fuel cap will need to open and the key if required works with the cap

Exhaust Emissions - The vehicle meets the requirements of exhaust emissions, dependant on the age and fuel type.

Exhaust System - Secure, complete, without serious leaks and silences efficiently.

Seat Belts - All the seat belts installed are checked for type, condition, operation and security. All compulsory seat belts must be in place.

Seats - Front seats are secure, front and rear backrests can be secured in the upright position.

Doors - Open and close, latch correctly in closed position. Front doors should open from the inside and outside.

Mirrors - Present, good condition and secure

Brakes - Condition, operation and performance will be checked (efficiency test)

Tyres & wheels - must be in correct condition, secure and correct tyre size/type with correct tread depth. (Spare tyre not inspected)

Registration Plates - Condition, security, digits correctly formed and spaced.

Lights - Condition, operation, secure and correct colours will be checked plus the headlight will be checked to see if aligned (pointing in right place)

Bonnet - Secures safely in the closed position.

Wipers/Washers - Operate to give clear vision.

Windscreen - the condition and drivers view will be checked (chips in drivers view)

Horn - Correct type and operation - yes its really checked!!

Steering & suspension - correct condition and operation.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN Plate) - Not more than one identification number should be present on a vehicle first used on or after 1.8.80

Where do I get an MOT?

Over 19,000 garages around the country are approved MOT test stations. The blue three triangles logo which they have to display identifies approved test stations.

The maximum fee for the test must be displayed on a poster inside every test station, a garage may charge less but no more than this.