Demystifying the MOT Test: Key Insights

Owning a car in the UK comes with the necessity for the vehicle to bring the car for an MOT test every year. Once your vehicle completed three years at its date of registration then in such a condition, you will be required to visit the garage, this applies to all those vehicles which are driven on the road. MOT simply refers to the Ministry of Transportation, to make sure that the vehicle meets the road safety and environment standards. 

A test is probably the most complex because of the legalities involved as the test undergoes with the government authorities, set by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). Another reason for it to be daunting is that several parts are checked at the time of inspection. If any of the parts are identified as damaged or faulty, then you won’t be able to drive on the road. The main reason behind conducting this test is to prevent sudden breakdown. A range of parts checked include brakes, suspension, light, mirrors, horns, steering, exhaust system, windshield wipers and many more. 

Why preparation is so important for the vehicle?

It plays a crucial to prepare the vehicle before taking it at the scheduled date and time. While preparing the vehicle, several parts were checked thoroughly to make it function effectively on the road. To keep the vehicle in great shape, the headlights, brake lights and other components are looked over with utmost accuracy and precision. This way, if the vehicle contains any damage or defects it will be fixed at an earlier stage to prevent significant risks. Here are some of the following parts to prepare for the MOT Coventry test:

• Vehicle lights are checked thoroughly and that too could make a difference in either passing or failing the test. All the lights of the vehicle, including indicators, brake lights, headlights, and fog lights, are required to be in working condition because the examiner is going to check everything. If not functioning properly, then simply change the bulb in order to get out of the hassle of falling in the test. Some lights can be checked on their own and sometimes you require the assistance of another individual. 
• A tyre’s tread depth is one such important aspect, as the examiner will check the legalities. The minimum requirement of tread depth should be 1.6mm, if this is not then your vehicle is failing in the test. It is because driving without meeting the legal requirements is illegal to drive in the UK because it involves several risks. Moreover, if all four tyres are below the required one then you are potentially experiencing hefty fines and penalties. It also involves, checking the tyre pressure, whether they are not overinflated or underinflated, it must be looked over in making sure it passes in the test.
• A warning light is more likely to illuminate the vehicle’s dashboard, if this then you are unlikely to pass the test. These are the signs of damage or defect in the vehicle, the reason is that the engine management light, ABS light, brake fluid light and airbag warning lights would cause failure in the test. Preparing before taking at the authorised garage for the test, makes it easier to determine the problem, so to fix it as early as possible to be able to pass in the test. It is always recommended to take them for preparation at the reputable garage which offers professional and skilled mechanics. 

Next Steps After Your MOT Test

When the vehicle performs all the necessary tests, then the examiner grants the certification, of either pass or fail. Furthermore, when the vehicle passes the test, they will provide you with a pass certificate, which is VT20. This certificate confirms that your vehicle can meet road safety and environmental standards. Having a pass certificate makes sure your car is in a safer place to be driven on the road.

However, when the vehicle fails in the test because of the significant damages and defects the vehicle is holding, as a result, you will be issued with a failure certificate, as VT30. In such a situation, a vehicle needs to be checked and the problem must be fixed, after that it needs to be rescheduled within 60 days of the original date of the test.

Driving a car without an MOT test would end up causing danger to lives, which means it is illegal in the UK. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, MOT testing plays an important role for vehicle owners and maintenance. The thought of developing this test for vehicles is generally for vehicles so the issues will be identified in helping the vehicle to be in optimal condition. The MOT test makes sure to keep the vehicle in the roadworthy condition meeting the criteria of environmental standards. With this, you will be saving the lives of drivers, passengers and the generic public on the road. Overall, it is important to carry the vehicle for testing after completing its third anniversary and after that, it is required to perform annually.