The Ultimate Guide to Understanding the UK MOT Test

Before driving a car on open streets in the United Kingdom, cars should complete a yearly mechanical checking known as a MOT Test. Local garages oversee the MOT Leicester, and they will provide an MOT certificate of completion along with their observations and any suitable repairs. 

If your vehicle does not pass its MOT, you could either fix it or take it off the street before it passes. 

What exactly is a MOT test? 

Depending on the dimensions and variability of the vehicle, the test can range in length from 20 minutes to one hour or more. It entails comparing certain vital features and systems to the DVSA's (Driver Vehicle Standards Agency) legal requirements, such as lighting, wheels, brakes, and emissions control systems. If any flaws must get discovered, they must get corrected before retesting can take place. 

The latest car MOT services test would get divided into three parts: 

Diagnostic Check: This determines whether the electronic systems are functioning properly, as well as whether the car's lights, indicators, and brakes are functioning properly. Visual Inspection: This examines the status of various vehicle components such as tyres, exhausts, and bodywork. Check for Roadworthiness: This examines how your car stops and handles edges on the road to determine how well it behaves on the road. 

Why Could Your Car Fail a MOT? 

If you take care of your vehicle and keep every one of its parts up to date by listening closely to alerts and warning signs on the dashboard, or if you realise any alterations in the way your vehicle performs. Carrying your vehicle to a reputable mechanic for a car service when problems arise can assist in preventing more severe problems from occurring later on. Even so, there are a variety of reasons why a vehicle may fail its MOT. These are some examples: 

Tyres

Tyres with less than 1.6mm tread pattern or that have some patches, scratches, or otherwise damaged will fail the test. 

Exhausts

If the exhaust has undergone alteration or it is not working well with the right silencer the test will fail. 

Lights

All lights should be operational and in good condition. Markers and brake lights that flash may also result in a failure. 

Horn

The horn must function in order for you to warn other car drivers of your existence on the road. 

Brakes

Your brakes must be capable of safely stopping the vehicle within its design specifications, just like when push too had and under pressure. 

Steering systems

You must check these systems for appropriate functioning at all speeds, just like when you are making a turn at low speed. This is also what you call a bump steer. 

Mirrors: Both the inside and outside mirrors should be in good working order and give you a better sight of what is behind you. If they do not meet this standard, they may fail their MOT. 

What Happens If My Car Breaks Down? 

If your car fails its MOT, you must carry out the necessary repairs prior to actually driving it again. You must also have a proper approval for an expert engineer before returning your vehicle for another test. 

Any repairs must get completed within 28 days, or your car will get put on a list of non taxable vehicles that have been withdrawn from public use by police departments across the country (unless it has been sold). This process could take approximately eight weeks to fulfil, but when it does, you will receive notification that your car is fit for you to drive it on the road. When your car fails its MOT, the test centre will send you an advisory note outlining what needs to get fixed and what it will cost. The advisory letter will also include a list of items that do not require repair but should get checked on a regular basis (for example tyres). You'll get one month to complete these tasks before scheduling another free retest of MOT within 12 months of passing the first one.