MOT meaning “Ministry of Transport” is usually called for a certificate of fitness and safety for a vehicle to be on the road. MOT test is the checking of vital parts and equipment along with the emissions of the car for safety of the rider and people around.

The MOT test has to be taken for vehicles that have 3+ years of age every year. The government ensures by checking the vehicles that they are still safe to drive without getting into any accident. Over 20,000 garages in the UK have been authorized to take the test. The Driver and vehicle standard agency (DVSA) is the regulatory institution to authorize MOT to these garages. If you hit the road without MOT certificate, you can be fined up to £1000.

What is checked in an MOT?

The test started by only checking the tires in 1960, but now all vital parts and emissions examination are included in the test. The test may include lights (correctly aligned, positioned, with same color, and turn off and on with single switch), horn (continuous uniform blow loud enough to be heard), battery (secure with no leakage or loose terminals), electrical wiring (secure), steering (no wear or damaged parts with proper locking system, topped up power steering liquid), suspension (no corrosion, distortion, or fractures), brakes (efficient with no warning lights), tires (appropriate load rating and speed, tread depth must be higher than 1.6mm, no cuts, bulge, tear, lumps etc.), seatbelts (secure and operational), body (no corrosion and any sharp edges), registration plates (secure, fixed, and visible from 20m), vehicle identification number (visible VIN on the plate, or stamped at the chasis), speedometer (readable and illuminated properly), exhaust (no leakage), fuel system (no leakage with cap properly sealed), emissions (no smoke with limited carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions), mirrors (secure and clear), vipers (efficiently working), windscreen (no damage more than 10mm), and tow bar (secure with proper modifications)

What should be done before getting into the MOT test

The interior checks before inspection may include;

Check for illuminated or inoperative warning lights

Front and rear seats must be locked in upright position

Seat belts must be in properly working condition

Horn must be working

Check your mirrors especially the rear-view mirror

The exterior checks before inspection may include;

Check the suspension by applying weight on each side of the vehicle

Exhaust or mountings should not be missing and nothing’s hanging loose

Check the fuel tank components especially hoses, pipes, and cap

Footbrake and hand brake must be working

The wipers and washers should be working well

The tires must be of the right size and type

Car lights must be working

The registration plate must be tightly fixed

All doors must open and close freely

Car body should be free from excessive corrosion or damage

Check the engine for any leakage

brake fluid reservoir and oil must be topped up

Taking the MOT test?

These checks might take few minutes but if you need a repair or re-test, it can take more than ever. It is recommended that vehicle must be checked before taking the MOT or select a professional mobile mechanic to avoid inconvenience. You can toggle through our website to get a professional garage in a reasonable amount.