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If
you are a car owner and driver chances are the words ‘MOT test’
fill you with dread. Will the car pass first time? Or will it fail
and need repairs and a re-test? Will you be faced with hefty bill to
get your car in a roadworthy condition to pass?
Learner
drivers who are new to the world of driving must discover the
importance of ensuring the vehicle they drive has a valid MOT
especially when they own their own car.
As
MOT testing is a big part of being a responsible driver and car owner
here we take a look at the ins and outs of the MOT test.
What
is an MOT test?
A
MOT test checks that the vehicle meets road safety and environmental
standards.
Who
needs to get an MOT?
By
law cars over three years old must pass a yearly MOT test to show
that they are roadworthy. New cars have to have their first MOT test
on the third anniversary of their registration.
Some
vehicles are exempt from the MOT test for example classic cars that
were built or first registered more than 40 years ago.
When
can you get an MOT test?
MOT
certificates last for a year and the date it expires is printed on
the MOT pass certificate.
To
preserve the anniversary of the expiry date you can get a MOT up to a
month (minus a day) before it runs out. The earliest date you can get
a MOT and keep the same renewal date is printed on the MOT
certificate. If you have your test carried out a month before the
expiry date your MOT is effectively valid for 13 months.
Car
owners can get a new MOT earlier at anytime but the renewal date will
change and be one year (minus a day) from the new date that the
vehicle passed its MOT.
Where
can you get an MOT test?
You
can only get a valid MOT test at an approved MOT test centre.
Approved centres show the blue sign with 3 white triangles.
How
much does the MOT test cost?
There
is a maximum amount MOT test centres can charge for an MOT. Currently
the maximum cost for a car is £54.85
Many
test centres offer MOT tests for less than this maximum fee with many
offering discounts and offers which can help you save money.
The
MOT fee does not include any costs to repair the vehicle so that it
passes the MOT.
If
you have a retest after repair in some cases the vehicle can have a
partial retest for free or a reduced MOT fee. This depends on the
garage, what repairs had to be done, how quickly the retest was done
and whether the car was taken away for repairs.
What
is checked on an MOT test?
An
MOT involves vast checks on a car including brakes, fuel system,
seatbelts, windscreen wipes, lights, tyres, exhaust system and much
more. In May 2018 the MOT system changed and new items for testing
were added such as brake fluid contamination and headlight washers.
The
MOT test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch and
gearbox. Passing an MOT test does not mean the car’s mechanical
aspects are in perfect working order. The test does not guarantee
your car will remain roadworthy for the next 12 months as such
responsible car owners should ensure their car is well maintained and
regularly serviced.
What
pre-MOT checks can you do?
As
a responsible car owner there are a number of checks you can do
before your MOT test to help reduce the risk of a fail. Check your
lights including headlights, indicators and brake lights, if not
working replace yourself or get your garage to do so before the MOT.
Ensuring number plate is clean, secure and legible is also important.
Wheels
and tyres should be checked for damage and that tyres meet the
minimum legal tyre tread depth. The windscreen should be free from
damage such as crack or chips and have no stickers or other
obstructions to the driver’s view. Windscreen wipers should be fit
for purpose, wipe the screen clean and be free from damage. Ensure
your fuel tank is not on empty as the garage will need to run
the car to test emission levels.
MOT
test result
The
vehicle will either pass or fail the MOT test. In May 2018 the MOT
system was overhauled and defects are categorised different as either
dangerous, major or minor. Advisories can also be given.
MOT
pass
If
the vehicle passes the MOT an MOT certificate is provided and the
pass is recorded in the MOT database. Minor and/or advisory
issues can be listed on an MOT pass which will need monitoring or
fixing.
MOT
fail
The
vehicle will fail the MOT test if dangerous or major problems are
found. Minor and/or advisory problems can also be listed if
found.When a fail is issued a refusal of an MOT test certificate is
given and the fail will be recorded on the MOT database.
You
might not be allowed to drive the vehicle until the problems are
fixed. You can take the vehicle away if the current MOT certificate
is still valid and no dangerous problems were found and listed on the
MOT fail.
Legal
matters
If
a vehicle’s MOT has expired you cannot drive it on the road and
could be prosecuted if caught. Drivers can be fined up to £1,000 for
driving a vehicle without a valid MOT. The only exceptions to driving
a car with an expired MOT is if you are driving it somewhere to be
repaired or to a pre-booked MOT test.
To
avoid legal ramifications of an MOT running out sign up to get free MOT reminders. Making sure to get your MOT in Northampton in order to
avoid legal constraints. Avail yours from Calmac Tyres. A top tip is
not to leave your MOT to the last minute, it is advisable to book
your MOT test before it is due (make use of the fact you can do it a
month before expiry date) so if it fails you have time to get the
necessary repairs done and get it retested for a MOT pass.
Also
you can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3
penalty points for driving a vehicle that has failed its MOT because
of a ‘dangerous’ problem.
A
valid MOT certificate is also need to tax a vehicle. Driving a
vehicle with no MOT will also invalidate its insurance.
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