Approved MOT Testing

An MOT includes checks on most of the working parts of your car, though it doesn’t look at the gearbox, engine or the clutch – these are areas covered off in a typical vehicle service.

An MOT test covers these areas:

• Body, vehicle structure and general items
• Towbars
• Fuel system
• Exhaust system, including an emissions test
• Tyres and wheels – including assessing any damage, wear and tear, tyre tread depth
• Brakes (Spare wheels and tyres are not inspected)
• All functioning lights, including headlights, brake lights, reversing lights, indicators
• Electrical - all visible electric wiring and the battery
• Steering and suspension
• Front windscreen including wipers and washers
• Horn
• Mirrors
• Seats / seatbelts
• Doors and bonnet
• Registration plates
• Load security
• Vehicle identification number 

All of these parts will be inspected to make sure they’re in good condition, and work correctly. If not, there is a possibility that your car will fail its MOT.

During an MOT, any defects or faults discovered with your vehicle will be categorised as either minor, major or dangerous. A major or dangerous fault will result in your car failing its MOT; minor faults won’t mean your car fails, but these will be recorded on your pass certificate and it’s your responsibility to monitor these and get them repaired. These are typically known as ‘advisories’.

If your car fails its MOT, you shouldn’t drive it. You could 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.

If it’s failed with major faults, these need to be repaired before you can drive it again, though you are able to use your vehicle to drive to a garage for those repairs. You can also drive your car if you’ve had the MOT early and your current certificate is still valid – but you’ll need to get those repairs done, and re-tested, to get a new certificate.

If your car has failed its MOT because of dangerous problems, it can’t be driven at all until repairs are made. When your current MOT certificate has expired, you will need a new one to be able to continue to drive your car. It won’t be deemed legal and roadworthy until it passes.

Book an MOT with Dick Lovett

In the event of MOT failure, your car will need to be re-tested again so that it passes.

Usually, the simplest option is for any repairs to be carried out as soon as possible, such as later the same day or the next working day.  Our experienced teams of motor technicians can complete the work needed for your car to pass its MOT. Your vehicle will be subject to a partial retest on the areas it failed on and here at Dick Lovett, we won’t charge you extra for a retest, provided it’s within ten days of the first MOT.

If your car has failed with dangerous or major faults, you can have the peace of mind of knowing that it's in safe hands. At Dick Lovett, our team of technicians will carry out any repair work necessary to ensure your car passes the inspection and gets back on the road again in no time at all. Any repairs will, of course, come at extra cost.

Book an MOT with Dick Lovett

A successful MOT inspection and pass results in you being given a test certificate, officially known as a VT20. Keep this safe as it’s your record and receipt of the inspection, and it will also note the date you’ll need to book your next MOT – no later than 12 months’ time. Your details will also be updated on the national MOT database.

We’ll also notify you when your MOT is due, plenty of time in advance, so you can quickly and conveniently arrange your MOT appointment with us.

Contact Dick Lovett to book your MOT today.