Accidents on roads has become a  very common thing and sometimes the reason behind this might be problem with components of the car that we do not take that much care of. And seeing rise in such cases, governments of various countries have taken various initiatives which helps in keeping the car driven on roads safe and environment friendly. one such step taken by the United Kingdom government is the MOT or MOT test. This is a mandatory test introduced by the government which helps in ensuring that the vehicle driven is safe for both the road as well as for the environment. Through this blog you will get a detailed look at what exactly MOT is and what is done during this test.

Insights On MOT

The name MOT stands for the Ministry of Transportation of the United Kingdom who conducts this test. The test was first introduced in 1960s and since than various changes have been made to the policies of this test. In this test, more than 20 important parts of a car are tested on various standards which helps in ensuring that they are working properly and the vehicle is safe to be driven on roads. Under MOT only vehicles that are older than 3 years are tested but if you are in Ireland than your car will be tested after it is 4 years after its registration date. You have to take the test annually and after the completion of the test, a certificate is given whether you pass the test or fail the test.

MOT Test Fees

One doubt that everyone has is related to the fees that you have to pay when you are taking the test. The price for taking this test is not fixed and might vary from the place from where you take the test. You can check the prices for the test through the internet and select the one which seems fit to you. By going through various options you can choose the one that seems fit to you and is friendly for your pocket.

Components Tested Under MOT

Since the introduction of the MOT test, there have been several changes made to the list of the components which are tested under it. The last changes to this list were made in 2021 and here is the latest list of all the components of your vehicle which are tested under MOT:

  • exhaust and emission
  • seat belts
  • steering
  • windscreen
  • bonnet catch
  • horn
  • number plate
  • lights
  • brakes
  • tires and wheels
  • mirrors
  • doors
  • seats
  • suspension
  • fuel system
  • body and structure
  • battery and wiring

Passing MOT Test

You can follow the below given tips to make sure that your car passes the test:

  • One of the most common reason of why a vehicle fails the MOT test has reported to be a broken light bulb. So, if you are getting your vehicle tested than make sure that all the bulbs are working properly.
  • You need to make sure that before you take the vehicle for the test you clean it thoroughly. This can help in ensuring that while taking the test the conductor can easily check out all the parts that needs to be tested.
  • You should also ensure that the liquids like essential oils and windscreen washer liquid are filled.
  • Ensure that the tread should be enough for you to pass the test and the tire of your vehicle are not worn down.

Taking MOT Test

Now, the only question that remains for most of the people is that how they can take the test. If you are taking this test for the first time than no worries, we are here to help you out. The United Kingdom government has given authorization to more than 23,000 local car repair shops throughout England, Scotland, and Wales to take the test. But, how can you find the one nearest to you? The answer to this question is simple. All you need to do is open your preferred browser and search for the nearest test station to you. Take this for an example- If you are living in Darlington and you want to take this test, than you can open your browser and search for MOT Darlington. Now you will get the results for all the test stations in your area and you can choose the one which you feel is suitable for you. You can know that it is an authorized station as the government has ordered to all the authorized stations must display the blue three triangle logo and they are also required to have a display poster of “VT9A Fees and Apparels” on the premises.

Final Thoughts

Introduction of tests like MOT and various other initiatives by the United Kingdom government has proven beneficial for the vehicle owners there. By taking up this test one can ensure that there vehicle is safe to be driven on roads. Here we have covered in detail all the necessary information related to the MOT. So, follow the above given guide and make sure that your vehicle is safe to be driven on roads.