AutoPoint MOT Centre, Atherstone, Vehicle Servicing and Diagnostics

Everyone who uses a vehicle on the road is required to keep it in a roadworthy condition. The purpose of the MOT Test is to ensure that cars, other light vehicles (including some Light Goods Vehicles), private buses and motorcycles over a prescribed age are checked at least once a year to see that they comply with key roadworthiness and environmental requirements.

When your car is tested, the MOT looks at some important items to see if it meets the legal requirements.

Vehicles should receive their first MOT when they reach 3 years of age.

If a car is registered with no prior use on the road, the MOT will be required three years after the date of registration. For example, a car registered "from new" on 25^th April 2000 will require its MOT no later than 25^th April 2003. If a car is used prior to registration, as would be the case with an import, the MOT will be required three years from the end of the year of manufacture. For example a car manufactured at any time in 2000 will require an MOT no later than 31^st December 2003. There is no grace period given after these dates.

Important

The test certificate relates only to the condition of the testable items at the time of the test and should not be regarded as evidence of their condition at any other time; nor should it be accepted as evidence of the general mechanical condition of the vehicle.


From the 1st January 2012 several additional changes have been made to the following. Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment Steering and Suspension Brakes Tyres Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems (SRS) Vehicle Structure, Body and General Items Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions Driver's View of the Road Tricycle and Quadricycle Testing From April 2012 additional New Testable Components are being introduced.


Below is a full list of all elements that are checked during an MOT test. Vehicle Identification Number Not more than one different identification number should be present on a vehicle first used on or after 1 August 1980. However, the same number may be displayed in more than one place. Registration Plate Condition, security, legibility and format of letters/numbers. Lights Condition, operation, security and correct colour. The headlamps will also be checked to see if the aim is correct. Steering and Suspension Correct condition and operation Wipers/Washers Operate to give the driver a clear view of the road Windscreen Condition and drivers view of the road Horn Correct operation and type Seatbelts All seatbelts installed are checked for type, condition, operation and security. All compulsory seatbelts must be in place. Seats Front seats secure. Front and rear backseats can be secured in the upright position. Fuel System No leaks, fuel cap fastens correctly and seals securely. The fuel cap will need to be opened. Make sure the key is available. Exhaust Emissions Vehicle meets the requirement for exhaust emission. These vary on the age and fuel type of the vehicle. Exhaust System Complete, secure, without serious leaks and silences effectively. Vehicle Structure Free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas. No sharp edges. Doors Open and close. Latch securely in closed position. Front doors should open from inside and outside the vehicle. Rear doors may need to be opened to gain access to testable items. Mirrors Presence, condition and security Wheels and Tyres Condition, security, tyre size/type and tread depth. Spare tyres are not inspected. Brakes Condition operation and performance (efficiency test). Wheels are not removed during the test. The tester only examines what they can see, reach or feel.

Vehicle Identification Number

Registration Plate

Lights

Steering and Suspension

Wipers/Washers

Windscreen

Horn

Seatbelts

Seats

Fuel System

Exhaust Emissions

Exhaust System

Vehicle Structure

Doors

Mirrors

Wheels and Tyres

Brakes