Your car
and the MOT

Everyone who uses a vehicle on the road is required to keep it in a roadworthy condition. The roadworthiness is checked in the interests of road safety and the environment by the test we call the MOT. The first test is required once a car is three years old. (There are different rules if you use it as a taxi).

The MOT looks at some important items on your car to see that it meets key legal requirements when it is tested. You should be aware that the MOT certificate is not a guarantee of the general mechanical condition of a vehicle.
 

Vehicle Structure: Free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas, no sharp edges.

Fuel System: No leaks. Cap fastens and seals securely. The fuel cap will need to be opened. Make sure they key is available.

Exhaust Emissions: Vehicle meets the requirements of exhaust emissions, dependant on the age and fuel type of the vehicle.

Exhaust System: Secure, complete, without serious leaks and silences effectively.

Seat Belts: All the seat belts installed are checked for type, condition, operation and security. All compulsory seat belts must be in place.

Seats: Front seats secure. Front and rear backseats can be secured in the upright position.

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, security.

Brakes: Condition, operation and performance (efficiency test). Note the removal of the road wheels is not part of the test.

Tyres and Wheels: Condition, security, tyre size/ type and tread depth. Spare tyres are not inspected.

Registration Plates: Condition, security, digits correctly formed and spaced.

Lights: Condition, operation, security and correct colour. Also the headlamps will be checked to see if the aim is correct.

Bonnet: Secures safely in the closed position.

Wipers/Washers: Operate to give the driver a clear view ahead.

Windscreen: Condition and driver’s view of the road.

Horn: Correct operation and the right type.

Steering and Suspension: Correct condition and operation.

Vehicle Identification Number: Not more than one different identification number should be present on a vehicle first used on or after 1 August 1980.
 

Where do I get an MOT?

There are around 19,000 garages approved as MOT test stations across the country, which can carry out your MOT test. The blue three triangles logo which they have to display identifies approved test stations. The maximum fee for the test must be displayed on a poster inside every test station. A test station may charge less than this if they wish.
 

How are vehicles tested?

MOT test stations have designated test bays where they conduct the test, using a range of specialised equipment.  

The standard test procedures are laid out in a manual which the test station should make available to you if you want to look at it. If your vehicle has failed the test , you will be given a failure document with reference to this manual. You can watch the test from a designated viewing area but you are not allowed to interrupt the tester while he is working. 

All MOT testers have been on a training course with the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and their competence to test is checked regularly.
 

Who supervises the scheme?

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) is the government agency responsible for supervising the MOT scheme. It does this by:

• Authorising MOT stations and Approving Nominated Testers

• Setting standards for testing and requirements for Authorisation for the test station and testers

• Training Authorised Examiners and MOT testers

• Visiting garages on a regular basis and carrying out checks to ensure testing standards are maintained. This will include checking the testers’ competence and maintenance of approved equipment

• Giving advise/taking disciplinary action where tests are not being carried out to the required standards

• Dealing with appeals and complaints from MOT customers

What if you disagree with a test result?

Discuss it with the MOT test station if possible. Do not let anyone carry out repairs to the vehicle. If you think your car: 

Has been incorrectly failed:
Complete appeal form VT17 available from any MOT test station or ring our enquiry line, 0870 60 60 440. You must complain within 14 working days of the test and we will require a full test fee from you. We will then offer an appointment within five days to re-check your vehicle. If your appeal is successful some or all of the test fee will be refunded to you. 

Has been incorrectly passed:
Let us know as soon as possible. Subject to acceptance of the complaint we will offer an appointment within 5 working days to re-examine your vehicle (without charge) provided:

• Not more than 3 months has elapsed since the time of the test for a corrosion defect, or;

• Up to 28 days for other defects

The address of your local Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) office is displayed in the MOT test station or can be obtained from our general enquires unit on 0870 60 60 440.

• We provide this service as a means of monitoring the MOT system and road safety standards generally

• We cannot seek redress or compensation on your behalf – although it is open to you to take action in conjunction with your local Trading Standards department; take out proceedings personally or refer the matter to the police

• We can supply you with the inspection report listing any vehicle defects and advisory items following our check of the vehicle

• Any subsequent action which we may decide to take against the testing station which tested your vehicle will be at our discretion, and should have no bearing on any action you may decide to take

What if you think your MOT certificate is not genuine?

If you have an old style A5 size certificate please ring the MOT enquiry line number on 0870 60 60 440

If you have an new style A4 size certificate please visit our website www.motinfo.gov.uk or call 0870 330 0444. You will also be able to check the MOT status of your car (subject to certain conditions).
 

If you have lost or damaged your test certificate

Old Style: You may purchase a duplicate test certificate from the MOT test station which tested the vehicle if you know where and approximately when the test was carried out. If the test station has closed down the VOSA local office will be able to help. If you do not know where the car was tested originally you cannot obtain a duplicate certificate. You will need to have your car tested again. 

New style: You may purchase a duplicate test certificate from any MOT test station with the facility to issue the new style certificates. However you must demonstrate your right to acquire the duplicate document. You must provide the test number from the original certificate or the unique number from the registration document (V5c), plus the Vehicle Registration Mark. Alternatively you may present the vehicle to the original MOT test station to satisfy this proof.

The maximum fee for a duplicate certificate is £10 or half the test fee if this is less.
 

If you are unhappy with our service

If you are not satisfied with the way your test was conducted, please let us know, as it helps us to make sure MOT test stations are providing a good service. Contact the Area Manager at your local VOSA office. The address is shown on the Fees and Appeals poster at your MOT test station or you can ring our MOT enquiry line on 0870 60 60 440.
 

Headquarters and Training Centre
VOSA, Berkeley House, Croydon Street, Bristol BS5 0DA.
Vosa website address: www.vosa.gov.uk
email: enquiries@vosa.gov.uk