MOT garage Dartford

If you own a vehicle, it’s crucial to keep it in good condition to ensure its safety, efficiency, and legality on the road. One essential aspect of maintaining a vehicle’s roadworthiness is undergoing a regular vehicle MOT test. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the MOT test, including what it is, how it works, and some frequently asked questions about the test.

So, what is a vehicle MOT test?

It’s an annual inspection of a vehicle’s safety and environmental standards to ensure that it meets the minimum requirements set by the government. The test covers essential elements of a vehicle, such as brakes, lights, tyres, steering, and emissions. Moreover, a Vehicle MOT test, which is valid for one year, confirms that the vehicle has passed the test and meets the legal standards for roadworthiness.

Now, why is a vehicle MOT test required?

The primary purpose of the vehicle MOT test is to ensure that vehicles on the road are safe and meet the environmental standards set by the government. The test helps to identify and rectify any potential safety issues before they cause an accident on the road. In addition, the MOT test helps to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles by ensuring that they meet the emission standards set by the government. Vehicles that emit high levels of pollutants can be harmful to the environment and public health.

When do you need a vehicle MOT test?

If your vehicle is more than three years old, you must undergo an annual vehicle MOT test to legally drive it on the road. Additionally, you must have a valid MOT certificate to renew your vehicle tax and insurance. But, you can book a vehicle MOT test up to one month before the expiry date of your current certificate without losing any days. For example, if your MOT certificate expires on 31st March, you can have an MOT test carried out anytime from 1st March and still keep the same expiry date.

Now, how do you prepare for a vehicle MOT test?

Before taking your vehicle for a vehicle MOT test, it’s essential to carry out some basic checks to ensure that it meets the minimum requirements. These checks include:

• Ensuring that all lights are working correctly
• Checking tyre tread depth 
• Checking the brakes, including handbrake, footbrake, and brake fluid
• Testing the horn and windshield wipers
• Checking the steering and suspension

At Two Techs we can help identify any potential issues that may cause your vehicle to fail the test with a pre-MOT check.

But, what happens during a vehicle MOT test?

A vehicle MOT test typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the vehicle’s condition. During the test, a qualified MOT tester will check various parts of the vehicle to ensure that they meet the minimum requirements. The test includes a visual inspection of the exterior and interior of the vehicle, as well as an emissions test. If any faults are identified during the test, the tester will classify them as either dangerous, major, or minor, and provide you with an advisory notice outlining any issues that need addressing.

Finally, what if your vehicle fails the MOT test?

If your vehicle fails the MOT test, you will receive a VT30 certificate that outlines the reasons for the failure. You must have the identified faults repaired and undergo a retest within ten working days of the original test. 

Conclusion

A vehicle MOT test is a vital aspect of maintaining a vehicle’s roadworthiness and ensuring that it meets the minimum safety and environmental standards set by the government. We are happy to arrange for your vehicle to undergo a DVSA-approved MOT test. Testing can be carried out while you wait, but please book in advance.