FAQS
A few of the most frequently asked questions about MOTs.
“I can’t remember my MOT expiry date, can you tell me?”
Yes we can or we can send you a free reminder via text or email 2 weeks before it is due. You can also find your expiry date easily yourself at http://www.vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk
You will need your vehicle registration number to use this service.
“My MOT has expired – can I still drive my car?”
The only time you are permitted to drive once the MOT is expired is when driving to a prebooked MOT test.
If you do this, please provide us with your registration number when making your test appointment so that, if you are pulled over, we can confirm that you were on your way to us.
“I’ve lost my MOT certificate – can I get a new one?”
Yes, you can. You will need to provide your registration number and the reference number from your V5C (logbook). With that, we can print a duplicate certificate, which costs £5.
You may want a duplicate if you are selling the car, but if you only want to find out the date the MOT is due, see http://www.vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk. You will need your vehicle registration number to use this service.
“How long does the MOT take? Can I wait while you do it?”
The test takes around 45 minutes. You are welcome to wait if you would like to; we have a waiting room and free hot drinks are available.
“What happens if the car fails the MOT”
You have 10 working days (which is actually two weeks, since weekends are not counted) to sort out any repairs and bring the vehicle back for a free retest. A retest only covers the failure points so may only take a few minutes. If you can’t make it within the 2 weeks, we have to perform another full test at the full test rate.
You can drive the vehicle before its retest as long as the previous MOT has not expired – however the nature of a fail may mean that’s not a very good idea!
“What does Class IV or Class VII mean? I don’t know my vehicle’s MOT class”
Most cars will be Class IV. Motorbikes are Class I (up to 200cc) or II (over 200cc, including with sidecar). Most small vans, transits and motorhomes are Class IV too. Vans/goods vehicles of 3 to 3.5 tonne are Class VII.
We may not be able to test some vehicles which are particularly long or tall, it depends on whether they will fit into the workshop. If in doubt, please ask us for advice.
“I don’t want to end up with a big repair bill”
We don’t want you to either! As an independent MOT station that does not perform any major repairs, we won’t present you with a big bill; we only provide fair and honest MOTs.
“Does my car even need an MOT?”
More than likely, yes, if it is over three years old and was made after 1st January 1960. Check the exemptions here.
Pre-1960 vehicles are exempt from testing, however owners may still choose to give them an MOT test.