How Does an MOT Test Decide if a Car is Roadworthy

The MOT test is designed by the Ministry of Transport to ensure that the vehicles are safe and roadworthy. It has been modified since the year 1960 when it was introduced. Now, the test also checks if the vehicles meet the emission standards.

When do you have to take an MOT test? 

If your car is more than three years old, you are required by law to take an MOT test every year. To make sure that your car is safe to be on the roads, you have to pass the test. Depending on where you live, you can easily take an MOT test from your local garage or test center. 

If you are booking an MOT Test in Wakefield, then make sure to go to an authorized one. To know if the test center is authorized, check if the outside of the MOT center has a blue sign with three white triangles. For example, if you live in the city of Wakefield, then you can get an easy and timely MOT service in Wakefield from Ossett Tyre House. All you have to do is call the test center to book your MOT test.

In Wakefield, the upper limit for how much an MOT center can charge for the test is set to £54.85. Of course, the cost of the test will vary from place to place, but it can be lower than the limit, not over it, so, the cost also depends on where you get your car tested.

Here’s a list of what you will need to book an MOT test:

• Car registration number
• The last four digits of the chassis number
• Your card details for online or phone booking

Here’s what you need to prepare for before your MOT test:

• Tyres – Make sure your tyres have the correct amount of pressure and the tread depth is at least 1.6 mm, which is the minimum legal requirement.

• Lights – Check if all your lights are intact and are working, including the headlights, rear lights, and the warning lights – brake lights, indicator lights, fog lights, and hazard lights.

• Mirrors – Like the lights, make sure that all the mirrors are intact and secure, including the wing mirrors (side view) and rearview mirrors. 

• Windscreen – Check to see if the windscreen has any damages such as cracks or chips. Also, remove any stickers that could be blocking the driver’s side of the windscreen. Make sure that your wipers and washers work well so that the driver has an unobstructed view.

• Horn – Check to see if your horn works loud and clear.

• Brakes – Check if the brakes and the tension in the handbrakes are prompt to respond.

• Steering Wheel – Check if the steering and suspension of your car are operating normally.

• Seats and Seat Belts – The condition of the seat belts and the front seats should be checked for safety.

• Doors – Check to make sure that the doors open and close correctly and the door lock functions normally.

• Fuel System – Make sure that your fuel system has no leaks.

• Exhaust System – Check the condition of the exhaust system and also test for any leaks.

• Vehicle Emissions – Know if your vehicle’s emissions fall within safety guidelines.

• Registration Plates – Make sure that your registration plates are in good condition and easily readable. Personalized / custom number plates should be in compliance with the DVLA’s requirements.

• The Vehicle Identification Number – Make sure that your VIN matches the VIN in your car’s V5C registration certificate.

• Clean and Presentable – Make sure that your car is not only clean from the outside but also the inside has no clutter and is clean.

An MOT test will last between 45 to 60 minutes, but if your vehicle fails the MOT test, then you will have to wait for the repairs because legally a test center can’t allow you to drive away with your car if it fails the MOT test. If your existing MOT is still valid, then you can take your car with you to get it fixed.

The tester will have a checklist to test every aspect we talked about. If you pass the test you get the MOT test certificate and you can now legally drive your car, and it is deemed roadworthy. All the MOT records are stored in a central database that comes in handy when buying or selling the vehicle.