MOT Test is mandatory for your vehicle to drive legally in the United Kingdom. The MOT test is a simple in-and-out job, but there are a few things you should check off of your list so that you are well-prepared before going for an MOT in Watford for your vehicle.

You probably know that vehicles over three years old from their registration must pass an annual MOT test to show that your vehicle is roadworthy. 

What Is The MOT Test?

The Ministry of Transport test checks the general health of your vehicle and its parts to ensure that all vehicles are safe to drive and roadworthy to meet the DVSA’s legal safety & environmental standards. 

In the United Kingdom, it is illegal to drive a vehicle on the road with a current MOT certificate, and as your vehicle MOT certification expires, your insurance will also be invalid. An MOT certificate is important because it is required to tax your vehicle and change its tax class.

The MOT certificates will expire after 12 months from the date of the MOT test. So, if your vehicle is older than three years old, you will need to apply for an MOT test before your current MOT certificate expires to allow some days to arrange the MOT test on a date and time that’s right for you.

How Long Does An MOT Test Take?

An MOT test takes around 45 to 60 minutes to check your vehicle completely. This means you don’t need to wait the whole day to get your vehicle. You can leave your vehicle in the garage and then receive it after an hour with an MOT certificate if your vehicle passes the MOT Test. 

If your vehicle fails the test, then repairs are required, and it is likely the vehicle will be repaired and returned to you the next day. 

If there is a major issue in your vehicle, then you will have to wait for the issue to be fixed before driving away, as your vehicle has been repaired.

What Is Checked During An MOT Test?

During the MOT test, the mechanics will check the important parts of your vehicle to make sure they meet legal standards. You can watch the test from a viewing area, but you are not allowed to interrupt the tester. 

The MOT check is not like servicing your car. The tester doesn't check the car's general mechanical condition, and the test does not check the engine, clutch, or gearbox.

Here is a list of parts checked for MOT test-

• Body/ Vehicle structure/ General items
• Boot/ tailgate
• Towbar
• Exhaust Emissions
• Exhaust System
• Lights
• Doors
• Mirrors
• Seats
• Horn
• Electrical Wiring & Battery
• Brakes
• Tires, Wheels & TPMS
• Bonnet
• Registration Plate
• Windscreen
• Wipers/ washers
• Steering & suspension
• Seatbelts / SRS
• Fuel system

Will My Vehicle Pass Its MOT Test?

We know that all vehicle owners want the answer to this question to be yes. However, it’s important to note that the most common reason for failing an MOT test is minor defects, so you can double-check these parts and ensure that you are well-prepared for the test. You can watch the test from a viewing area, but you are not allowed to interrupt the tester. 

If you want real peace of mind before your vehicle MOT test, then make sure you check these things to ensure that you will receive a MOT pass certificate. You can watch the test from a viewing area, but you are not allowed to interrupt the tester. 

Some of the most common MOT failures shared by the DVSA include:

• Reflectors, lamps, and electrical equipment
• Windscreen
• Brakes
• Tyres

To avoid minor errors and defects, you can regularly check and maintain by replacing wipers, bulbs, and tyres. The DVSA states that statistics show nearly 50% of all faults found on MOT tests could be avoided. 

A vehicle can fail its MOT test for minor issues like minor scratches in the windscreen, so don’t let these small mistakes result in a failed MOT test, which you could easily fix yourself. The tester doesn't check the car's general mechanical condition, and the test does not check the engine, clutch, or gearbox.

If you do not agree that your vehicle should not have failed the MOT test, you can appeal your MOT test result to the DVSA through their online form, or you can write them.

How Can I Prepare For An MOT Test?

In MOT testing, the overall condition of your vehicle will be checked. Age and mileage are two important factors that can impact the results of passing the test. Here is a checklist you can use to prepare your vehicle for its MOT Test:

• Make sure engine oil, fuel, and windscreen wash are all topped up.
• Check for any chips in the windscreen.
• Blubs, lights, and indicators.
• Tyre inflation levels.
• Fix any errors showing on the dashboard, or it's unlikely your vehicle will pass its MOT test.
• Check tyre condition for damage and tread.

If you want real peace of mind before your vehicle test, then make sure you check these things to ensure that you will receive a MOT pass certificate. If you have time, do the car service to get more chances of passing your car’s MOT Test.