As a driver, it is your duty to guarantee the safety of your vehicle while driving on the roads. Regardless of the type of vehicle you possess, be it a car, motorbike, van, or goods vehicle, it is mandated that your vehicle undergoes an annual MOT test. An MOT test, also referred to as the Ministry of Transport test, ensures that your vehicle is safe and fit for the road, and that it meets environmental and road safety standards. Although the MOT test was initially introduced in the 1960s, it has since been expanded, enhanced, and prolonged several times to make it the most all-inclusive vehicle examination feasible, preventing any accidents or breakdowns on the road. If you have recently passed your driving test and are curious about the significance of an MOT, or if you have purchased a new vehicle and are questioning whether it requires a check-up, you have come to the right place. This article examines precisely what an MOT is and why it is so crucial.
What is an MOT?
After a car reaches the age of three, it is required to undergo an annual MOT examination to verify that it conforms to road safety and ecological standards. Across the country, there are approximately 21,000 certified examination centers (look for the official blue sign with three white triangles) that can conduct the MOT examination on your vehicle. The MOT examination involves a variety of inspections to ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy. These inspections range from testing the brakes to scrutinizing the exhaust system, ensuring that everything is in good condition so that you can continue driving on the roads. The examination usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes, and you will need to drop off your vehicle at the examination center and pick it up again when it is ready. You should ensure that you bring your current MOT certificate and V5C Vehicle Registration Document with you.
What reasons can be responsible for failing a MOT test?
Frequently, a car does not pass its MOT due to minor issues or defects that the vehicle owner could have effortlessly resolved earlier. The most prevalent causes of vehicles not passing an MOT are:
Screen wash not topped up
Refilling the screen wash of your vehicle hardly takes a few minutes – however, neglecting to do so can have an adverse effect on the outcome of your MOT examination. To prevent being caught unawares, ensure that your screen wash is refilled prior to your next MOT test.
Registration plate issues
There exist numerous issues related to registration plates that can lead to problems with your MOT, ranging from having a dirty registration plate to using an inappropriate typeface or spacing. Although many individuals prefer personalised plates, it is crucial to ensure that your personalised plate adheres to the guidelines set by the DVLA and complies with the regulations.
Active warning dashboard light
Arriving at an MOT examination with an illuminated cautionary indicator on your dashboard is a surefire way to flunk it. Prior to your automobile’s MOT, ensure that you are well-informed about the significance of each warning light – and if any of your lights are illuminated, ensure that you rectify the problem prior to the MOT!
Stickers obstructing view
Ensure that anything you want to attach on the windshield, like a parking authorization, is positioned entirely outside the range of the wiper’s motion. Additionally, any decals must be affixed in a manner that does not hinder the driver’s visibility. Correct all of the aforementioned problems prior to your MOT examination – surprisingly, they are among the most basic yet prevalent causes of MOT failures.Cranebrook Cars offers all the checks to help pass your car MOT test. They ensure your car checks all the boxes in the MOT test check list.
