info@raynerdiesel.co.uk
info@raynerdiesel.co.uk
An MOT test is an annual inspection required by law on all vehicles in the UK older than 3 years (as well as some vehicles that are older than 1 year, see the Government website for more details). All MOT tests follow strict criteria set out by the DVSA to determine whether your car is roadworthy and safe. Accordingly, a comprehensive set of vehicle safety checks will need to be completed by an MOT test centre.
In addition the test will need to be completed by DVSA-approved examiners. The elements of your vehicle checked and tested include all the lights, all tyres, your seatbelts and your vehicles emissions.
PLEASE BE AWARE – As of April 29th 2024, the DVSA has eliminated the requirements for a paper printout of your MOT results and certificates. This means that many garages will not provide you with a paper certificate. Your MOT certificate will now be available digitally and can be viewed on the Government website under the Check your MOT history section.
The following MOT information guide highlights the specific elements that need to be checked to ensure that they meet legal requirements:
The examiner will check the brakes on your vehicle and check for their operation, their efficiency and their overall condition. They must meet strict limits to be deemed legal.
The elements that are comprehensively checked are all the mechanical joints, levers, springs and parts associated with the suspension system. These are checked for breaks, cracks and excessive corrosion, together with the condition of the vehicle’s structure (bodywork) which the suspension system is attached to.
Tyres are checked for their condition, tread depth and whether they are the correct size and type for your vehicle.
All elements of the steering column are inspected and the steering wheel should be securely attached to the steering shaft and in a suitable condition.
The exhaust should be fully secure and without any serious leaks evident. Vehicle emissions are tested using specific equipment and should meet strict guidelines which are dependent on the age and fuel type of your vehicle.
All pipework will be checked for leaks. Fuel filler caps should be fully secure and fasten correctly to ensure no possibility of any fuel leaks.
The vehicles structure is checked for damage and especially corrosion to load bearing areas e.g. chassis, cross members, side sills and pillars. If any of these element show corrosion or thinning of the panels then these may fail the MOT and repairs will be necessary.
All seats should be secured to the body of the vehicle and back seats should be stable and upright.
All seatbelts deemed compulsory should be present within the vehicle and are checked for their condition to ensure that they are secure and operable.
All mirrors are checked for conditions that may impair the drivers view. They must be secure and visible from the driving seat. Any damage or distortion to the mirror may constitute an MOT fail.
Along with having to be in place and properly secured, the number plate should be of a suitable condition i.e. not obscured, faded or excessively dirty. In addition the letters and numbers have to conform to specifically approved font designs and spacing.
This check also includes the windscreen wipers and the washer system. Checks are to ensure that the drivers view of the road is not impeded in any way, so chips or cracks can cause a fail.
All lights are checked to ensure they are fully operational, secure within their housings and lenses are in a good condition to ensure light visibility is not hampered.
The bonnet must be securely latched while the vehicle is travelling so the integrity of the bonnet latch is tested.
The vehicle horn should be in full working condition. The volume is tested to ensure that it is loud enough to be heard by other vehicles and pedestrians.
Front doors should be fully operational and free from damage and corrosion. They should also be able to be opened internally as well as externally.
Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, there are 2 choices of MOT available. These are either a Class 4, Class 5 or Class 7 MOT Test. A class 4 MOT is the most common and is the MOT that is required on all passenger cars. A class 7 MOT is usually carried out on commercial goods vehicles that carry between 3,000 kg and 3,500 kg in weight. The table below gives you the specific MOT Information for each vehicle type and class:
Vehicle Type | MOT Class | Age 1st MOT required |
---|---|---|
Motorcycle (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 |
Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 |
Motorcycle (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 |
Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 |
3-wheeled vehicles (up to 450kg unladen weight) | 3 | 3 |
3-wheeled vehicles (over 450kg unladen weight) | 4 | 3 |
Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) | 4 | 3 |
Motor caravans | 4 | 3 |
Quads (max unladen weight 400kg – for goods vehicles 550kg and max net power of 15kw) | 4 | 3 |
Dual purpose vehicles | 4 | 3 |
Private hire and public service vehicles (up to 8 seats) | 4 | 1 |
Ambulances and taxis | 4 | 1 |
Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9 to 12 passenger seats) | 4 | 1 |
Goods vehicles (up to 3,000kg design gross weight) | 4 | 3 |
Class 4 vehicles (9 to 12 passenger seats) with a seat belt installation check | 4a | n/a |
Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (13 to 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 |
Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (more than 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 |
Playbuses | 5 | 1 |
Class 5 vehicles (13 to 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a |
Class 5 vehicles (more than 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a |
Goods vehicles (over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight) | 7 | 3 |
All elements contained within this MOT information guide are completed during the MOT test. Should your petrol or diesel vehicle fail any element of the MOT test it means it doesn’t meet the legal requirements that allow it to be driven on the road. As a result, any defects must be corrected or repaired so that it meets these requirements. At Rayner Bosch Car Service we can arrange for the necessary repairs to be quoted for and, if acceptable, carried out for you. We will then re-test your vehicle once all works have been completed. Our garage in Newbury offers an efficient service at competitive rates. To book your MOT test in Newbury, please phone 01635 46323 or alternatively email us at info@raynerdiesel.co.uk
Address
Rayner Bosch Car Service
Unit 5
36 Queens Road
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 7NE
Telephone
01635 46323
Email
info@raynerdiesel.co.uk
Hours
Monday—Friday: 8:00AM–5:30PM
Saturday: 8:00AM–12:00PM