Six Urban Myths about your MOT

It costs quite lot to run a car so the last thing you want is to do repeat MOT tests when yours fails for something that could have been avoided. Here we help to unravel the urban myths you may have heard about having an MOT, including standards of testing, prices of tests and what is and isn’t tested.

Why have an MOT?
The MOT (Ministry of Transport) annual test checks vehicle safety, road-worthiness and exhaust emissions for most vehicles over the age of three years and those made after 1960.

Can you drive to or from the garage without a valid MOT?
No, however there are some exceptions.

If you currently hold a valid MOT certificate but your car fails its MOT, you can drive your car away from the garage.

If the MOT has expired, you can’t drive on a public road as it can invalidate your insurance, except in the following circumstances:

• You are taking your car to its pre-arranged testing appointment
• You drive your car away after a failed test, to be repaired
• The car’s been repaired and you are taking it to be re-tested

Be aware that you can be banned from driving and receive a fine of up to £2,500, if you’re caught driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

Can any garage carry out an MOT?
No.

Garages can advertise that they carry out MOT testing but they must be government-approved for the certificate they hand out to be valid. Ensure you check this online before you book your appointment, to avoid disappointment. If you are unsure, always visit a reliable garage for your MOT.

Does the spare tyre have to be legal?
No.

The spare tyre is never checked as part of the MOT unless is it temporarily fitted as the permanent wheel. If it is, it would be tested alongside the three regular wheels.

However, it is a good idea to ensure you do carry a spare tyre in good working order, should you actually need to use it.

Is every part of the car tested in the MOT?
No.

Most elements of the vehicle are tested, except the condition of the engine, clutch and gearbox.

Some of the parts tested include the steering, suspension, windows, exhaust emissions, seats, doors and fuel system.

Can you appeal against a failed MOT?
Yes.

If your vehicle fails, you will be given a VT30 certificate which shows a list of all the faults or reasons why your car didn’t pass its test.

If you think one of the failures has been given incorrectly, you can appeal by sending a form to the DVLA within 14 working days of the test.

You then have the chance for your vehicle to be re-checked within five days but you will need to pay the full test fee again. You will get some or all of your fee back if your appeal is successful.

Do cheap MOTS mean poor quality testing?
No.

MOTs need to be completed to a specific government-standard checklist so there should be zero difference in terms of quality. However, be aware that too cheap a price could mean something suspicious.

The Department for Transport sets maximum fees for what can be charged for MOTs. The current fee is £54.85 for a car and £29.65 for a motorbike. Garages can charge whatever amount they like, up to the maximum approved price.

Avoid being ripped off
All MOT testing stations must have a viewing area as part of their license to operate. If you are unsure about the testing station and want to see what is going on, you can ask to see the viewing area. If there isn’t one, book elsewhere!

All genuine testing centres will record the results of your MOT online now, rather than just issue a paper certificate. Demand to see this at your appointment.

As you can see, there are many untruths when it comes to MOT testing but we hope we have clarified some of them here. If you’re still unsure about any aspect of your MOT, speak to your local garage for further advice.

from Motorlogy http://www.motorlogy.com/six-urban-myths-about-your-mot-4241/
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