Before booking your MOT, you may have a few questions that you want answered. Our team of experts possess extensive experience in carrying out servicing and MOTs. We can provide you with all our knowledge, so that you know what to expect from the MOT process and can make sure your car is fully prepared. We have answered these commonly asked MOT questions in one place.
When do I need to book my MOT?
Once a car is three years old, it will need to be booked in for its first MOT test. Once it has had its first MOT, it will be due for one on a yearly basis to make sure that it meets the legal requirements to be driven on public roads. If you are unsure of when your last MOT took place or you want to know when your existing MOT expires, you can easily check this information through the gov.uk website.
What if my car fails its MOT?
If your vehicle fails its MOT, this means it does not meet the legal rules and regulations which allow it to be on the road. A detailed MOT report will be provided, highlighting the problems which have caused this failure as well as areas which require attention but have not affected the result of the test. Our team will offer to fix any faults we find before retesting your vehicle, and we will never perform any work without your permission.
Can I book my MOT early?
Your MOT can be carried out up to one month minus a day before your existing MOT is due to expire. For example, if it is due to expire on the 15th of May, the earliest you can book is for the 16th April. This means that it will keep the same renewal date and will therefore be valid for 13 months.
Should I book a service and an MOT at the same time?
MOTs and services are both important tests to ensure that your vehicle is still operating safely against both DVSA and manufacturer standards. Booking them both in for the same time can offer you maximum reassurance that your vehicle is safe and will pass its MOT with no problems. It will also prevent you from being without your vehicle on multiple occasions for these separate checks.
Can my car pass its MOT with warning lights on?
Any warning light that is present on your dashboard will cause your car to fail its MOT. Lights indicating a low engine oil level, battery problems, or headlights that are not functioning are all parts of your vehicle that will be checked when your MOT is carried out, so will result in an immediate failure. If you notice a warning light on your dashboard, you should have this rectified before you take your vehicle for its MOT to prevent this failure from happening.
What happens if I get caught with no MOT?
If you let your MOT expire, whether accidentally or intentionally, the consequences can be costly. Cameras on the road use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to identify if your vehicle has a valid MOT or not, so it is important that you do not drive once this has expired. Driving without a valid MOT can carry fines of up to £2500 and can add three points onto your licence.
Hopefully these FAQs have answered any of your questions related to your vehicle MOT. If the time has come for you to book yours, our team at Double Dee Autos can get you booked in as soon as possible. We offer comprehensive MOT testing, making sure that your vehicle is fully prepared before putting it through its MOT. If your vehicle should fail for any reason, we offer to fix any faults before retesting. To get a quote for your vehicle MOT, give us a call today on 020 8460 3040 or email ben@ddautos.co.uk.