Getting your Ministry of Transport (MOT) test done is essential so you know your car meets all the safety standards.  It gives you much needed reassurance that your car brakes, steering, wheels, visibility, lights and seat belts are all working as they should.  It’s not all encompassing but it does cover a lot of things.  The engine, clutch and gearbox are not part of the test.  But pretty much everything else seems to be!

I like how even if you pass the test you often get a list of advisory items you can bear in mind.  It’s good to know the sorts of issues that might pop up in future.  You can then be prepared for those.  Whether is just putting aside some money ready so you can afford to have them fixed in due course.

We had a brand-new car last time so enjoyed three years without booking a MOT.  But on the third anniversary the car had to have a MOT.  There are consequences to not getting it done in time.  You can be fined up to £1,000.  Unless you are driving to your pre-arranged MOT appointment your car shouldn’t be on the road.  Since May 2018 it has got a lot stricter.  If your car fails its test it is no longer legal to be on the road.  You need to get any problems fixed straight away.

Book An Approved Centre

We like to travel extensively in the UK. When we went to Yorkshire we were relieved because over there you could get an MOT test done within Wakefield from local experts in the area, one such place you could check out is Ossett Tyre House. It’s important to book an approved centre.  You can check if it’s an approved centre if it displays an official blue sign featuring three white triangles.

How Much Does it Cost?

The maximum fee for a car is £54.85 this is set by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency.  But you can find garages who charge less than this.  I didn’t realise that you could get the MOT cheaper, so next year I might shop around.  Although if you are happy with your garage then by all means stick with it!

When to Book Your Test?

Also make sure you don’t book your MOT too early.  The earliest you can book one is a month before it’s due. You can always book from a trusted garage if you are living a Wakefield to run your car for MOT test. This is handy if you like to be organised and need a little wriggle room with the date.  But don’t book it any sooner or you will bring forward the anniversary date.

Failing the Test

Lots of cars fail for simple reasons you could have prevented before the test.  Even something as minimal as the visibility of the windscreen being affected by a sticker can lead to a fail!  So do a little research before heading to your MOT centre.  Make sure you give the windows a good clean and top up with screen wash!