mot faq

When should my vehicle get an MOT test?

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either the third anniversary of the vehicle's registration or the anniversary of the vehicles last MOT if the vehicle is over three years old. Some vehicles need to be tested at one year old, check the MOT fees table (https://www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot/mot-test-fees) to see which vehicles the rules apply. Make use of our free MOT reminder by text message or e-mail one month prior to your MOT anniversary date. Please note; you can be fined up to £1'000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate. Contact us without delay to schedule your MOT test at Philips Garage Limited.



When is the earliest my vehicle can get an MOT test?

An MOT lasts for one year, the date the MOT runs out is printed on the last MOT pass certificate.
You can present your vehicle for an MOT test one month before your MOT anniversary date (minus a day) before the certificate runs out, this will retain the same anniversary date. Example; If your MOT runs out on 15th May, the earliest you can present your vehicle for an MOT test to keep the same renewal date for next year is 16th April. You can get an MOT earlier but the MOT renewal date for the following year will be different.



My MOT has ran out, what should I do?

You are not permitted to drive your vehicle on the road if it does not hold a valid MOT certificate. You can be prosecuted if you are caught driving on the road with a vehicle that does not hold a valid MOT certificate. The only exceptions are to drive it to or from a garage to be repaired or to a pre-arranged MOT test at a garage.

You should contact us without delay to arrange your MOT test.



How can I replace an MOT certificate that has been lost or damaged?

As a Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) approved by the Department of Transport we are able to access records to print a duplicate, you are able to request this from any other Vehicle Testing Station. You will need to provide us with the vehicle registration number and either the original MOT test number or V5C document reference, you will find this on the V5C registration certificate. There is a fee applicable for this service, the cost eill be either £10 or half the full MOT test fee, which ever is the lowest amount. The fee is different for heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles.



How long will my MOT test take?

We allocate an hour for each MOT test, there are over 200 items to be checked in accordance with the MOT testing regulations.



What items are checked in my MOT test?

The MOT test is comprised of over 200 checks including items relating but not limited to body and vehicle structure, bonnet, brakes, doors, electrical components, exhaust emissions, exhaust system, fuel system, horn, lights, load security, mirrors, registration plates, seat belts, seats, steering and suspension, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), tyres and wheelsm windscreen, wipers and washers.



Should I bring any documents when presenting my vehicle for an MOT test?

No, we do not require any documents to conduct an MOT test on your vehicle, please park your vehicle in our car park and bring the keys to reception. As a matter of keeping our workshop running efficiently we would ask that if you have a locking wheel nut could you leave that handy on the passenger seat. The likely hood is that we will not require it, however should we require to do so we may have to remove the wheels for an MOT related repair / renewal and we like to be prepared in advance.



My vehicle has failed it's MOT test, what happens now?

If your vehicle fails on any items, they must be rectified prior to a valid MOT certificate being issued. We will inform you of any failure items and price the repairs / renewals, we can carry out the necessary repairs to the vehicle in order to qualify for a pass certificate. If the repairs are conducted within a period of ten working days from the date of the MOT failure there will be no MOT retest fee applied. In the event that the vehicle is removed from our Vehicle Testing Station for repair and returned for a retest, a fee will apply. This can be up to half the full MOT fee. Only one free retest fee is permissible per MOT.



My vehicle MOT test has been refused, why?

In certain cases, we may not be able to conduct an MOT test on your vehicle; (i) If you do not have and we need the registration document, or other evdevnce of the date of first use to ensure the MOT test can be properly carried out.
(ii) If your vehicle, or any part or equipment on the vehicle is so dirty that examination is unreasonably difficult. (iii) In the Tester's opinion, the vehicle is not fit to be driven, when necessary, to compete the test because of lack of fuel, oil or for any other reason. (iv) If the vehicle has an insecure load, or other items, that would be prevent a safe and proper test being carried out - Unless the load is secured or removed. (v) The MOT test is not paid in advance, if requested. (vi) The vehicle emits substantial quantities of preventable smoke. (vii) If it is not possible to open any of the following; doors, tailgate, boot lid, bonnet, engine cover or fuel filler cap. (viii) Due to the condition of your vehicle the MOT tester is of the opinion that a proper examination would involvethe risk of injury to any person, damage to the vehicle or other property. This would cover refusal to test a diesel engine vehicle where the maintainance history or condition was suspect. (ix) The vehicle cannot be identified because it does not have a Vehicle Registration Mark, VIN, chassis or frame number or that these markings are illegible or use letters and number not used in the English lanuage. (x) The vehicle is not of a size, weight or configuration that cannot properly or safely be tested on the facilities for which we have approval.



How much is my MOT test?

A Class 4 rated vehicle MOT is £54.85, VAT is not applicable to this service. A Class 7 rated vehicle MOT is £58.60, VAT is not applicable to this service.