The quickest way to find your nearest MOT test station

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• What is an M.O.T?	• How long does an MOT test take?
• Can I watch an M.O.T. vehicle inspection?	• Do I need to make an appointment for my car to be tested?
• Can my vehicle be driven on a public highway after failing a pre-test?	• Am I notified by the VIA when my test date is due?
• How long do I have after failing an MOT before taking the second test?	• My MOT is due on the 5/7/2007. Can I take it before that date?
• How much does an MOT cost?	• Do I need to stay with my vehicle?
• Do all test centres give a free re-test?	• I have lost my certificate, can I get a duplicate?
• When is my car eligible for its first MOT?	• What are the main failure items for MOT tests?

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What is an MOT?

The MOT scheme is primarily a road safety measure designed to ensure as far as possible that all cars, motorcycles and light goods vehicles more than 3 years old

are properly maintained and;
at least once a year are examined at an authorised MOT test station to make sure that they comply with certain important requirements of the law

M.O.T. Stands for Ministry Of Transport

Remember- the test certificate relates only to the condition of the testable items at the time of the test and should not be regarded as evidence of their condition at any other time; nor should it be accepted as evidence of the general mechanical condition of the vehicle

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Can I watch an MOT vehicle inspection?

Yes providing you do not cause any interference to the test.

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Can my vehicle be driven on a public highway after failing a pre-test?

Cars and motorcycles MUST normally pass an MOT test three years from the date of the first registration and every year after that. You MUST NOT drive a vehicle without an MOT certificate, when it should have one. Driving an unroadworthy vehicle may invalidate your insurance. Exceptionally, you may drive to a pre-arranged test appointment or to a garage for repairs required for the test.

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How long do I have after failing an MOT before taking the second test?

There is no set time limit before a retest and it is at the discretion of the individual. Remember - a car that does not have a current MOT Certificate is not allowed to be used on the road except when going for repairs for a test, or to a prearranged test.

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How much does an MOT cost?

Test Class	Fee(2006)
Class I & II
Solo motorbicycles	£27.15
Class II
Motorbicycle combinations	£34.65
Class III
Three wheeled vehicles	£34.65
Class IV
Cars & light vans	£50.35
Minibuses	£52.60
Class IVA
Minibuses with additional seatbelts	£58.75

Class V
Non-PSV minibuses and buses (13-16 passenger seats)	£54.65
Non-PSV minibuses and buses (17 or more passenger seats)	£74.10
Class VA
Non-PSV minibuses and buses with additional seat belts (13-16 passenger seats)	£73.95
Non-PSV minibuses and buses with additional seat belts (17 or more passenger seats)	£114.45
Class VII
Light goods vehicles	£53.80

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Do all test centres give a free re-test?

Yes subject to conditions. Click here for more information

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When is my car eligible for its first MOT?

When it is three years old

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How long does an MOT test take?

Approximately 45 minutes, but varies.

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Do I need to make an appointment for my car to be tested?

Normally yes

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Am I notified by the VIA when my test date is due?

Unlike road tax, where you receive a reminder, the mot test is your responsibility.

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My MOT is due on the 5/7/2007. Can I take it before that date?

Yes, but the MOT certificate is only valid for 12 months from the date of the test.

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Do I need to stay with my vehicle?

Normally no.

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I have lost my MOT certificate, can I get a duplicate copy?

Yes - The simplest way is to go back to the garage where the vehicle was tested, tell them the approximate date of the test and they should be able to give you a duplicate certificate. The fee is £10.00.

If you do not have the details of the garage (i.e. You have just bought the car) The Vehicle Inspectorate (0845 600 5977) may be able to help.

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