MOT & Service

We offer a quality MOT and car servicing centre. Our prices are competitive and we offer a simple, friendly & honest explanation of any problems that we may find with your car. If you need a routine MOT test, or a full vehicle service we can assist you and provide a professional service. Contact us today to discuss your MOT and car service requirements. Loan cars on request at no extra charge, subject to availability.

• MOT's
• Servicing
• Cambelt changes
• Winter servicing
• Diagnostic equipment 

FAQ's

When should I get an MOT?

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 its registration
• the anniversary of its last MOT, if it's over 3 years old. Some vehicles need to be tested at one year old, such as Ambulances, Taxis, or Private Passenger Vehicles with more than 8 seats.
  Please note, you can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

What's the earliest I can get an MOT?

An MOT lasts for a year. The date it runs out is printed on the last pass certificate. You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.

My MOT has run out, what can I do?

You can't drive your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught.

The only exceptions are to drive it:

• to or from somewhere to be repaired
• to a pre-arranged MOT test 

How does an MOT work?

During the MOT, important parts on your vehicle will be checked to make sure they meet the legal standards. You can watch the test from a viewing area but you're not allowed to interrupt the tester.

The test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox. For more information on which parts of your vehicle are tested, visit gov.uk/topic/mot/manuals

What happens if my MOT fails?

Your vehicle can either pass or fail the MOT. If it fails, you'll get a list of things that need to be fixed.

Passing the MOT

If your vehicle passes the MOT:

• you'll get an MOT certificate from the test centre
• it will be recorded in the MOT database 

Mileage reading

The MOT certificate will show the mileage recorded at the current and previous 3 test passes. This is shown as the 'odometer reading and history'. Report any mistakes with the latest reading to the MOT centre within 7 days. They will give you a replacement certificate. Mistakes on an earlier mileage can't be changed.

Failing the MOT

If your vehicle fails the MOT:

• you'll get a 'refusal of an MOT test certificate' from the test centre
• it will be recorded in the MOT database

You can appeal the result if you think it's wrong.

Driving a vehicle that's failed

You must not drive the vehicle on the road if it fails the test, even if the MOT hasn't run out, except to:

• have the failed defects fixed
• a pre-arranged MOT test appointment

• You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

Is my vehicle exempt from MOT?
You don't need to get an MOT for a vehicle that hasn't reached the age its first MOT is needed.
Exempt vehicles
Other vehicles that don't need an MOT include:

• cars and motorcycles made before 1960
• goods vehicles powered by electricity
• tractors

• A list of exempt types of vehicles is on form V112. You need to fill in the form if your vehicle is listed so that you can tax it.

This FAQ contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0