MOT Testing
While Classic and vintage vehicles over 40 years old no longer require an MOT by law as a club we recommend you keep them up for piece mind and safety. Also, some insurance companies may require it.
For more information check out the government's guide lines
Historic (classic) vehicles: MOT exemption criteria - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
What should I do before I take my car for an MOT test?
When you take your car for an MOT, a mechanic will usually check these areas:
Vehicle identification number (VIN) Registration plate Lights
Steering and suspension
Wipers and washers Windscreen Horn
Seat belts and seats Doors Mirrors
Wheels and tyres Brakes
Fuel system Exhaust system Vehicle emissions
Often a car fails its MOT test because of a simple fault that's easily solved. So, it's worth giving it a once over, and here's what you should look out for:
Lights Check if all lights are working correctly. This includes:
Rear lights, Fog lights, Brake lights, Indicator lights, Hazard lights and Number Plate Lights. If you've any bulbs that have blown, check your car’s manual to see if you can replace them yourself, and check that all warning lights on your dash are working too. Vehicle body and tyres Take a look at the petrol inlet filler cap and look out for any damage to the seal around the cap. Check if the horn works, it should be loud and clear. Test the brakes, handbrake and steering wheel. The steering wheel shouldn’t feel loose, and the handbrake shouldn’t pull up too high. Check all tyres are at the correct pressure, and check if the tyre tread depth is at least 1.6mm – the legal limit. (there are indicator blocks in the tyre treads or the surround of a twenty pence piece is a useful guide) Windows and mirrors Nothing should obstruct your view of the road. Check wiper blades for damage, if they're worn, you can replace them yourself using your vehicle handbook for reference. Remove sat nav cradles, stickers and air fresheners if they block your view. Mirrors should be secure and intact.
Registration plates must be readable and in good condition. (If you own a personalised number plate, make sure it still meets the DVLA’s requirements.) Make sure the car is presentable, inside and out, as, if your car is dirty and full of clutter the tester can refuse to carry out the inspection. Documentation The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should match the VIN in your car’s log book.
What happens after the test?
You’ll get a list with everything the mechanic has tested along with the result, which will either be: Pass, Pass with advisories, Pass with minor faults, Fail with major or dangerous faults.
What if your car fails its MOT?
If your car comes back with major or dangerous faults, you’ll have to get each issue fixed before you use the car. Once fixed you'll need to MOT your car again, but this time they’ll only test the faults discovered during the first test. The MOT test can also identify other, less immediate problems, these will appear as ‘minor faults’ on your certificate. Minor faults aren’t yet serious enough to cause your car to fail its MOT eg. if you have worn tyres, but they're not worn below the legal limit. After an MOT your pockets might be a little lighter, but it’s a good idea to get the minor faults sorted a month or so after the initial test. That way the faults won’t develop and put you in danger and you stand a better chance of passing it the following year too. What happens when I pass my MOT? Your garage will give you an MOT test certificate and you’re legal to drive off. Your test centre will also send the results to a central database. Check-ups and servicing are great for keeping your car healthy, so it's wise to keep them up. That way you stand better chance of passing your MOT and spread out the cost of repairs.