What is an MOT Test?
An MOT Test involves dozens of checks on your car, ranging from the brakes and fuel system to lights, mirrors, seatbelts, windscreen wipers and exhaust system. An average MOT Test takes 45-60 minutes.
If your vehicle fails the test and repairs need to be made, this will take longer. A test centre is not allowed to let you drive away a car that has failed an MOT until the problems are fixed, unless your existing MOT certificate is still valid, or you’re taking the car to have the faults fixed.
Top 5 Simple reasons for cars failing the MOT Test
- Screen wash was not topped up. This basic task takes minutes, so don’t be caught out by it.
- The car was dirty or full of clutter. Clear the mess from the boot and cabin and give the windows and mirrors a quick wipe.
- A registration plate problem. For example, the plate used the incorrect type face/spacing, or was dirty or missing altogether. If you have a personalised plate, make sure it follows DVLA rules.
- Stickers on the windscreen blocking the driver’s view. Make sure anything stuck to the windscreen like parking permits is outside the wipers’ sweep area.
- Lit-up warning light on the dashboard. The MOT has included lit-up warning lights since 2012. So make sure you sort out any underlying problems before the MOT Test.
