When your vehicle is due for its MOT, finding a reliable garage is important. VOSA trains MOT operatives, and registered garages always have the three blue triangle logo displayed, and a poster with the max MOT cost should also be displayed. You can often view your MOT taking place by the VOSA approved MOT operative, though the majority of people drop off their car in the designated bay and pick it up from the garage later when necessary repairs are complete and the MOT certificate has been issued. A hard copy certificate will be issued, but the actual certification is logged on a central computer database. Replacement certificates can be obtained from test stations. When renewing road tax at a post office, the MOT certificate will need to be presented.

As time goes by, vehicles develop problems therefore testing parts and systems in cars is one method that can improve safety on UK roads. This will mean that the driver of the vehicle, as well as other road users and pedestrians are less likely to be involved in an accident with a vehicle. If you wish to legally drive your car, it must have passed an MOT test. It may surprise you that a database of MOTs are accessible by the police who will be able to recognise which car’s haven’t passed an MOT. The MOT only confirms the condition of components tested at the time when the testing is conducted, and does not relate to the general condition of the car mechanically. If you are driving a vehicle that has failed its MOT test then at the least you may receive a fine and points on a license, unless under exceptional circumstances.

Brakes provide vehicle safety, which is why car’s brakes are tested strictly in MOT tests. Foot brakes bring cars to a stop when driving, whereas a parking brake is used to secure the vehicle if stopped in traffic or parked. Assessments of brake performance are completed to test effectiveness of brakes, using plate brake tests, roller brake tests and gradient tests. Examinations of brakes are done to make sure there are no leaks from parts, no vibrations from hoses or pipes, rigid pipes are not kinked or being fouled by other components, and air, vacuum and hydraulic brake reservoirs are securely attached and free from damage that could cause leaks.

Tyres will be checked in order to ensure they are the correct structure and tyre, including assessment of the aspect ratio, which if between 80% and 82% is sufficient, attempting to maintain a similar diameter so that the drive train is not affected. The type of tyre that has been used will also be examined to identify whether they are radial-ply, bias belted or cross ply. Radial-ply tyres can consist of either steel or fabric. The wall of the tyres should also outline the sizing information, generally in addition to the speed symbol, ply rating and load index. Tyres should have a depth of 1.6mm continuing around the tyre and should cover the central three quarters of the tyre surface. In addition tyres should be free of any cuts or punctures or display any exposed cords as there may be a possibility that your vehicle will fail the MOT unless the damaged tyres are replaced.

Vehicle fuel and exhaust systems should be checked for any holes and to make sure that all operations are running smoothly. Upon close inspection of the exhaust system, components such as catalyst converts will be checked, to look for any faulty parts or that could have deteriorated resulting from exposure to water. Exhausts with excessive corrosion are likely to fail the MOT criteria. As well as these elements, the exhaust fumes can mean a failed MOT if levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and lambda are too high. Ineffective oxygen or lambda sensors can be responsible for damage to catalyst converters and emissions failures resulting from amounts of unburnt fuel passing through the exhaust pipe.

In order to meet legal requirements, visibility should be kept at a high level. Therefore windscreen wipers failing to remove debris, missing wing mirrors or silent horns, can mean that your vehicle fails to meet the prescribed criteria. At least two mirrors should be present on all vehicles to ensure that the driver is aware of vehicles behind them. Lights should also be clear and distinguishable, with headlights comprising of white or yellow bulbs, making sure that colours are matching. Switches for signalling or indicating, headlights and rear lights must work and react immediately. Main beam lights must also turn on and off accordingly, switching to dipped headlights for the benefit of oncoming vehicles.