How Long Does an MOT Test Take?

How Long Does an MOT Test Take?

An MOT test usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes, however, if your vehicle fails the test and therefore requires work to be carried out, this will take additional time to rectify the issues.

It is worth noting that if your vehicle fails its MOT and is considered an un-roadworthy vehicle, it is dangerous for you to drive and could earn you points on your licence. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that any faults are resolved before your drive the vehicle away. Once the vehicle's issues have been fixed an MOT retest will need to be carried out.

In addition to failure, advisory notes can be given as part of an MOT test. Advisory notes highlight problems with the car that need fixing but aren't severe enough to warrant an MOT failure.

What is an MOT Test?

A Ministry of Transport (MOT) test checks that vehicles meet legal road safety and environmental standards. It is illegal in the UK to drive a car on the road without a current MOT certificate and if your MOT has expired your car insurance will also be invalid. MOT certificates are required to tax your vehicle and to change the vehicle's tax class, for example when requesting free road tax for a disabled driver.

MOT certificates expire every 12-13 months, therefore, if your car is older than 3 years old you will need to book an MOT test annually. You are able to renew your vehicle's MOT up to one month before your current certificate expires to allow flexibility for arranging the MOT test on a date and time that is suitable for you.

What is Checked During an MOT Test?

Detailed checks are carried out on the following parts of a car:

• Body, vehicle structure and general items
• Towbars
• Fuel System
• Exhaust Emissions
• Exhaust System
• Seatbelts
• Seats
• Doors
• Mirrors
• Load Security
• Tyres & Wheels
• Registration Plates
• Lights
• Bonnet
• Wipers & Washers
• Windscreen
• Horn
• Steering & Suspension
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Electrical

The MOT test is different to a service as the test doesn't cover the engine, clutch or gearbox.

Will Your Car Pass its MOT Test?

It's safe to say that every car owner wants the answer to this question to be yes! According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), throughout the 2018-2019 financial year 31,335,775 MOT tests were carried out (this figure doesn't include abandoned tests, aborted tests or retests) and 26% of these tests were failures (this fail rate excludes vehicles that pass the test after rectification of minor defects at the time of the test).

A simple, regular check and maintenance of replacing bulbs, wipers and tyres could prevent your vehicle from failing its MOT test, DVSA state that 'nearly 50% of all faults found on MOT tests could be avoided'. Cars can fail their MOT test for being low on screenwash so don't let minor issues like this result in a failed MOT test when you could easily sort the issue yourself.

MOT Test Preparation Tips

The overall condition, age and mileage are all varying factors that may impact the chances of the vehicle passing its MOT test. However, here are some checks that you can carry out to prepare your car for the MOT test:

• Washer fluid level and windscreen wiper functionality
• Windscreen for any chips
• All lights, indicators and bulbs
• Tyre inflation levels are correct
• Tyre condition for damage and tread - the minimum is 1.6mm