MOT Test: What do you need to know?

If  you are in the UK and you are a car owner, then it is important to look over the term "MOT.” Well, if you are not at all familiar with the term, then in this blog you will get to know about the MOT test in depth. 

Understanding MOT specifically refers to the Ministry of Transportation. A test that is designed specifically for a vehicle to ensure its roadworthiness and environmental standards. In this test, an annual inspection of the vehicle is conducted in which several parts are examined. Originally, this test was generally for all those vehicles that complete three years at the time of registration. These three years are generally for like every vehicle that is being driven, but for other vehicles, such as taxis and ambulances, they require one year of completion. These variations in the test are categorised into different classes, such as Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, Class 4, Class 5, Class 6, Class 6A, and Class 7. 

At the time of the test, a dozen parts are checked, which focuses on the working of the car parts. These are brakes, mirrors, suspension, steering, lights, windscreen wipers and more. Well, this is an examination that does not increase the overall health of the vehicle but identifies and suggests repairing and replacing them accordingly. 

The MOT exam covers

To complete the necessity of safety and environment, the MOT test contains a wide range of checks, including:

Steering and suspension in the vehicle are examined with precision to see if they hold any damage, are worn out or are working well or not. 

Brakes are one such component that helps in making the vehicle stop whenever there is a need for it. Even though brakes include numerous parts, such as brake fluid, pads and discs. Brakes as a whole are checked to see if they are worn or performed effectively. 

In this test, the lights’s condition is inspected to see if they are functioning properly. Damage or fault in bulbs should be replaced before taking it for testing because they are observed at the time of the test.

Tyres must have sufficient pressure and tread depth because they are checked by the inspector.  

Seatbelts must be in good condition because they ensure safety when applying sudden brakes or when road accidents happen. Therefore, the condition and working of seatbelts are examined. 

How is it possible to identify which vehicle is distinctive from each other? It is with the help of a vehicle registration plate. As they are important for vehicle identification, they must be in optimum condition and meet the legal requirements. 

The mirrors that the vehicle carries help to see the other vehicles from behind, front and from, which is only possible when they are properly secured and intact. Because they are verified when inspection takes place by the experts. 

What follows the MOT examination?

Once all the inspection is done by the examiner’s end from the reputable garage, they issue a certificate stating a pass or fail. If the vehicle passes the test, then you will be granted the pass certificate, VT20. This test specifically confirms that the vehicle has met the necessary requirements of road safety and environmental standards. Always keep your pass certificate in a secure place because it is important to have it with you at all times when you drive on the road. 

Unsuccessfully, if any damage to the vehicle parts is more likely to be overseen by the inspector, then they will issue a failed MOT Darlington certificate, VT30. As a vehicle contains minor and major parts, both of them are equally important for the vehicle to function on the road. This failed MOT test states that, because of the significant issues that occurred during the inspection, it might impact safety and environmental criteria. However, the experts suggest necessary repairs and replacements for it to pass the test. Then, a restest is scheduled to reassure that the vehicle is in optimal condition. It is illegal to drive your car without an MOT; doing so will result in hefty fines and penalties. 

Apart from passing and failing the test, there are some instances where it means that if the reason for failing is because of a minor fault, then a car owner must be granted advisory notice, VT32. This notice contains issues listed that require attention but don't cause a failure in the test. However, it is important to address the listed problems in the advisory note because if you neglect them, then the probability of becoming a problem is bigger. 

Conclusion

Overall, in the UK, MOT is one that is essential among vehicles, as this helps in representing the condition of the vehicle, whether it fulfils the aspects of roadworthiness and environmental standards or not. Particularly for all those car owners in the UK, it becomes important for them to understand what it entails, their process and its significance. Keeping MOT as part of the schedule not only helps to ensure the vehicle’s condition but also gives information about the latest regulations. This offers a vehicle to is safe, roadworthy and meets all the legal requirements.