The Ministry of Transport test also known as MOT Test Swindon is a legally compulsory test for all motor vehicles which are driven on the roads. The purpose of this test is to check whether a vehicle is roadworthy and conforms to certain safety and environmental standards. Toward that purpose, an accredited vehicle inspector, who completed the appropriate training, is able to proceed with this examination of all sorts of vehicles: how they work and if it is legal and cars are driven on the road.
The main aim of the vehicle inspection test also known as the weight measurement test MOT is road safety. That is the possibility of any hitches arising from the driver or passengers or any other road users. The test addresses most critical areas including brakes, lights, tyres and exhaust emissions in order to ensure the vehicle can be used on the road safely.
When Does My Vehicle Need an MOT?
Comprehending when an MOT is due on a car is fundamental in adhering to the law. The very first test of MOT for any newly registered vehicle should be carried out on the third year of registering. For example, if a person bought a new car on March 1, 2018, the person will turn the first MOT by March 1, 2021. Then after that, they will have to undergo the maintenance and repair for MOT mostly every other year and thus the tests will be due every March 1 of the following years. There are such things as due dates that are very important in making sure that a person does not get fined and that the car being driven is in a good condition.
How Do I Know When My MOT is Due?
An MOT certificate lasts for the duration of 1 year. The validity period is usually indicated at the back of the last certificate that was given after completing the test. If you prefer, you can also find out the MOT status of your vehicle by accessing the official government website at MOT History GOV.UK.
As opposed to the road fund tax reminders, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) does not provide a reminder for the MOT expiration. To keep you on the right side of the law, a number of service providers will send you an email or a text message reminding you that your MOT due date is approaching free of charge.
What Happens If My MOT Has Expired?
If you are caught behind the wheel of a car which doesn’t have a valid MOT, you are liable to face dire repercussions which could include fines reaching up to £1,000. In the event that your MOT certificate is out of date, it is illegal for you to drive your motor vehicle on any public road with the exception of driving to the location of the MOT test. Thus, it is highly advisable to check that you have a current MOT in order to prevent any trouble with the law and risks on safety.
How Close to My Expiry Date Can I Get My Vehicle Tested?
In order to promote the convenience of car owners, there is a clause which permits carrying out vehicle testing to an extent of 30 days before the current MOT test expiry date. Effectively, this would indicate that, in case the MOT of a given car is expiring on 1st April, the relevant motor vehicle can be tested as early as 1st March, of the same year without altering the original expiry date.
On the contrary, in case you request for an earlier extension of your current MOT even if it is meant for 30 days earlier, please note that the expiry date for the subsequent year will be recalculated. For instance, you have an MOT for the vehicle done thirty days ahead of its actual expiry date, the vehicle's next MOT will be in one year from the next testing date, which will be the renewed date of testing.
Do I Have to Have My Service and MOT Done Together?
You aren’t obligated to perform your MOT and service at the same time; however, a lot of car owners prefer doing this. This is very helpful considering that the duration for both the MOT and service is usually one year. It can also help you save some time and make sure that the check-up on the car is extensive, covering both safety and performance in one appointment.
In addition to the compulsory MOT, it is suggested to Car Servicing Swindon your automobile at least once per year. This is due to the fact that preventative maintenance can ward off issues thereby promoting safer driving and even assisting in reducing costs of repair in the long run.
Being an owner of a vehicle is not all about enjoying the road. There are some processes that must be followed and the MOT is one of them. This refers to several elements that need to be considered including knowing your MOT expiry date and the actual difference that exists between an MOT and a service as well as the best way to prepare for the test so as to keep the vehicle in good working condition.