The MOT test is sometimes confused with a service, but in fact they are very different.

The MOT test is a compulsory annual test for every vehicle over three years old to ensure that the vehicle is safe and roadworthy. A car service is like a health check for your car which looks at all the major engine components and should be part of routine maintenance – it helps to keep your car running smoothly and helps to avoid breakdowns and expensive repairs. Just because your car has passed its MOT, it doesn’t mean that you can disregard having it serviced. Both are equally important, and we can do both your MOT test and your car’s service for you here at Blake Street Garage.

Yes, many of the most common reasons for cars failing their MOT test could be prevented by some quick checks at home.

Here are a few that we recommend:

• Lights – check that all the bulbs are good, including the one above the number plate.
• Tyres – make sure that they have adequate tread depth (minimum 1.6mm – about the same size as the ridge around a 20p piece) and that they are suitably inflated.
• Exhaust – check that there’s not an unusual amount of smoke coming out and listen out for rattling noises which could indicate a problem.
• Windscreen and wipers – ensure that there’s enough screenwash and that the wipers are working correctly and look out for chips and cracks in the windscreen because even the smallest can cause your vehicle to fail its MOT test.
• Oil – check the engine oil level using the dipstick to ensure that it’s between the minimum and maximum markers.
• Brakes – if you’ve noticed any obvious issues with your brakes such as sponginess or the car pulling to the side when you depress the pedal, get in touch with Blake Street Garage before your MOT test so that we can assess the situation.
• Mirrors – these need to be secure and undamaged.
• Check inside the car – make sure the horn and the seatbelts are working and if there are any warning lights that don’t go off when you turn the car on, do get in touch with the team at Blake Street Garage so that we can check that out.

There are several ways to find out your MOT test due date.

If you have last year’s MOT certificate, you’ll find it on that. You can also use the government MOT checker tool here, or otherwise, get in touch with our team at Blake Street Garage and we’ll be able to find the due date out and book your MOT test for you.

MOT stands for Ministry of Transport (renamed Department of Transport in 2002) and the MOT test is an inspection of every vehicle used on public roads in the UK.

This test must be carried out annually once a vehicle is three years old or older. It was first introduced in 1960 and has evolved to encompass around 20 components or parts in or on a vehicle.

Significant changes were made to the MOT test in 2018, which included changes to how faults are recorded (Dangerous/Major/Minor), stricter rules for diesel emissions, and new items added to the list of components/parts tested.

Once your car is three years old, it will have to undergo an MOT test every year to ensure that it’s roadworthy and meets government safety and emissions standards.

An MOT certificate is valid for one year from the test date.

You can have your next MOT test done up to one month before the current one is due and then that test certificate would essentially be valid for 13 months.

If you don’t have a valid MOT, the only legal driving that you can do is to a testing centre such as Blake Street Garage for an already booked MOT test.

If your car fails its MOT and “dangerous” faults are found, you should leave it with the testing garage for repairs as you could be fined if the police stop you while you’re driving without a valid MOT certificate. It’s also the case that many insurance policies become invalid when your MOT expires, so to make sure that you remain insured, it’s important to keep up to date with MOT tests.

As with a petrol or diesel vehicle, any electric vehicle over three years old needs to pass an annual MOT test for roadworthiness.

All the same components as a standard fuel vehicle will be checked (see “What is checked in an MOT” further down this page) with the main difference being that more emphasis is placed on the battery check in an electric vehicle and that there is no exhaust to check, or emissions testing required. You can take your electric vehicle to any MOT testing centre for its test regardless of whether that garage works on electric vehicles or not. Give our team at Blake Street Garage a call with any questions about EV MOT testing in Stoke-on-Trent.

There are several different categories of MOT test.

The one you need will depend on which vehicle is being tested. At Blake Street Garage we carry out Class 4 MOT testing which covers cars, taxis, ambulances, and vans and motorhomes up to 3t.

Most insurance companies will insist on you having a valid MOT certificate as a requirement for your motor insurance policy.

This means that if you allow your MOT to lapse, your insurance policy may become void and if you’re involved in an incident, you won’t be eligible to claim on your insurance, even if you have continued paying for the policy.

You can take your vehicle for its MOT test up to one month before the test is actually due without this changing your annual renewal date.

You don’t need to bring any documents to the MOT test as MOT testing centres have access to all the information that they need online.

Also, there’s no need to leave the locking wheel nut and the service book out as these are only required during a service, not an MOT test.

However, at Blake Street Garage as we carry out both MOT tests and car servicing, why not book both in at the same time? This can save you time and money, as you only have to come for one booking, and the issues that would fail an MOT test can get picked up on in the service, and fixed before the MOT test is performed.

Get in touch with our team to find out more.

On average, an MOT test takes between 45 and 60 minutes.

We have a comfortable waiting area here at Blake Street Garage with free Wi-Fi where you’re welcome to relax while our testers carry out your vehicle’s MOT test.

Booking your MOT test at Blake Street Garage is quick and easy and at this time, we’re pleased to be offering Class 4 MOT testing for just £40, for all customers, old and new.

You can give us a call on 01782 834756 and a member of our team will be delighted to find a date and time which is convenient for you, or if you prefer, you can book online – just choose a date and a time to suit from the list below and book your MOT.

Almost every aspect of a vehicle is checked and/or tested during an MOT test.

• number plate – this needs to be secure and legible, and needs to meet government requirements
• lights – the MOT checks that these are all in correct working order
• steering and suspension – all components of these systems are inspected to ensure correct functionality
• wipers and screenwash reservoir – wipers must clear the windscreen effectively and there must be adequate screenwash in the bottle
• windscreen – the MOT tester will be looking out for chips and cracks, particularly in the area in front of the driver
• horn – they check that this works
• seatbelts – they need to be in good condition, to work and to be the correct type
• seats – these are checked to ensure that they are secure
• fuel system – there must be no leaks and the petrol cap must fit securely
• emissions – there are specific guidelines that exhaust emissions must fall within and the exhaust will be inspected for leaks and for correct noise levels
• bodywork – the MOT test will be looking for dangerously corroded areas or any sharp edges
• doors – the doors need to open and shut correctly
• mirrors – will be checked for damage and secure fitting
• wheels and tyres – they will look at the condition of your tyres, in particular, tread depth, any damage, that they are the correct size and that they are secure
• brakes – the entire braking system, including the handbrake, will be tested on a roller brake tester to make sure that it’s all operating correctly

If a vehicle fails its MOT test, Blake Street Garage issue a “refusal of an MOT test certificate” and this will be recorded on the MOT database. Blake Street Garage is fully equipped to carry out any repairs found in a failed MOT test and will then carry out a retest free of charge, once the faults have been rectified.

If your current MOT certificate is still valid and the new, failed test hasn’t found any “dangerous” faults the vehicle can still be driven until the current MOT certificate expires. If any “dangerous” faults have been discovered, or the current MOT certificate has expired, the reasons for the failed test must be repaired before the vehicle can be driven on public roads again.

Driving a vehicle on public roads with “dangerous” faults found in a failed MOT test can result in a £2500 fine and 3 penalty points.