Due for an MOT? Don’t Wait!

An MOT test covers more than 40 individual checks across your vehicle. Every check follows the standards set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Here is what our technicians inspect during every test:

• Brakes – pad thickness, disc condition, and braking performance under pressure
• Tyres – tread depth (legal minimum is 1.6mm), sidewall condition, and correct pressure
• Lights – headlights, brake lights, indicators, and number plate lights
• Steering and suspension – play in the steering column, shock absorber condition, and joint integrity
• Emissions – exhaust output measured against legal limits for your vehicle’s age and fuel type
• Windscreen and wipers – visibility, chip size, and wiper blade condition
• Horn, mirrors, and seatbelts – function and legal compliance
• Vehicle structure – corrosion checks on load-bearing sections of the chassis

We record every finding on your MOT certificate, so you have a clear, written record of your car’s condition.

Common Reasons Cars Fail Their MOT

Around 40% of vehicles fail their MOT test each year, according to DVSA data. Most failures come down to a small number of recurring issues – many of which are easy to spot and fix before you arrive.

The most common MOT failure points include:

• Faulty or blown lights – a single blown bulb is enough to fail the test. Check all your lights the night before.
• Worn tyres – if your tread depth is close to 1.6mm, replace your tyres before booking. Tread depth gauges cost under £5.
• Brake wear – thin pads or scored discs are a frequent cause of failure. If your brakes feel soft or noisy, have them checked first.
• Windscreen damage – a chip larger than 10mm in the driver’s line of sight will cause a failure.
• Emissions issues – a dirty air filter or low engine oil can push your emissions over the legal limit. A fresh oil change before your test can make a difference.
• Weak or dead battery – modern MOT tests include an electrical system check. A struggling battery may flag issues across multiple systems.

We recommend doing a basic check of these items before your test. It takes 10 minutes and could save you the cost of a retest.

What Happens if Your Car Fails?

A failed MOT does not mean your car is written off. It means specific items need attention before your vehicle can be certified as roadworthy. Here is what happens next:

1. We give you a clear written list of every failure point and advisory notice.
2. We explain each item in plain terms – what it is, why it failed, and what the fix involves.
3. You decide how to proceed. We do not pressure you into booking repairs on the spot.
4. If you choose to have us carry out the repairs, we retest those specific items at no extra charge – as long as the retest happens within 10 working days.
5. Once the repairs are complete and the retest passes, we issue your new MOT certificate immediately.

Advisory notices are separate from failures. An advisory means the item is not yet at the point of failure but will need attention soon. We flag these so you can plan ahead, not because they are urgent.

Why Choose Us for Your MOT Test?

We are an authorised MOT test centre – which means every test we carry out meets the exact standards required by the DVSA. Our technicians are trained and assessed to DVSA standards, and we use calibrated, government-approved testing equipment on every vehicle.

Here is what you can expect when you book with us:

• Same-day and next-day appointments available – we keep slots open so you are not waiting weeks
• Fixed test fee with no hidden charges – you pay the standard rate, nothing more
• A clear, jargon-free results walkthrough – we talk you through every pass, failure, and advisory in plain language
• No pressure repairs – if your car fails, you choose where and when to fix it. We provide the information; you make the decision.
• Retest included – if we carry out the repairs, the retest is covered within 10 working days

We stand behind every test we carry out. If you have a question about your results – on the day or after – call us and we will walk you through it.

Book Your MOT Test Today

Your MOT certificate is a legal requirement – and letting it lapse puts you, your passengers, and other road users at risk. Book your test now and we will have your car checked, certified, and back on the road the same day.