Feedback

How do you rate this information /service?

MOT Guidance (Hackney Carriage and Private Hire)

Image of approved MOT test station logo The Ministry of Transport test (MOT) is an annual test of car safety and road-worthiness applicable to most vehicles over a certain age that are used on public roads in the UK.

When does my vehicle needs testing?

If a vehicle is registered with 'no prior use on the road', an MOT will be required:

three years after the date of registration for a privately used vehicle
one year after the date of registration if it is used as a Hackney Carriage (HC) or Private Hire Vehicle (PHV).

Example: a vehicle registered 'from new' on 1 April 2005 would require an MOT no later than 1 April 2008 for private vehicles or 1 April 2006 for HC or PHV.

If a vehicle is used prior to registration (as would be the case with an import), an MOT will be required:

three years from the end of the year of manufacture for private vehicles
one year from the end of the year of manufacture for HC or PHV.

Example: a vehicle manufactured at any time in 2005 will require an MOT no later than 31 December 2008 for private vehicles or 31 December 2006 for HC or PHV. There is no grace period given after the MOT becomes due.

How long does an MOT certificate last?

If the vehicle is tested within the calendar month prior to when the MOT is due, the test certificate will run from the date of the test to one year after the expiry date of the current certificate.

Example: if the current certificate was due to expire on 1 April 2008, and the vehicle was presented on or after 2 March 2008, the certificate would run from the test date until 1 April 2009.

The same rule would also apply when the vehicle is taken in within a calendar month of its first MOT. In this case, the vehicle owner would need to present their registration document.

If the vehicle is tested earlier than one month before its due date, the MOT will only run for twelve months.

What does the test centre look at during an examination?

Vehicle identification number - must be permanently displayed and legible on a vehicle first used on or after 1 August 1980.
Registration plate - condition, security, legibility and format of letters/numbers.
Lights - condition, operation, security and correct colour. The headlamps will also be checked to see if the aim is correct.
Steering and suspension - correct condition and operation.
Wipers and washers - operate to give the driver a clear view of the road.
Windscreen - condition and drivers view of the road.
Horn - correct operation and type.
Seat belts - all seat belts installed are checked for type, condition, operation and security. All compulsory seat belts must be in place.
Seats - front seats secure. Front and rear backseats can be secured in the upright position.
Fuel system - no leaks, fuel cap fastens correctly and seals securely. The fuel cap will need to be opened. Make sure the key is available.
Exhaust emissions - vehicle meets exhaust emission requirements - these vary depending on vehicle age and fuel type.
Exhaust system - complete, secure, without serious leaks and silences effectively.
Vehicle structure - free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas. No sharp edges.
Doors - open and close. Latch securely in closed position. Front doors should open from inside and outside the vehicle. Rear doors may need to be opened to gain access to testable items.
Mirrors - presence, condition and security.
Wheels and tyres - condition, security, tyre size and type, and tread depth. Spare tyres are not tested.
Brakes - condition, operation and performance (efficiency test). Suitable vehicles will be tested on a roller brake tester. Vehicles such as those with permanent 4-wheel drive will be tested either on a suitable road using a properly calibrated and maintained decelerometer or, if one is installed at the test station, a plate brake tester.

Tinted Windows

Tinted windows are not included in the MOT test, but the |Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) have started roadside checks to make sure tinted windows follow the Road Vehicle (Construction & Use) Regulations. These specify the minimum levels of light that must pass through the windscreen and front side windows. The Council may well carry out its own test of tinted windows to ensure that minimum levels of light are being allowed through the glass.

Fees

|Current fees for MOT or for a duplicate test certificate - DirectGov website.

The test centre is required to display a notice called VT9a - fees and appeals poster. This gives details of the fees and how you can appeal against a decision by the test centre.

The Council do not set the test fees and cannot become involved in disputes about the test process or fees charged.

What if I disagree with an MOT result?

If you disagree with the test result first discuss it with the test station if possible, and do not let anyone carry out repairs to your vehicle.

What if I think my vehicle has wrongly failed?

You must complete an appeal form (VT17) obtainable from any MOT testing station or by calling the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), on the MOT enquiry line - 0845 600 5977. Completed forms need to be returned to VOSA within 14 working days of the MOT test along with a full test fee. VOSA will then offer an appointment within 5 working days to recheck your vehicle. If your appeal is successful some or all of the test fee will be refunded to you. Do not have your vehicle repaired before your appeal is considered, as any change to your vehicle may affect the outcome of the appeal.

Vehicle Re-tests

Providing the testing station has not changed ownership the the following fees would be charged for a re-test:

For some specified items only, if the vehicle is brought back to the same test station and re-tested before the end of the next working day no additional fee (this assumes that the test station is not already fully booked and can fit you in for a re-test).
If the vehicle is left at the test station for repair and is re-tested before the end of 10 working days no additional fees.
If the vehicle is removed from the testing station for repair and returned for re-test within 10 working days following the day of the initial failure then a partial re-test fee of half the test fee will be charged.

Note: If your vehicle fails the test and you ask the garage to repair it and re-test it you should obtain an estimate or quote for the work before agreeing to have the works carried out.