The Norris MOT testing centre near me the essential guide.

The essential guide to your MOT testing centre near me provides you with all the information you need to understand what is an MOT. Along with when you need to get an MOT to what does your MOT cover.

What is the MOT?

To start off the MOT Testing Centre near me the essential guide,  a vehicle MOT is required by law in the UK over 3 years old. MOT testing is a strict safety test to determine if your vehicle is roadworthy and fit for purpose.

Different vehicles undergo different tests, with separate categories for cars, motorbikes, and large passenger and goods vehicles.

It covers a broad range of safety checks which includes lights, tyres, seatbelts and emissions. These checks can only be carried out by out by an MOT Garage with DVSA-approved examiners.

Once these checks have been completed by DVSA-approved examiner, and if the vehicle passes, you will get a list of any ‘advisory’ or ‘minor’ items that will require attention shortly so you can keep an eye on them. If the vehicle fails, you may be entitled to a free re-test.

When do I need to get an MOT Test?

New cars are exempt from MOT for the first three years. As a result, your car’s first MOT will be due on the third anniversary of its first registration,

To find out if your vehicle has a valid MOT and when your next MOT test is due, visit the GOV.UK website and enter your vehicle registration number.

As MOT centres get busy, you can submit your car for a test up to one month (minus a day) before the current MOT runs out and keep the same renewal date.

So what happens if your car fails the test before the renewal date? Good news is your old certificate is still valid, but the bad news is your car might not be safe to drive.

Can I carry out an MOT test myself?

The simple answer is no. The MOT test can only be done by an accredited MOT testing station. The MOT Tester has to undergo specific training to qualify to do an MOT.

How do identify an MOT Testing Centre near me?

All MOT test centres are easily identified by the display of the distinctive logo of the three intersecting white triangles on a blue background.

MOT Testing Centre near me the essential guide to what an MOT covers?

The MOT test looks at the mechanical and electrical operation of your car to ensure it meets certain safety standards.

To pass the MOT check, front, rear, brake, fog, indicator and registration plate lights and rear reflectors must:

• Be correctly positioned and secure
• Not be obscured
• Be in good condition
• Show the correct colour (a bluish tinge to front headlights is acceptable as long as the predominant colour is white)
• Not be adversely affected by the operation of any other light
• Illuminate with a single operation of the switch
• Pairs of lights must emit light of the same colour, size and shape.
• Headlight aim (both dip beam and main beam) should be below the horizontal, so as not to dazzle other drivers.

What about the Horn?

The horn must emit a continuous uniform note and must be loud enough to be heard by another road user.

Battery: The battery must be secure and not show any signs of leaking electrolyte.

Electrical wiring: Wiring should be secure and must not be damaged to the point where it is likely to short circuit or become detached.

Vehicles with a towbar: Any electrical socket will be tested for its condition and that it correctly operates the trailer parking lights, brake lights, indicators and rear fog lights.

Steering: The tester will assess the strength and condition of the steering wheel by pushing the steering in various directions and inspecting for wear or damage to the steering components. If your steering has a locking device, it’ll be tested to ensure it only locks when the engine is not running. And vehicles with power steering must have at least the minimum level of power steering fluid in the reservoir.

Suspension: Suspension components and shock absorbers will be checked for excessive corrosion, distortion and fractures.

Brakes: A brake performance test will be carried out to test brake efficiency. The tester will look at the overall condition of the brakes, pedals and levers are inspected, as well as any relevant warning lights.

Tyres and road wheels

The tyres must be of correct speed and load rating for the vehicle. Tread depth must not be below the legal limit of 1.6mm, and tyres will be examined for cuts above 25mm, lumps, bulges, tears, exposure of the cord and tread separation. For vehicles with run-flat tyres, the warning light must operate correctly. Note that the road wheels must be in good general condition.

Seat belts and restraint systems: Each seat belt and the attachment and adjustment fittings are checked for security and condition.

Body, structure and general items: Body: Ther is a general inspection of the body, chassis, engine mountings, seats, bonnet, boot and doors will be made as part of your MOT checks. They must be free from excessive corrosion and must not have any sharp edges that might cause injury.

Registration plates: Must be fitted at the front and rear. They must be secure and clearly legible to someone standing 20 metres away from the car. The characters on the plate must be correctly formed and spaced and not likely to be misread.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Every vehicle must permanently display a legible VIN, either on a VIN plate secured to the vehicle, or stamped or etched on the body or chassis.

Speedometer: This must be fitted, and the tester will check that it can be illuminated. It does not matter if the dial glass is cracked as long as the speed can be read.

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

Exhaust system: This is inspected to ensure it is secure and doesn’t leak. If your vehicle was originally fitted with a catalytic converter, it must still be present.

Fuel system: This will be checked for leaks and the tank cap must seal properly.

Emissions: The tester will use a gas analyser probe while the engine is running to test the smoke emitted from the exhaust. Emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons must fall within the legal limit. Visual checks are made for excessive dense blue or black smoke emitted from the exhaust, which is a cause for MOT failure.

Driver’s view of the road

Mirrors and wipers: Rearview mirrors and wing mirrors must be secure and provide adequate views to the rear and side. Wipers and washers must sweep a wide enough area to give the driver an adequate view of the road.

Windscreen: In the area of the windscreen directly in front of the driver, must not be any damage or obstruction to the view larger than 10mm. Outside this area, there must not be any damage or other obstruction larger than 40mm.

How long does an MOT take?

An MOT test will typically take between 45 and 60 minutes.

Can I drive my car without an MOT?

No. It’s illegal to drive your car without a valid MOT certificate. As a result, if you are caught driving a car without a valid MOT you can be fined £1,000. And your vehicle will be impounded.

Also if your car is involved in an accident your insurance claim could be affected if you don’t have a valid MOT. Driving with an expired MOT certificate essentially means your car is unroadworthy. Technically and legally, it’s not safe to drive.

There is no MOT grace period after the expiry date. However, you can drive your car to an testing station without an MOT.  But only if you have pre-booked a test first.

Also if the vehicle is involved in an accident you may be asked to produce your MOT certificate. An insurance claim could be affected by the absence of your MOT, especially in the case of injury.
Recent computerisation of the MOT system by DVSA means mobile camera can now see if your vehicle has a current MOT.

When is my MOT due?

To conclude the MOT Testing Centre near me the essential guide what if you have forgotten your MOT due date? There is now an easy way to check when it’s due, simply click on the following link and enter your vehicle’s registration number.   You can then book your appointment online at local MOT centre in Trowbridge, Wiltshire.