MOT Testing Bolton 

Ministry of transport test or MOT testing came into practice in the year 1960. Then it was applicable on vehicles which were more than 10 years old. Presently MOT testing is a must for all motor vehicles which are more than 3 years old. The classification of all vehicles includes cars and motorbikes too. The test is required for all vehicles which reach three years of registration. The testing is due for vehicles annually. The certificate issued after the MOT testing is valid for one year from the date of issue.  

MOT testing is one of the measures taken by the government to make sure that the vehicles on the road do not cause any loss to life or property due to its unworthy condition. It is basically a safety precautionary measure in favor of all citizens. The test checks the running condition of the vehicles. The road worthiness of any vehicle is reflected in the favorable testing certificate.  

The vehicles are classified into VII classes for the test. The garages which conduct the test have the “FTA fees and appeals” poster for the convenience of the customers. This poster gives detailed information of the types of the test. It also notifies the customer about what measures to take in case a vehicle fails the MOT test. Every test also gives an emission report of the vehicle. A pass certificate of the test is “VT20” and the failure report of the test is “VT30”. Test report which has any kind of advisories is “VT32”. The “VT20” certificate is must for vehicles to obtain the tax disc or the vehicle license. This disc is to be displayed on all vehicles and is the proof of all taxes on the vehicle having been paid. Even if the taxes on the vehicles are paid and the “VT20” certificate is not present, the tax disc cannot be obtained.  

The test certificate reflects the state of the vehicle on the day that the test was carried out. Thus people who are in for purchasing used vehicles must check its present condition in spite of the test certificate. At times a vehicle may sustain damages after receiving the “VT20” certificate. Even after the vehicle is repaired the test certificate remains valid. However, some insurance companies make it compulsory for the repaired vehicles to get new test certificates. This is a positive step to ensure that the repaired vehicles are roadworthy.  

When a vehicle is nearing the MOT test, the owners start looking for garages which can provide hassle free MOT test preparation services. It is absolutely important to choose a garage which has been approved by the Department of Transport to be a test garage. The approved garages have a sign board with “three blue triangle” logo, which certifies that test can be carried out at the premises of the garage legally. The area where the MOT test is carries out should be separated from all other service providing areas and is waterproof. This ensures that the test can be carried out without any intrusion.

A separate area ensures accurate test results as it is free from any kind of vehicle pollution which is present in garages. A certified garage has all the equipments which is necessary to gain access to all parts of the vehicles and carry on the test thoroughly. At a good MOT test garage a customer can get value for the money spent on the test through accurate reports. The test is carried out by certified engineers. If the owner does not agree with the result of the test, an appeal can be files against the MOT test decision.  

When a vehicle fails a MOT test, it has to undergo a retest. The testing garage will notify the issues in the vehicle which needs to be addressed. The vehicles can then go for repairs either by an individual, in the same garage or at a station of the owners’ choice. Retest can be done in the same garage within ten days for free or a nominal fees. At any point of time a garage can offer for free MOT tests to their customers for the purpose of promotion.  

A renewal of the MOT can be done up to one month in advance of the due date. Even if the test is done on an earlier date, the date of issue will be from the expiry date of the previous MOT. The earliest date of the MOT is given on the front of the certificate. In case anyone loses or misplaces the certificate, a duplicate can be collected from any MOT testing station for nominal charges. To get a duplicate certificate, one needs to provide for the old MOT number or the vehicle registration mark or document reference number.  

For all vehicles which complete three years of registration MOT testing is mandatory!