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Trunch Garage Cog Logo MOT Fees 2020   MOT Test

(The Gov's Webpage listing all MOT fees is here.)
Vehicle Type Age 1st Test
Required (years)		 Standard Fee Our Fee
Retests are free!
Class IV
Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) 3 £54.85 £54.00
Motor Caravans 3 £54.85 £54.00
3 Wheel Vehicles (over 450Kg unladen weight) 3 £54.85 £54.00
Quads (Max unladen weight 400Kg)
(For goods vehicles: 550Kg and maximum net power of 15Kw)		 3 £54.85 £54.00
Dual Purpose Vehicles 3 £54.85 £54.00
Private Hire and public service vehicles 3 £54.85 £54.00
Ambulances and Taxis 1 £54.85 £54.00
Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9-12 seats) 1 £57.30 £57.30
Class VII
Goods Vehicles (3000Kg - 3500Kg) 3 £58.60 £58.60

Trunch Garage Cog Logo MOT's Explained.

1. About the MOT

The MOT tests some important items on your vehicle to check that they meet the legal standards.
It isn’t the same as having your vehicle serviced and doesn’t check its general mechanical condition.
The test doesn’t cover the condition of the Engine, Clutch or Gearbox
Everyone who uses a vehicle on the road must keep it in a roadworthy condition.
The MOT test checks that vehicles meet road safety and environmental standards.
The first MOT test for a vehicle is required when it is three years old.
There are different rules if it is used as a taxi.

Where to go for an MOT test

There are around 19,000 garages authorised as MOT test stations across the country that can carry out your MOT test.
The blue three triangles logo is displayed to identify authorised test stations.
The maximum fee for the test must be displayed on a poster inside every test station.
The station, however, can charge less than what is on the poster if they want to.
MOT Test Image

How vehicles are tested

MOT test stations have designated test bays where they conduct the test, using a range of equipment that meets the required specification for MOT testing. The standard test procedures are laid out in an inspection manual that the test station should make available on request. If your vehicle has failed the test, you will be given a failure document with reference to this manual. You can watch the test from a designated viewing area but you are not allowed to interrupt the tester while he is working. All MOT testers have been on a training course with the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and their test results are checked regularly.

Who supervises the scheme?

VOSA is the government agency responsible for supervising the MOT scheme. It does this by:
  • authorising MOT test stations and approving MOT testers
  • setting standards for testing and requirements for authorisation for the MOT test station and testers
  • training authorised examiners and MOT testers
  • visiting MOT test stations and carrying out checks to ensure testing standards and facilities are maintained
  • giving advice and taking disciplinary action where tests are not being carried out to the required standards
  • dealing with appeals and complaints from MOT customers

2. Car parts tested in the MOT

These are some of the important parts of your car that will be checked in the MOT.
(Further details can be read on the Government MOT Website)

MOT Test Image

2.1 Body, vehicle structure and general items

These will be inspected to check that:
they’re free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas
there are no sharp edges likely to cause injury

2.2 Towbars

Towbars will be inspected for:
secureness
condition
inappropriate repairs or modification
The MOT tester will also check that:
the 13 pin electrical socket is working correctly
the speedometer is in good working order
the engine mountings are secure

2.3 Fuel System

The fuel system will be inspected to check that:
there are no leaks
the pipes and hoses are secure and in a good condition
the fuel cap fastens and seals securely
You should make sure that the key is available as the fuel cap will need to be opened.

2.4 Exhaust emissions

The vehicle will be inspected, depending on the age and fuel type of the vehicle, to check that it meets the rules for exhaust emissions.

Diesel vehicles

The MOT tester will refuse to test your vehicle if they think that the smoke test may damage your engine.
You should tell them at the start of the MOT if you think this may happen.

To reduce the possibility of damage and increase the chances of passing, you should:
  • keep your vehicle maintained at all times
  • have the camshaft drive belt replaced at the recommended intervals
  • go for the MOT with a fully warmed up engine - it will produce less smoke and is safer to test
  • not tamper with the governor settings

2.5 Exhaust System

The exhaust system will be inspected to check that:
it’s secure and complete,
a catalyst isn’t missing where one was fitted as standard,
it’s without serious leaks and not too noisy

2.6 Seatbelts

The vehicle will be inspected to check that:
the mandatory seatbelts are in place
they are suitable for the vehicle
they are in a good condition
they work properly
they are attached securely
The malfunction indicator lamps (MILs) or dashboard warning lights will be checked for the:
air bags
seatbelt pretensioners (which remove the slack from a seatbelt in the event of a collision)
seatbelt load limiters (which release a small amount of belt when it’s too tight)

2.7 Seats

These will be inspected to check that:
the driver’s seat can be adjusted
all seats are securely fitted and that seat backs can be fixed in the upright position

2.8 Doors

These will be inspected to check that:
the latch is secure in the closed position
the front doors open from inside and outside the vehicle
the rear doors open from outside the vehicle
hinges and catches are secure and in a good condition

2.9 Mirrors

The vehicle will be inspected to check for the minimum number of mirrors, their condition and security. Indirect vision devices will also inspected.

2.10 Load Security

The vehicle will be inspected to check that the boot or tailgate can be closed properly.

2.11 Brakes

These will be inspected to check:
their condition, including inappropriate repairs or modifications
their operation and performance (the efficiency test) - the wheels and trims aren’t removed as part of the test
the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) (where fitted)
The MILs or dashboard warning lights will also be checked for the ABS, ESC, electronic park brake and brake fluid warning lights.

2.12 Tyres and wheels

These will be inspected to check for:
condition
security
tyre size and type
tread depth

Spare wheels and tyres are not inspected.
Vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2012 will be checked to make sure the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) MIL is working.

2.13 Registration Plates

These will be inspected to check for:
condition
secure attachment
colour
characters correctly formed and spaced

2.14 Lights

These will be inspected to check:
their condition
operation, including high intensity discharge (HID) and light emitting diode (LED)
the headlamps for cleaning, self levelling and security
headlamp aim
main beam warning light working

2.15 Bonnet

This will be inspected to check that it closes securely.

2.16 Wipers and Washers

These will be inspected to check that they work properly so the driver has a clear view of the road.

2.17 Windscreen

The windscreen will be inspected to check for:
condition
the driver’s view of the road
Further details on the MOT for Windscreens can be read at the Government MOT website
Image of Windscreen Area for failing an MOT

2.18 Horn

This will be inspected to check:
that it works properly
it’s suitable for the vehicle

2.19 Steering and suspension

These will be inspected to check:
their condition
steering oil level
they work correctly
for inappropriate repairs or modification including corrosion to power steering pipes or hoses
that the steering lock mechanism works properly
The MILs or dashboard warning lights will also be checked for the electronic power steering and steering lock.

2.20 Vehicle identification number (VIN)

The VIN will be on vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1980. Your car will be inspected to check that a single VIN is displayed, except on multistage build vehicles (eg van conversion, BMW, Alpina etc).

2.21 Electrical

Visible electrical wiring and the battery will be checked.

The above contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. See here for the source.
MOT Items Checked Image MOT Test Image