MOT Testing FAQ

A. You must get an MOT test for your car by either the third anniversary of its registration, or providing it has not been SORN’d, the anniversary of its last MOT.

You’ll then need to renew your MOT before it expires. The earliest date you can renew is one month before it expires - this date is printed on the existing pass certificate, which in effect will give you up to a 13 month MOT.

A. We can hopefully book you in today! For same day booking please call your local branch, for bookings over a 24hr period, you can either call or visit our online booking system.

Book an MOT

A. The total process should take us around 45 minutes.

A. At Motest we can MOT class 4 at all sites and Class 7 Vehicles at some (see below). Class 4 vehicles are up to 3 tons. This includes all cars, small vans and any registered campervan, even if its gross weight is over 3 tons, providing the vehicle will fit on our ramps. Class 7 vehicles, are up to 3.5 tonnes. This includes larger vans, long wheel base vehicles and some larger pickups like the Nissan Navara.

Class 7 testing is currently available at our Farnham, Eastleigh, and Swindon branches.

A. The MOT test checks road safety and environmental items. For example a vehicle's Lights, brakes, suspension, structure, component security, tyres and emissions, will all be checked to make sure they meet the test requirements. It is illegal for an MOT tester to remove any items or covers from the vehicle, IE hubcaps and or trim, so only visible items can be checked.

We must advise that this test is a MINIMUM REQUIREMENT test, and does not mean that a vehicle is safe to drive for a year. It means that at the time of testing, the vehicle met with the minimum requirements set by law to be driven on the road. To make sure your vehicle is mechanically sound, you will need to make sure that your vehicle is regularly serviced as this may reveal potential faults that cannot be found during an MOT.

Book a Service

A. No documents are required to carry out an MOT test, just the vehicle and the keys. For retests, we require that you bring the fail sheet (VT 30) with you.

A. If the vehicle fails, a retest of the failed items can be carried out within 10 days. This is the longest period allowed by law. A retest fee of up to 50% of the initial fee can be charged.

A. Yes! We have published a list of checks you can carry out on your vehicle before an MOT test.

Checklist