MOT
MOTs without the nonsense
Whether you drive a car, van or light commercial, we carry out DVSA-approved MOT tests with clear feedback and honest advice — no upselling, no faff.
Our testers use professional equipment and thorough checks, and most MOTs take under an hour. Book ahead and we’ll aim to get you in and out fast — wait with a tea or drop off and we’ll ring you when it’s done.
If it passes, you’re on your way. If it doesn’t, we’ll explain exactly why and talk through the repairs with a clear, no-pressure quote.
- Class 4 MOTsCars and small vans.
- Class 7 MOTsLarger vans and commercials, 3,000–3,500 kg.
- DVSA-approved testersAccurate, professional and fully compliant.
- Clear, fair pricingIf anything needs doing, we explain why and quote first.
What the test covers
An MOT is a check against the standards in DVSA’s inspection manual. It is not a service and it does not tell you how long a part will last — it records whether the vehicle meets the legal minimum on the day.
- Brakes — condition, operation and performance
- Steering and suspension
- Visibility — windscreen, wipers, washers and mirrors
- Lights, indicators and electrical equipment
- Seat belts, seats and restraints
- Body, structure and general items, including corrosion
- Exhaust, fuel system and emissions
- Road wheels and tyres
- Registration plates and the vehicle identification number
Pass, fail and advisory
Faults are recorded as dangerous, major, minor or advisory. Dangerous and major both fail the test — and with a dangerous defect the vehicle must not be driven away at all until it is repaired.
Minor faults and advisories do not fail it. They are the tester telling you what is starting to wear, so you can plan the work rather than be caught out by it next year.
When yours is due
A car needs its first MOT on the third anniversary of its registration, then every year after that. You can have it tested up to a month minus a day before the current one runs out and keep the same renewal date, which is the sensible way to give yourself room for any repairs.
Driving without a valid MOT can cost you a fine of up to £1,000. The only journeys allowed are to a pre-arranged test, or to or from somewhere for repairs.
What it costs
DVSA sets a maximum test fee: £54.85 for a class 4 car and £58.60 for a class 7 goods vehicle of 3,000–3,500 kg, both excluding VAT. Those are ceilings rather than a fixed price, so ring us for ours. If the test turns up work, you get a quote before anything is done.
MOT: common questions
Do you MOT motorbikes and scooters?
Yes — class 1 and class 2, solo or with a sidecar, and mopeds and scooters including 50cc. We service and repair them too: see bikes and scooters. Bikes are booked by phone rather than through the online diary.
How long does an MOT take?
Usually 45 to 60 minutes. You are welcome to wait, or drop the car off and we will ring you when it is ready.
What is the difference between class 4 and class 7?
Class 4 covers cars and small vans up to 8 passenger seats. Class 7 covers goods vehicles over 3,000 kg and up to 3,500 kg design gross weight. We test both.
What happens if it fails?
We explain exactly which items failed and why, and quote for the repairs before starting. Nothing is done without your go-ahead. If a dangerous defect is recorded, the vehicle must not be driven until it is put right.
Can I drive to the garage if my MOT has run out?
Yes, to a pre-arranged test or to somewhere for repairs — those are the only journeys the law allows. Book the slot first, and remember the vehicle still needs to be taxed and insured.
Do I need to bring anything?
Just the vehicle and its registration. You do not need the V5C logbook or the old certificate — the record is held electronically.
When can I have it done without losing time off the certificate?
Up to a month minus a day before it expires. Test it in that window and the renewal date stays the same, so you lose nothing by going early.
Ready when you are