Park Garage can carry out your annual MOT test. We are authorised to carry out Class 4 Mot Tests. Please contact us to arrange an appointment. We can carry out your car's MOT test from 8.50am until our final appointment of the day at 4.30pm Monday to Friday. We also carry out MOT tests on a Saturday until 12.00am but advance booking is recommended.
If you are unfortunate enough for your car to fail its MOT test. We are able to carry out neccessary repairs to bring your vehicle back to MOT standards and always at a very reasonable price. We can often repair your vehicle on the same day that it fails the MOT test and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
Detailed description of the UK MOT Test for Cars
Registration plates and Vehicle Identification Number* (VIN)
* Required on all vehicles first used on or after 1st August 1980.
For registered vehicles the plate must be:
- present
- secure
- not faded, dirty or obscured
- be composed with correctly formed letters and spacing
The Vehicle Identification Number must be:
- permanently displayed
- consistent
- legible
Steering
Inside the car checks:
Steering wheel and steering column:
- steering wheel is in acceptable condition
- steering wheel is securely attached to the steering shaft
- upper bearings of the steering column are inspected for wear
- Steering shaft is checked for excessive end float
- The clamping bolts are all checked for security
- split pins and locking nuts are also checked
- 'free play' in the steering is checked
- All flexible couplings and universal joints are checked
Under bonnet checks:
This varies vehicle to vehicle; some of these items cannot be observed from under the bonnet on some makes and models.
- security of the steering rack or steering box and its mountings
- play in steering joints
- Inspection of any other swivel joints which form part of the vehicles' steering system which can be readily inspected from under the bonnet
Under vehicle checks:
- All the steering joints are inspected by the Tester whilst the steering is loaded by turning the steering wheel from side to side
- Power steering systems are checked with the engine running
- The security of attachment of the steering rack or steering box is checked both with respect to the tightness of nuts and bolts, and structural cracking or corrosion of the vehicle chassis where it is attached
- Whilst the vehicle stands on special swivel plates the wheels are turned from lock to lock and checked to ensure that the wheels and tyres do not foul either the structure of the vehicle or any brake pipes or hoses
- with the wheels jacked the wheel bearings are checked
- steering rack gaiters and front outer constant velocity joint boots are examined
- metal and/or rubber bushes are checked as are split pins, locking nuts and other locking or retaining devices which relate to steering components
On some cars there will be rear wheel steering which is checked from beneath the car.
Horn
- operation
- control can be easily reached by the driver
- loud enough
- not a sequential multi-tone
Lights
All required lights are checked for:
- operation
- condition
- security
Side lights and headlamps
- are the correct type and colour
- dip and aim
Stop lights, indicators and hazard lights*
- are the correct type and colour
- do not interfere with each other in operation
- driver's tell-tale works with respect to indicators, or there is an audible warning system
Rear Fog lamps**
- must be fitted to the centre or offside of the vehicle
- tell-tale must work
- must not be affected by other lamps and not be obscured
- must be red
Number plate lamps
- All lamps fitted must be working
Rear reflectors
- There must be two red reflectors fitted reasonably symmetrically, securely attached and not obscured.
* Must be fitted to all vehicles first used on or after 1st April 1986, but if fitted, must be tested.
** Must be fitted to all vehicles first used on or after 1st April 1980.
Bonnet Catch
Reasons for Failure
- A bonnet that cannot be safely secured in the closed position
- An excessively deteriorated, ineffective or insecure (bonnet) retaining device
Doors
- Both front doors must be openable from the inside and outside and all doors must latch securely
Tailgates, bootlids etc.
- All these items, including the tailboards and dropsides of trucks must be securable in the closed position
Vehicle structure
Body condition and security
- body must not be so insecure or displaced so that it might lead to loss of control of the vehicle when driven, or be a danger to other road users
- there must be no dangerous sharp edges or projections caused by corrosion or damage which is dangerous to other road users including pedestrians
Corrosion
A vehicle can fail with respect to corrosion for:
- excessive corrosion in a 'prescribed area' - within 30 cms of certain safety related components, e.g. brakes, steering, suspension, seat belt mountings etc
- excessive corrosion not in a 'prescribed area', but which is likely to adversely affect the vehicle's braking or steering. 'Excessive corrosion' can mean a hole or a significantly weakened structure
Seats
- the driver's and the front passenger's seats must be secure
- all seat backs must be securable in the upright position
Brakes
Inside the car
Anti-lock braking system (if fitted) warning lamp is checked for:
- function
- sequence of operation
Footbrake
- sufficient reserve travel on the footbrake
- pedal rubber not worn to excess
- correct operation of the servo assistance system
Parking brake
