What the MOT is for
The MOT is a yearly test that checks your car meets the minimum legal standards for safety and emissions. It is required once a vehicle is three years old. It is not a measure of mechanical condition or reliability, and it is not the same as a service, it is specifically about whether the car is safe and legal to be on the road.
What the tester checks
The test covers the parts of the car that affect safety and the environment. The tester does not dismantle anything, they inspect what can be seen and measured.
- Brakes, including performance and condition
- Tyres and wheels, including tread depth
- Lights, indicators and reflectors
- Steering and suspension
- Seatbelts and seats
- Windscreen, wipers and washers
- Exhaust, emissions and fuel system
- Bodywork and structure for corrosion or sharp edges
Pass, fail and advisories
If everything meets the standard, you get a pass and a new certificate. If something is below standard, it fails and must be repaired before the car can be used on the road. You may also get advisory notes, these are items that are still acceptable now but are wearing and worth keeping an eye on so you can plan ahead.
How long it takes and when to book
A Class 4 MOT usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour. You can have the test done up to a month before your current certificate expires without losing your renewal date, which is a good way to avoid a last-minute scramble. If you would like us to book you in, call 01952 959 666.
Related service
MOT Testing in Telford
Class 4 MOT testing for cars and small vans, carried out to DVSA standards with a clear pass or fail explained in plain English.
View MOT Testing