MOT due

HappyShopper3

I've had my first car for nearly a year and the MOT is due. I had the car tax form in the post when that was due. Do you get notified when the MOT is due from the relevant authority? Also, what documents does my garage need to see when I take the car in?

Thanks for your help.

newlywed

No you don't get notified. It's up to you to check the old MOT certificate date and make sure you get a test before that expires.

You need to take the old MOT cert with you to the test, I believe.

Unless the car is a brand new car of course.... then I've no idea!!

Steve_Boorman

If the car is new...then you don't need an MOT until the car is 3 years old. If it is older just book it in and take the old certificate with you.If you have a service history it's a good idea to have it in the car. Check your local paper etc for ny deals...there are a few places around here (chelmsford) that do a £10.00 off voucher. Also, if it fails on anything you have 7 days (I think) to have it repaired so take the car away and get quotes for any work needed.Good luck!!!

Tallymanjohn

You can have a car MOT'd up to a month before it's actually due, & if you take the old MOT cert (if you have one) you will get up to 13 months validity if it passes. Personally I would recommend taking your car to an independant MOT test station (around here it seems to be in the local bus garages) rather than going for cut-price ones at garages - I think the full test fee is currently £44, but I always feel there's a temptation for some garages to find non-existent faults to make up for the cut-prices, but maybe that's just me..?

All new MOTs are now computerised so the DVLA know if a car isn't MOT'd & so the only notification you'll get is when your local PC knocks on the door!!

waster_2

You do not need to take anything with you for an MOT, although sometimes the Registration Document may help. With the new MOT test Certificates they are printed from the on-line information downloaded from the DVLA and so the garage does not need any information from you. They get it all from the car - Registration Number and VIN Number, helps identify dodgy motors that are cloned and the like. However, if you have a current MOT Certificate that still has time left on it you can get the new certificate dated form the expiry of the old one as long as it is no longer than 28 days (could be one month) from the date of the new MOT test, so take that with you.. If it is the car's first MOT the new (first) MOT Certificate will be dated from the date the vehicle is three years old (i.e. three years from the date of first registration as shown on the registration document).

As I said above, it is now all done on line so as to cut out fraud and theft of MOT certs. All information is stored by DVLA and this also allows you to apply for your Road Fund Licence (Tax Disc) on line also when it is due.

HappyShopper3

Thanks everyone for your replies. This is an old car (1989) and I do have the old test certificate. Now all I have to do is the most painful bit, part with cash!

Raksha

Try your local council - they often have a depot where council vehicles are services, and I seem to remember there is some ancient law which says they have to be open to the general public as well. I think there is less chance of getting a 'sucking in through teeth' type mechanic making you believe there is work to be done to get your car through the MOT at these places, as they don't actually DO the work if the vehicle fails.......

mr_accountant

You need to take your old mot and your v5 registration document as it helps the tester. I would recommend your local council run mot station, as they are neutral and don’t make up false work. Where in the country do you live, someone may be able to recommended a station?

If you are not mechanically minded, before you go for the test read this (http://www.motester.co.uk/mot-cog.html) as it shows you some of the basic checks, so you can do this before the test, rather than fail on something silly like a light bulb:cool:

HappyShopper3

I live in south west, but I do have a mechanic who picks up the car for me and does necessary work and drops it off after! I have no idea about anything to do with cars I'm afraid, so even the simplest job of checking light bulbs is way over my head! LOL.