All vehicle owners in the UK are aware of the importance of MOT testing. If you’re not already mindful of the requirements, this test produces a certificate of roadworthiness that shows that your car has been tested for safety and for environmental compliance. New cars are exempt, and testing needs to be done only following the third year after the car has been registered. Thereafter, MOT testing is required on an annual basis. Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate is not only dangerous but can incur a hefty fine. Without it, you also cannot renew your road fund license, and an insurance claim might be compromised, particularly if there is an injury. Something else to bear in mind is that the MOT testing system has recently been computerised. This means that police and mobile camera units can check remotely whether your car has a current MOT certificate, so it really is advisable to make certain that your vehicle is legally compliant.
Having MOT testing completed in Torquay
If you live in Torquay, it would usually be advisable to have the test done locally. Chances are that you have a good relationship with a local garage for services and repairs to your vehicle, and you should find out whether this business is an authorised MOT test station. In order to be authorised by VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) the vehicle technicians will have undergone strict training. There are different classes of vehicles (which include petrol, diesel and some hybrid engines) so you would need to ensure that your garage has authorised testers for your particular car. Most garages have testers for Classes 4 (ordinary cars), 5 and 7 vehicles. The staff at the garage you choose will be able to give you guidance as to their suitability for your testing. You can visit here to get more information.
Planning your MOT testing in Torquay
Some vehicle owners like their garage to conduct a pre-inspection. If you have any areas of concern, this might be cost-effective as you need to pay for the MOT test, even if you fail. Once the necessary repairs are done, you would need to pay again for the follow-up test. If you enquire from garages in your area, you may find that some offer a free MOT re-test if they’ve completed the necessary work to get your vehicle up to standard. MOT tests take about an hour to complete, so most car owners stay on-site during the process.
Failure means that you get a ‘refusal of an MOT test certificate’ and then you have two options. You can appeal the result if you feel your car should have passed or, if your current MOT certificate is still valid, you can drive it away. If the MOT certificate has expired, you need to take the vehicle for immediate repairs, and not have it on the roads.
Having MOT testing in Torquay is essential for any vehicle owner. Monnington Motors Ltd has a branch in Torquay that can ensure your vehicle is properly tested.