MOT Cambridge – When To Test
You must get an MOT test for your vehicle by either:
- the third anniversary of its registration
- the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old
For more information on the MoT requirement please review the dot gov website
If you need an MoT for your car or van then please come and see us. Our fully-qualified technicians will carry out your MoT test and you can be sure of a great service, just check out all of our feedback on the Good Garage Scheme website, St Andrews feedback page. We are based near the centre of Cambridge and five minutes from the Grafton centre so you can go shopping while we MoT your car.
MoT test Cambridge you can trust
If we do find any problems with you vehicle then don’t worry, we will always speak with you and find the most cost effective solution without risking your safety or compromising the vehicle. All our work is to a exceedingly high standard, as a VOSA – approved MoT centre, everything we do is strictly monitored and failure rates must reflect national averages. If we were to carry out unnecessary work or cut corners we would lose our licence, lose customers and lose our business!
Professional customer service
Our highly trained mechanics will ensure that the work is carried out to the highest standards and where a cheaper option is available we will always offer this to our customers.
What will you test on my car?
Vehicle identification number – a vehicle identification number must be permanently displayed and legible on a vehicle first used on or after 1 August 1980
Registration plate – condition, security, legibility and format of letters/numbers
Lights – condition, operation, security and correct colour. The headlamps will also be checked to see if the aim is correct
Steering and suspension – correct condition and operation
Wipers and washers – operate to give the driver a clear view of the road
Windscreen – condition and drivers view of the road
Horn – correct operation and type
Seatbelts – all seatbelts installed are checked for type, condition, operation and security. All compulsory seatbelts must be in place
Seats – front seats secure. Front and rear backseats can be secured in the upright position
Fuel system – no leaks, fuel cap fastens correctly and seals securely. The fuel cap will need to be opened. Make sure the key is available
Exhaust emissions – vehicle meets the requirement for exhaust emission. These vary on the age and fuel type of the vehicle
Exhaust system – complete, secure, without serious leaks and silences effectively
Vehicle structure – free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas. No sharp edges
Doors – open and close. Latch securely in closed position. Front doors should open from inside and outside the vehicle. Rear doors may need to be opened to gain access to testable items
Mirrors – presence, condition and security
Wheels and tyres – condition, security, tyre size and type, and tread depth. Spare tyres are not tested
Brakes – condition, operation and performance (efficiency test). Suitable vehicles will be tested on a roller brake tester. Vehicles such as those with permanent 4-wheel drive will be tested either on a suitable road using a properly calibrated and maintained decelerometer or, if one is installed at the test station, a plate brake tester
Vehicles adapted with hand controls
Any hand controls fitted to your vehicle will not normally be tested during a standard MOT unless they are the only means of control. You should ensure your hand controls are regularly maintained and checked by a reputable garage, the hand control manufacturer or the adaptation specialist.
Tinted Windows
Tinted windows are not included in the MoT test, but the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) have started roadside checks to make sure tinted windows follow the Road Vehicle (Construction & Use) Regulations. These specify the minimum levels of light that must pass through the windscreen and front side windows. VOSA has produced an information leaflet on window tints which answers such questions as:
- What is excessively tinted glass?
- Legally where do I stand?
- Why are tinted windows not included in the MOT test?
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