How often are cars MOT tested in the UK...... every vehicle used on the road, except some agricultural vehicles need to have an annual road safety check in the UK. This test takes place once a year on every car, motorcycle, minibus,van,ambulance etc. Some vehicles such as taxis and other vehicles for public use have to be tested more frequently.

Can I drive my car on the road without an MOT......naughty, naughty.....It is illegal to drive without a valid MOT. It is also easier to get caught and fined now that the MOT test includes computor certification. Most vehicles will now have been tested using the new system brought in by Vosa in 2005. That means that the governing agencies including DVLA know if your vehicles MOT certificate has run out.

Technically the only time you can drive your vehicle without a valid MOT is to the nearest vehicle testing station, and only if it is booked in for an MOT appointment.

What if my vehicle fails an MOT test....... if your vehicle has failed an MOT due to serious defect it is unadvisable to drive it on the road. If your MOT Testing station does not carry out repairs you will need to find the nearest place of repair. Any failure item is logged on the MOT computor system. This alerts the authorities of the roadworthy status of the vehicle at the time of the MOT test.

After the vehicle is repaired it must be fully checked and MOT'd again.

Do I have to have a full MOT again if my car or van fails......... a serious defect will require a full retest, although if a vehicle fails on an item such as a tyre or blown bulb, once repaired it can undergo a partial retest as long as it is presented within 10 working days.

Some minor items (listed on the back of the new 2006 VT30 failure notice) can be retested free of charge if vehicle is returned for retest before the end of the next working day. The best way to avoid some extra costs is to have the vehicle repaired at the vehicle testing station wherever you can.

What is the full fee for an MOT Test.........Current full retail price for some MOTs are as follows

• Class 1 & 2  Motorcycles   £23.50
• Class 4  Cars, 4X4, Ambulances, Quads, Vans up to 3000Kg  £44.15
• Class 5  Minibus   £47
• Class 7  Light Commercial Vans, Some 4X4s, Trucks up to 3500kg  £47.20

These are the highest amounts that any MOT testing station can currently charge for an individual MOT test.

How much do I pay for a retest......... you may be required to pay up to half the original fee for retest as long as your vehicle is presented within 10 working days. This only applies to partial retest items. Full retest fee may be charged for other failure items depending on the defect and whether the vehicle was repaired at the VTS (Vehicle testing station).

Can I avoid paying for a retest.........the best way of avoiding the extra cost is to leave your vehicle at the testing station for repair if possible. This will help to avoid further defects occuring to your vehicle and possible further failure.

A testing station also knows the standard of repair required for the vehicle to pass the MOT test and should be able to carry out a repair to this standard.

Can I repair the vehicle myself.........we don't advise you to do this unless you are mechanically competant. Cars can become dangerous if you do not understand what you are doing and what you are trying to achieve. DIY repairs can also become more expensive if mistakes are made. Some mistakes can also lead to further MOT failure. Parts can also be more expensive if purchased outside of the trade. It is always advisable to find a qualified, experienced mechanic or engineer to do the work for you. You should also have all labour warrantied and check for manufacturers warranty on parts fitted.

We will add to the faqs very soon. We can't list all the questions that our customers ask.........but we will try. We also have a good link source here online, which will answer most of your questions about the MOT test and it's related topics.