If your car is over three years old, you’ll need an MOT test every year. This important check makes sure your vehicle is safe to drive and meets environmental standards. Without a valid MOT certificate, you cannot legally drive a vehicle on UK roads. At First Auto Centre, one of East Ham’s trusted MOT test centres, we’re here to help you understand what happens during an MOT test and how to prepare your car properly using our simple MOT checklist.
What is an MOT Test?
An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a yearly check that all vehicles over three years old must pass. The test examines important safety features and checks if your car meets environmental rules. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency oversees these tests to ensure all vehicles on the road are safe and compliant.
If your MOT is due, you must take your vehicle to an approved MOT test centre. Without a valid MOT certificate, you cannot legally drive your car on UK roads, and your insurance might be invalid. The cost of MOT in the UK has a maximum fee set by the government, though many centres like ours offer competitive rates.
What’s New for MOTs in 2025?
The MOT testing process changes slightly each year. Here are the key updates for 2025:
Photo Evidence: MOT testers now take photos of your car in the test bay and upload them to a government system. This helps prevent fraud and improves testing accuracy.
Stricter Checks: Inspections are now more thorough, especially for emissions and safety-critical parts.
Updated Rules for Testers: The disciplinary system for MOT testers has been updated, allowing better management of minor errors.
Many vehicles fail their MOT due to simple issues that could be fixed beforehand. Using this MOT checklist before your test can help you avoid unnecessary failures:
Lights and Signals
All your car’s lights must work properly, including:
Headlights (main and dipped)
Indicators
Brake lights
Fog lights
Number plate lights
Take a walk around your car and check each light works. It’s easier if you have someone to help you check the brake lights.
Tyres
Your tyres need to be:
In good condition with no cuts or bulges
Have at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters
Properly inflated
Using a 20p coin in the tread is a simple test – if you can see the outer band of the coin, your tyres might be too worn and could cause your vehicle to fail the MOT.
Windscreen and Wipers
Your test will check:
Windscreen for cracks or damage (especially in the driver’s line of sight)
Wipers must clear the screen effectively
Washer fluid must be topped up
Check your wipers aren’t torn or worn and that your washer jets work properly.
Brakes
Your brakes should:
Feel firm, not spongy
Work effectively
Not make unusual noises
Have a handbrake that holds the car securely
Test your brakes on a quiet road at low speed to make sure they feel right.
Exhaust and Emissions
Your car should:
Not produce excessive smoke
Have a secure, quiet exhaust system
Have no warning lights on the dashboard
Listen for unusual noises when the engine is running and check underneath for any loose parts.
Number Plates
Number plates must be:
Clean and readable
Properly secured
In the correct font and spacing
Check your number plates are clean and all letters and numbers are clear.
You’ll receive a list of what needs fixing, with issues marked as minor, major, or dangerous fault
You have 10 working days from the date of the original test to get a partial retest at a reduced cost
Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and potential penalty points
Your insurance may be invalid if you drive your car without a current MOT
A dangerous fault means your car is not roadworthy, and you cannot drive it except to a pre-booked repair appointment. At First Auto Centre, if your car fails its MOT, our skilled mechanics can fix the issues quickly. We often complete repairs the same day, so you can have your car retested immediately.
When Should You Book Your MOT?
If you’re wondering when your MOT is due, you can check online using the government’s MOT history service. You can book your MOT up to one month before it expires, and you’ll keep the same renewal date. This gives you time to fix any problems without losing any days on your certificate.
For example, if your MOT expires on 15th June, you can have the test done from 16th May, and your new certificate will still run until 15th June the following year.
Many MOT test centres offer reminder services. When booking an MOT with First Auto Centre, we can set up reminders so you never forget when your next test is due.
Why Choose First Auto Centre for Your MOT?
As one of the most trusted MOT test centres in East Ham, First Auto Centre offers:
Experienced mechanics with over 20 years of combined experience
Competitive pricing with no hidden costs
A comprehensive car service that can include repairs if needed
Clear explanations of any issues found
A convenient location in East Ham, London
We never recommend unnecessary work, and our maximum fee for an MOT is always in line with government guidelines. We even run occasional promotions where you can get a free MOT with a full service.
For extra peace of mind, we offer pre-MOT checks to catch potential issues before your official test. This service includes a thorough inspection of all the main MOT test points and can save you time and money.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an MOT test take?
An MOT test usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes. If your car fails its MOT and needs repairs, this will take extra time depending on what needs fixing. At First Auto Centre, we aim to complete any necessary work within 24 hours of the original test.
Can I drive my car if it fails its MOT?
If your vehicle fails the MOT with a dangerous fault, you cannot drive it except to a pre-booked repair appointment. For less serious failures, you can only drive your car if your current MOT certificate is still valid and no dangerous faults were found. Otherwise, driving without a valid MOT is against the law.
How much does an MOT cost in the UK?
The maximum fee for a car MOT is set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency at £54.85, though many test centres charge less. At First Auto Centre, we offer competitive pricing, and sometimes run special offers where you can get a free MOT with a full car service. Contact us for our current rates.
What documents do I need for booking an MOT?
You don’t need to bring any documents to your MOT test, but it’s helpful to have your V5C (log book) and your previous MOT certificate if you have it. If you’re within 10 days of the original test date and coming for a partial retest, bring your failure certificate.
Book Your MOT Today
Don’t wait until your MOT is due to expire. Book your test with First Auto Centre today and drive with confidence knowing your car is safe and legal on the road.
Located at 1 Lawrence Road, East Ham, London, E6 1JN, we’re your local experts for all your vehicle needs. Call us or visit our website to book your MOT test or pre-MOT check.
