Servicing & MOT Most Commonly Asked Questions

 Can cameras capture you if you don't have a valid MOT?

Yes. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology is used by a number of traffic cameras. The cameras can automatically detect vehicles driving without valid MOT certificates and inform relevant police or government authorities since the pass or failure of MOT testing is recorded on an online database. Driving without a valid MOT certificate can result in a fine of up to £2500 as well as three points on your driver's licence.

Can you insure or tax a car without MOT?

No, a car that does not have a valid MOT cannot be insured or taxed. Driving without a MOT will invalidate your existing insurance coverage with many insurance providers, even if it was insured before the old MOT expired. To prevent needless complications, check MOT status of your vehicle and book your MOT test before your current one expires.

Is it possible to MOT a car early?

Yes, you certainly can. Up to 28 days before the prior certificate expires, a MOT check can be performed. Don't worry, you won't lose any days in the meantime; your new MOT expiry date will be the same as your prior certificate's, just one year later. Check MOT history online to confirm if this process was completed in the past. This implies that if you get your new MOT 28 days before your existing one expires, it will be valid for 13 months.

Is it possible to repair a tyre that has a nail in it?

Yes, several garages in Reading provide tyre repair for punctures in the 'minor repair area.' For safety, a replacement tyre is required for punctures near to or on the sidewall of the tyre. Most garages are unable to safely repair run-flat tyres due to the way they are made.

How long is a MOT certificate valid for?

The validity of a regular MOT test is 12 months from the date of the test. There is an exception to this rule: if a test is scheduled early, it may be valid for a longer period of time. A vehicle can be scheduled for MOT testing up to 28 days before its previous MOT expires. When a MOT test is scheduled ahead of time, the renewal date is calculated from the previous due date, therefore a MOT can last up to 13 months if scheduled 28 days ahead of time.

What is the cost of a failed MOT test?

If your vehicle remains on the garage premises until repairs are completed, the cost of a re-test may be waived. Otherwise, it'll almost certainly be the whole MOT testing fee charged by the garage. However, this does not cover the entire cost of a failed MOT test, since you will likely be required to pay for repairs to the areas that failed the MOT in the first place. This varies a lot based on what caused the problem.

To tax my car, how much MOT do I need to have left?

To tax your vehicle, all you need is a valid MOT certificate - the length of time it has left on it doesn't matter because you'll need to renew it anyhow (unless you are registering it as SORN).