The MOT is a legal requirement for any vehicle three years old or older, and the penalty for driving without one is a fine of up to £1,000. Our fully qualified testers carry out Class 4 MOTs in-house on Sovereign Way, so there's no middle-man and no waiting on another garage.
We only test Class 4 vehicles (cars and light vans up to 3,000kg). If your vehicle is heavier than that it needs a Class 7 test, which we can't do — give us a call and we'll point you in the right direction.
What the MOT covers
The test was introduced in 1960 as a basic check of brakes, lights and steering. It has expanded a long way since, and now covers:
- Body, structure and general items
- Brakes
- Tyres and road wheels
- Steering, including suspension
- Bumpers
- Diesel particulate filter (DPF) tampering
- Driver's view of the road
- Emission control equipment
- Exhaust, fuel and emissions
- Fluid leaks — engine, transmission and so on
- Lighting and signalling equipment, including fog lamps and reversing lights
- Noise suppression material
- Seat belts
- Engine malfunction indicator lamp
- Undertray security
When to book
You can have your MOT carried out up to 30 days before the current certificate expires without losing any time on it — the new certificate runs from the old expiry date. Bear in mind that if the vehicle fails, it's deemed unfit for the road and the current MOT is cancelled, so it's worth booking early rather than on the last day.
Not sure when yours is due? Use our free MOT check to look it up from your registration.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wait while the MOT is done?
Yes — most MOTs take around 45 minutes to an hour, and you're welcome to wait. Tonbridge High Street and the station are a short walk away if you'd rather.
What happens if my car fails?
We'll talk you through exactly what failed and why, and quote for the repairs before any work goes ahead. Repairs can often be done the same day, followed by a retest.