01604 765007

Rothersthorpe Road, Northampton, NN4 8HZ

CAR, VAN, 4X4 AND MOTORCYCLE MOT TESTING IN NORTHAMPTON

Book your MOT today in our Northampton MOT centre

Book your MOT test in Northampton today

Simply enter your vehicle registration number to book your Northampton MOT test and then select a date and time from our diary.

Approved DVSA MOT Testing Station serving Northampton

Motorvation operate 4 MOT test lanes to cater for Class 1, 2, 3, 4 vehicles. These bays are open for MOT testing in Northampton Monday to Friday at our Rothersthope Road garage.

Why do I need an MOT test?

If your vehicle is 3 years or older you are required by law to have an annual safety check, a Ministry Of Transport test, more commonly known as the MOT test. The purpose of the test is to ensure your vehicle meets the minimum road safety and environmental standards.
It is your responsibility to ensure your vehicle is examined every 12 months. Without a current MOT certificate, you will be unable to drive your vehicle lawfully on a public highway or renew your road tax. Recent computerisation of the MOT testing system by DVSA means police and mobile camera units can now check remotely to see if your vehicle has a current MOT.
The penalty for not having a valid MOT certificate could be a fine of up to £1,000. If the vehicle is involved in an accident, you may be asked to produce your MOT certificate, and an insurance claim could be greatly affected by the absence of a valid MOT certificate.,

How do I find out when my MOT test is due?

Your MOT test is due by the annual anniversary of the previous MOT test as they are valid for only 12 months. You can find out when your MOT test due date is by visiting the Government MOT vehicle enquiry service – you’ll need the registration plate details of the car you want to check to use this service. It’s a good idea to book your MOT test in Northampton a few weeks before the due date so you have time to get any repairs completed before the MOT certificate expires.
Sign up to our free MOT reminders to be notified with plenty of time to book your MOT.
A mechanic in blue overalls inspects a car from underneath during an MOT in Northampton

What is checked during the MOT test?

The MOT test is a comprehensive investigation of vital vehicle components. During the MOT the following things are checked:
  • Vehicle Identification Number
  • Registration Plate
  • Lights
  • Steering & Suspension
  • Wipers and washer bottle
  • Windscreen
  • Horn
  • Seatbelts
  • Seats
  • Fuel System
  • Emissions
  • Bodywork
  • Doors
  • Mirrors
  • Wheels & Tyres
  • Brakes
Other items can be checked depending upon them being fitted to your vehicle and your vehicle type.
At Motorvation Northampton we can carry out MOT testing on Class 1, 2 Motorcycles, Class 3 Trike and Class 4 Car and Van up to 3000kg.

MOT testing Northampton prices

Get the up-to-date prices for car and motorcycle MOTs on our booking page, for other vehicle types please contact the Motorvation Northampton team for prices. When booking your MOT you can choose from a range of vehicle servicing to be carried out at the same time as your MOT.

What to expect in your first MOT test?

If this is your first experience taking a car or other vehicle to an MOT test here’s what to expect.

Book your MOT in advance 

You will want to book your MOT in advance, aiming for 3-5 weeks before the MOT is due to expire, in case you need to get a repair done. If you are concerned about the condition of the vehicle, book it for a service and repairs in advance so you can increase the chances of passing the MOT the first time. Remember if the vehicle doesn’t pass the MOT, you may not be able to drive it home!
Most MOT’s can be done in less than an hour however some garages may require you to drop your car off for the full day if they are busy and can’t give you a precise time. Make sure you plan how you will get from and to the MOT without transport if you are leaving your vehicle for some time. At Motorvation you are given a time slot, so you know exactly what time to drop your car off and pick it up. We have a wheelchair accessible waiting room with comfy chairs, a TV and toilets.

Prepare your vehicle for an MOT with Pre-MOT checks

If you aren’t going to take your vehicle for a pre-MOT service professionally, you can still make some checks to save you failing over something you could have sorted yourself.
  • The car should be clean and tidy inside, with clean lights and number plates.
  • Mirrors and windscreen wipers need to be in good condition and intact.
  • Top up all the fluids:
      Screen wash
    • Oil
    • Brake fluid
  • All lights should be working including the little ones over your number plates.
  • Use the 20p test to check your tyre tread depth.
  • Not used your horn lately? A quick honk will tell you if it is working correctly which it needs to be.
  • Check the seatbelts all extend and retract properly and the driver’s seat is adjustable.
  • Have you got any warning lights on? Whether it’s for oil, brakes, or electrics the issue ought to be checked professionally before you submit your vehicle for an MOT.
These checks are generally considered ones you should do regularly anyway, to ensure your car is roadworthy and safe to drive regardless of whether you have an MOT coming up or not.
Two mechanics inspect the underneath of a car during an MOT test in Northampton

Take your vehicle to an authorised MOT testing centre near you

On the day, your MOT centre will have let you know what time you need to drop your vehicle off. At the end of the MOT test the garage will explain if any faults were found, whether your vehicle passed its MOT test, and what needs to be done if not. If your vehicle passes, you are issued with a certificate, payment is taken and may leave safe in the knowledge your vehicle is roadworthy and safe.

What to do if the MOT has advisories or faults?

If there are any issues with the vehicle they are categorised into:
  • Advisory 
  • Minor 
  • Major 
  • Dangerous  
Advisories are given for parts that are likely to need repairs or replacing in the near future but are not urgent. An example advisory could be a windscreen wiper that is starting to wear out but still works.
Minor faults are issues that don’t pose an immediate risk but do need to be sorted soon. For example, tyres that are near to the minimum tread depth – they are still safe to drive with but will need replacing before the next service.
Any major defects will cause the vehicle to fail the MOT as they are an immediate safety risk. Very worn brake pads would be considered a major defect and must be fixed as soon as possible. If your current MOT certificate is valid, you can still drive your vehicle home and to somewhere to get it fixed, only to those places though.
A dangerous fault also automatically fails an MOT however you are not permitted to drive a car with a dangerous fault. If your MOT certificate is in date, it will be rendered invalid if your vehicle has a dangerous defect and you will not be able to drive it. Broken wheels, not enough brake fluid, and worn tyres are all examples of dangerous defects that will fail an MOT.
If your vehicle fails the MOT test, ideally you want to get it fixed right away and then retested. At Motorvation we’re both an approved MOT testing station and vehicle repair centre which means we can get it repaired and retested in good time.
Underneath of a car raised up of the ground ready for an MOT test

How to prevent a car from failing the MOT

With any vehicle, scheduling a service before your MOT will highlight any defects and faults that would come up in your MOT, and gives you the opportunity to have the repaired in advance for the test. This way you can rest assured your vehicle with pass and you’ll have no nasty surprises.

Do you charge for MOT retests if the work is done at Motorvation?

We don’t charge for MOT retests if we carry out the repairs work for you.

What are they checking for in an MOT?

The MOT test checks fall under four main criteria:
  • Safety  
  • Functionality 
  • Emissions 
  • Identifying potential issues 
These elements cover checking that all elements of the vehicle are up to standard and working and that emissions are within governmental guidelines. It’s also an opportunity to proactively notify the owner of problems that will need addressing in the future, before they become costly major faults.

Can you drive your car if your MOT has expired?

No, you can only drive your car to a pre-arranged MOT test or to be repaired if your MOT has expired. Otherwise, you must not drive it.

How long do you have to get an MOT after it expires?

Contrary to popular belief, there is no grace period after your MOT expires, the MOT test must be done before the date of expiry. Once expired, you cannot drive the vehicle except to the test centre or a repairs garage.

Can you drive your car with failed mot?

If your current MOT is still valid and there are no ‘dangerous’ faults noted on the MOT, you can drive your car if it fails the MOT. ‘Dangerous’ faults could include defective seatbelts, brakes, suspension, or tyres. Driving with a failed MOT due to ‘dangerous’ faults could result in driving ban and a fine of up to £2,500.

Do you get a reminder for an MOT? 

The MOT is an annual test, but it is up to you as the vehicle owner to remember to book it. It’s always a good idea to have a reminder a few weeks before the expiry date of the MOT certificate though so you don’t forget. Sign up for free MOT reminders.

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