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MOT

Find out more about our MOT Test Centre below

Make Use of Our MOT Centre at Riverside Autos

Our on-site servicing centre is accredited for MOT inspections. Located conveniently in Stowmarket, we can undertake MOTs on all cars and most vans, as well. We employ highly trained staff who will be able to deal with your car’s MOT and ensure that all of the necessary checks are carried out with attention to detail and meticulous care. This helps to ensure the car’s safety as well as that of its occupants.

Don’t delay having your MOT carried out as this may invalidate your insurance. Why not book your car in for a full service, too, and have your MOT carried out at the same time?

Servicing

Thoroughly Inspected Vehicles for All Cars Over Three Years of Age

Nearly all standard models of cars and vans must have their annual MOT carried out by a qualified mechanic from when they turn three years of age. At Riverside Autos, we undertake many types of repair work, including bodywork repairs, so we can help to get your car back into a roadworthy condition to pass its MOT even if it has been involved in a collision. Bear in mind that it is illegal to drive a car without a valid MOT unless you are bringing it to an approved MOT test centre, like ours.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When should I get an MOT?

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:

the third anniversary of its registration
the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old

Some vehicles need to be tested at one year old, such as Ambulances, Taxis, or Private Passenger Vehicles with more than 8 seats.

Please note, you can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

Whats the earliest I can get an MOT?

An MOT lasts for a year. The date it runs out is printed on the last pass certificate. You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.

My MOT has run out, what can I do?

You can’t drive your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught.

The only exceptions are to drive it:

to or from somewhere to be repaired
to a pre-arranged MOT test

How does an MOT work?

During the MOT, important parts on your vehicle will be checked to make sure they meet the legal standards.

You can watch the test from a viewing area but you’re not allowed to interrupt the tester.

The test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.

For more information on which parts of your vehicle are tested, visit gov.uk/topic/mot/manuals

What happens if my MOT fails?

Your vehicle can either pass or fail the MOT. If it fails, you’ll get a list of things that need to be fixed.

Passing the MOT

If your vehicle passes the MOT:

you’ll get an MOT certificate from the test centre
it will be recorded in the MOT database

Mileage reading

The MOT certificate will show the mileage recorded at the current and previous 3 test passes. This is shown as the ‘odometer reading and history’.

Report any mistakes with the latest reading to the MOT centre within 7 days. They will give you a replacement certificate.

Mistakes on an earlier mileage can’t be changed.

Failing the MOT

If your vehicle fails the MOT:

you’ll get a ‘refusal of an MOT test certificate’ from the test centre
it will be recorded in the MOT database

You can appeal the result if you think it’s wrong.

Driving a vehicle that’s failed

You must not drive the vehicle on the road if it fails the test, even if the MOT hasn’t run out, except to:

have the failed defects fixed
a pre-arranged MOT test appointment

You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

Is my vehicle exempt from MOT?

You don’t need to get an MOT for a vehicle that hasn’t reached the age its first MOT is needed.

Exempt vehicles

Other vehicles that don’t need an MOT include:

cars and motorcycles made before 1960
goods vehicles powered by electricity
tractors

A list of exempt types of vehicles is on form V112. You need to fill in the form if your vehicle is listed so that you can tax it.

Book your MOT

Call 01449 615222 or email sales@riversideautos.co.uk to book your MOT today. Alternatively, use the form below.

EXPLORE OUR OTHER SERVICES

SERVICING

We have experienced and high-quality car mechanics at Riverside Autos. Trust us to provide you with a truly professional job and to quote fair prices for any additional work or parts that may be needed following an initial inspection.

VIEW OUR SERVICING

BODY REPAIRS

At Riverside Autos, we have garnered an enviable reputation for fair dealing and honesty as well as for dealing with bodywork problems professionally. View our bodyshop and get your quote today.

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CAR SOURCING

Why compromise on buying a used car or van that is nearly what you are after when our vehicle sourcing service could mean getting exactly what you are after. Get i contact with us today so we can help you.

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