How Long Does an MOT Take? Quick Guide for Drivers

 

 

Find out how long an MOT takes, what to check beforehand, and how to keep your car safe with this easy guide.

If you’re a driver in the UK, then there’s a good chance that you know what an MOT is–or at least, you’ve heard of it. The actual abbreviation just stands for “Ministry of Transport”, but it’s usually the word that refers to the mandatory test that takes place around once a year that checks if your car is safe and roadworthy.

 

When it comes time to book one, a lot of people wonder how long an MOT actually takes. The test itself doesn’t take very long, but the responsibilities around it are often important to consider given that it’s all about keeping your car in good condition.

 

So in this post, we’re going to break down what you really need to know, whether that means spotting urgent car problems or understanding what happens during a routine MOT service. Regardless if you’re a first-time car owner, regular driver or someone getting behind the wheel after an extended break, we’ll help you understand MOTs better.

 

Signs Your Car Needs Immediate Service

 

Your car always needs regular servicing to ensure it stays in good condition, but there are definitely times when your car may need a bit more urgent attention. Ignoring these signs can result in some serious issues that could render your car completely unusable. As such, recognising these signs is often the best way to save yourself time, money, and a lot of stress in the future.

 

Here’s what you should look out for:

 

• Warning light indicator on your dashboard, especially if it’s the engine or brake warning symbols flashing.
• Unusual noises, such as grinding brake noises or whining from your engine.
• Steam or smoke coming from under your bonnet.
• Fluids leaking from your vehicle.
• A sudden drop in fuel efficiency.
• Difficulties starting the engine.
• Jerky or sudden movements when driving.
• Brakes that feel soft or unresponsive.

 

Safety should always come first, so it’s important to stop driving if you notice any of these issues and book a mechanic as soon as possible.

 

Regular Maintenance: What's Essential?

 

Keeping your car in good condition helps it pass its MOT, but it also helps to keep you and your passengers safe while avoiding expensive repairs down the line. Regular maintenance is about preventing issues before they become serious problems, so you should try to service your car around every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or every year–whichever comes first.

 

Most basic services cover everything from inspecting your brakes and tyres to your exhaust system and suspension. Areas like your tyre treads and brake pads should be checked more frequently if possible as they wear out faster than the other parts of your car.

 

It’s also a good idea to keep a logbook of past services and repairs. This will help you stay organised in terms of your repairs and services, but it’ll also help you maintain the resale value of your car as you’ll have a complete history of what the vehicle has been through.

 

In short, regular maintenance might seem like an annoyance at first, but you’ll quickly learn to appreciate all of the benefits–both the immediate ones and potential ones in the future. It’s one of the smarter ways to avoid big headaches and also keep yourself safe.

 

DIY Checks Before Professional Help

 

Before you book a professional service or MOT, there are a couple of checks that you should try to do yourself first. These checks don’t require professional knowledge or tools, and they can help you catch certain issues early to prevent an MOT failure.

 

• Start with your lights. Check that all of your bulbs work–that means everything from your headlights to number plate lights.

 

• Move on to the tyres. Look for any visible damage like bulges or cuts and make sure the tread depth is at least 1.6 millimetres, as this is the legal minimum in the UK.

 

• Check your fluids and top up if needed. This means everything from your engine oil to screenwash.

 

• Clean your vehicle. It doesn’t have to be a full deep clean, but a wash will be a good way to clean important parts like your number plate for legibility.

 

These checks won’t replace a proper MOT service, but it does give you an idea of how your car is currently performing.

 

Understanding Common Service Terms

The terminology used for an MOT can be a little overwhelming, so it helps to try and understand some of the more common terms so that you know what’s going on with your car.

 

• Interim service: This is a standard check done every half year that includes oil and filter changes, topping up car fluids, and an inspection of some key components in your car.

 

• Full service: As the name implies, this is a comprehensive check that we recommend doing at least once per year. It includes everything from the interim service plus a more detailed inspection of certain components.

 

• Major service: These are done roughly once every two years. It includes everything from a full service in addition to replacement parts.

 

• MOT test: The legal annual requirement for cars over three years old. It checks for safety, environmental standards, and roadworthiness.

 

• Diagnostics: A diagnostic check scans the digital components of your vehicle to detect and fix faults.

 

Choosing the Right Mechanic for Your Car

 

Finding a good mechanic makes all the difference when it comes to keeping your vehicle in good condition. Trustworthy professionals can get the work done fast, but they can also explain things to you in human terms.

 

Start by searching for mechanics that meet basic requirements, such as being recognised and registered by bodies like the Motor Ombudsman. This will ensure that you’re at least getting a reputable person. Word of mouth can be a powerful way to connect with the right mechanic, especially if you know friends and family members who can make a recommendation.

 

When speaking to mechanics, it’s a good idea to see how they communicate with you. Good mechanics will always take the time to explain problems and give you a full clear breakdown of things like the costs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions either–mechanics are there to help you, after all.

 

Lastly, don’t forget that mechanics can specialise in different vehicles. Some mechanics only work on certain types or brands of cars, building up more expertise and experience working on similar cars. This can be especially important if you typically drive something more modern or different in terms of technology.

 

What to Expect During a Car Service

 

Not sure what to expect during a car service? It’s usually a good idea to get the hang of the whole process to make it feel a little less intimidating.

 

MOTs and car services will depend on your goals and when you booked. For example, garages will most likely ask questions about your vehicle and its performance to do a very brief profile on the driver and their vehicle. If you seem to understand a lot about your vehicle, then mechanics will typically try to speak in car terms so you have a better idea of what‘s going on with it. On the other hand, if you don’t seem to know much about cars, then your mechanic will likely try to use words and phrases that will help you better understand the issues with your vehicle.

 

Depending on the type of MOT service that you have, you could end up waiting just a few minutes to several hours. Any full or major service is thorough, so you can expect to be waiting around a long time. At the end of the MOT, you’ll get a full service report or checklist telling you what was inspected and what may need your attention in the near future. Garages may also stamp your service book or update any digital records that you might have.

 

After Service: Next Steps and Advice

 

Once your car has been serviced, there are a few ways to help you keep it in good condition.

 

For starters, always read whatever documents were given to you–especially the service report. This will help you better understand what was done to your vehicle and if there are any follow-ups needed in the future.

 

Secondly, if the mechanic advised you about non-urgent repairs, then it’s worth booking them before your next MOT. Try not to delay these for too long, as even small problems can sometimes turn into huge issues that are both expensive and stressful to deal with.

 

Thirdly, make sure you keep any receipts and service history documents. This helps you stay organised but also gives you plenty of paperwork should you decide to go through the car selling prices in the future.

 

And lastly, try to stay more alert when it comes to noticing how your car feels or changes. Even the smallest change could lead to a serious problem if you notice it too late, so it’s worth it to be proactive and to stay safe at all times.

 

At MB Motors, we offer expert MOT testing services that are trusted across Rugley and beyond. With DVSA-approved inspections, same-day bookings, free retests, and honest advice, we make staying safe on the road easy. Book online or call us today to get your vehicle ready for the road.