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Quick Quote

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Book MOT Today

Book an MOT today at your local PTA Garage at a time and date that suits you.

At PTA Garage Services, we provide MOT testing of various vehicles at the most competitive prices, with FREE MOT retests. To get your instant quote, fill in your vehicle's details in the 'quick quote' banner above.

MOT testing at PTA Garages

Local MOT Test Centres

Your vehicle is required to undergo an MOT test every year, if it is over three years old, to ensure it complies with safety standards for roadworthiness. Our specialist vehicle technicians at PTA conduct thorough checks on vital vehicle components to meet legal requirements established by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), prioritising you and your family's safety on the road.

Book an MOT today at your local PTA test centre for peace of mind.

PTA MOT Testing

All our MOT test centres are DVSA (formally ‘Vehicle and Operator Services Agency’ or VOSA ) approved, and our MOT technicians are trained to the highest DVSA standards. With us, you can rest assured that your vehicle meets all the regulatory requirements through quality testing and assessment.

Not only do we provide MOT testing for cars and other class 4 vehicles, but our experts also specialise in motorbikes (Shirley branch only) and Electric Vehicle MOTs. We also offer Class 7 MOT testing for goods vehicles over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg (design gross weight) at our Folkestone branch.

You can learn more about what's tested with our MOT test checklist.

Find Your Local MOT Centre

At PTA Garage Services we have several MOT test centres located throughout South East England. Find your local PTA Garage for your convenience:

Book your MOT today using our 'quick quote' form, at the top of this page. You will then be able to locate your local MOT PTA Garages test centre.

MOT FAQs

An MOT test is an annual safety inspection of your vehicle which must be carried out once it is 3 years old. It is a legal requirement and without it you will be unable to legally use or tax your car and you may not be insured.

It is worth remembering that you can book your MOT test online for your vehicle up to 28 days in advance of its expiration date.

Should your vehicle fail its MOT test, you’ll be issued a VT30 Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate. Before you start driving your vehicle again, it will need to undergo any repairs before an MOT re-test. It is not legal to drive without a legal MOT Test Certificate. We offer a free re-test within 10 working days and are happy to carry out any repairs at a competitive price.

Driving without a valid MOT is against the law. If your car fails its MOT and the certificate's expiration date has passed, you're only permitted to drive it to get it repaired or to a pre-scheduled MOT appointment, provided it remains roadworthy.

For more information about the MOT test go to https://www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot

An MOT test typically takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete. Dependent on the condition of your car during the MOT test.

If you need to find out when your vehicle is due for its next MOT test, head to the GOV.UK website, fill in your car's registration number, and it will inform you when your current MOT certification expires.

You can set a reminder when your MOT is due, so you never miss booking in for your test again, avoiding any complications. Get MOT reminders.

Our MOT technicians at your local test centre will inspect the following components to verify that each meets the minimum standard set by the DVSA before issuing an MOT certificate:

  • Vehicle Identification Number (known as VIN) - The VIN must be present and clearly visible on the vehicle.
  • Registration plate - The condition, security, legibility, and format of letters and numbers of your registration plate is assessed in line with legal requirements.
  • Lights - The MOT test examines the condition, functionality, security, and colour of your vehicle's lights. Additionally, it verifies if the headlamp aim is correct.
  • Steering and suspension - The MOT technician will also inspect the steering and suspension components to ensure they are in proper condition and functioning correctly.
  • Wipers and washer bottle - The tester will assess your vehicle's wipers and washers to ensure they function effectively, providing the driver with a clear view of the road.
  • Windscreen - Throughout the MOT, the tester will inspect your vehicle's windscreen for any chips or cracks. The maximum permissible size of damage is 10mm within the driver's line of vision or 40mm in other areas swept by the wiper blades.
  • Horn - The MOT test will assess the effectiveness and suitability of the horn's operation.
  • Seatbelts - Including those in the rear of the vehicle, undergo thorough testing during an MOT for their type, condition, proper operation, and security, ensuring that all mandatory seatbelts are installed.
  • Seats - The MOT test checks the security of your vehicle's front seats.
  • Fuel system - During the MOT test, the fuel system undergoes inspection for any leaks, ensuring that the fuel cap fastens securely and forms a proper seal.
  • Emissions - The MOT test examines your exhaust emissions to ensure compliance with specified guidelines. It also verifies that the exhaust system is intact, securely attached, and free from significant leaks, and unnecessary noise.
  • Bodywork - During the MOT test, the vehicle structure and body shell undergo examination for excessive corrosion or damage in designated areas. Any sharp edges found can lead to an MOT failure.
  • Doors - The MOT tester will verify that the doors open and close properly and that the latch securely closes. Front doors should open from both the inside and outside of the vehicle. Rear doors may be opened to access testable items such as rear seatbelts.
  • Mirrors - The condition and security of the mirrors on your vehicle are assessed.
  • Wheels and tyres - The MOT tester will inspect the vehicle's wheels and tyres, focusing on several key aspects: their condition, security, tyre size and type, and tread depth.
  • Brakes - The MOT evaluates the efficiency, condition, and operation of the vehicle's braking system. Typically, vehicles undergo testing on a roller brake tester.

To learn more about MOTs and the inspections conducted during the MOT test, please explore the GOV.UK website.