The Most FAQ about MOTs We Get Asked
Comprehensive MOT FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About MOT Tests and Services:
If you are unsure about anything to do with your MOT, we are here to help you. WE offer MOT testing in St Helens, Merseyside and the North West. Our friendly MOT testers are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Here To Help, Contact The Team - 01744 808586
Before We Get Into It, Here Is A Little About Us...
At Fastlane Autocare, we’re passionate about keeping drivers across St Helens, Merseyside, and the North West safe and road-ready 365 days a year. As a trusted, DVSA-approved MOT and vehicle repair centre, we specialise in delivering quick, affordable, and professional services for cars, vans, and light commercial vehicles. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, testing bays, and a highly qualified team that performs everything from MOT testing and retesting to vehicle servicing, maintenance, and repairs under one roof.
We’re proud to be part of the AA Approved and RAC Approved Garage Network and recognised as one of the leading independent vehicle service providers in Merseyside and the North West. Whether you need a same-day MOT, pre-MOT inspection, full service package, or on-the-spot repairs, Fastlane Autocare takes the stress out of motoring. With transparent pricing, flexible finance options, and friendly experts committed to honest advice, we ensure your vehicle gets the care it deserves, quickly, efficiently, and to the highest standard.
Our first FAQ section covers MOT Basics.
Our first FAQ section covers MOT Basics, designed to give you as a driver a clear understanding of what an MOT test is, why it’s required, and exactly what’s involved. An MOT (Ministry of Transport test) is a legal annual inspection that ensures your vehicle meets UK road safety and emissions standards. Every vehicle over three years old must pass this test to remain roadworthy and insured. During the MOT, our qualified technicians carry out a thorough visual inspection of key safety components including brakes, tyres, suspension, lights, mirrors, wipers, seat belts, and emissions systems. This section aims to answer common questions like when your MOT is due, what to expect during the test, and how to prepare your car beforehand. Whether you’re a first-time vehicle owner or simply brushing up on MOT essentials, this section provides everything you need to know to keep your car compliant and safe with Fastlane Autocare.
Q:What is an MOT?
A: An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual check required by law for vehicles over three years old to ensure road safety and environmental standards are met.
Q: When is my MOT due?
A: Your MOT is due annually from the date of your vehicle’s first MOT or registration if it’s over 3 years old. You can book it up to one month before expiry without losing time.
Q: Do I need to book an MOT?
A: Yes, booking is recommended. Fastlane Autocare, offer easy online booking with same or next-day appointments. You can even book online by clicking here.
Q: How long does an MOT take?
A: Around 35-60 minutes, though repairs or retests may take longer.
Q: How much does an MOT cost?
A: The maximum charge for a car MOT is £54.85, IF you book an MOT online with Fastlane Autocare, an MOT is £40 as a special offer when available, Prices are £50 normally.
Q: What happens if my car passes?
A: You receive a certificate valid for 12 months, confirming your vehicle is roadworthy.
Q: What happens if my car fails?
A: You get a VT30 failure report listing faults; you must repair faults and retest. We can fully repair any MOT failures, we take all the stress away from getting an MOT test in the North West.
Q: Can I drive without an MOT?
A: No, unless driving directly to a pre-booked MOT or repair. Driving without an MOT risks fines and invalid insurance. To prebook your MOT, call us now on 01744 808586
Q: Are there exemptions?
A: Vehicles over 40 years old may be exempt unless modified significantly.
Q: Is the MOT the same as a service?
A: No, MOT is a legal safety check, whereas a service is a routine maintenance check.
Preparing for Your MOT
From a mechanics point of view, its hard to prepare for an MOT, without correct testing equipment, extensive years in the industry and proper training, there is no way you can judge what is ok and not ok. That said, we have put together a few of the most commonly asked questions we get asked on this. Basics like lights, indicators and checking your tyres, which we would recommend you do each week anyway are all things you can check.
Q: What should I check before my MOT?
A: Test all lights, indicators, tyres, brakes, wipers, and fluid levels to avoid common failures.
Q: How to check tyre tread depth?
A: Use a 20p coin policy: if the tread doesn’t reach the outer band, replacement is needed.
Q: What about warning lights?
A: A tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light on may cause a fail; fix issues beforehand.
Q: Can I check my MOT status online?
A: Yes, GOV.UK provides a free MOT status and history check by vehicle registration.
Q: Do I need my V5C logbook?
A: Only for the first MOT or if the registration details recently changed.
Q: Can dirty lights cause a failure?
A: Yes, lenses must be clean and lights functional without cracks or damage.
Q: Should I top up screen wash?
A: Yes, low screen wash can lead to a fail as effective wipers are essential for safety.
Q: How to find a reputable MOT centre?
A: Look for DVSA approval and clear pricing, Fastlane Autocare offers all this locally across the North West and Merseyside area.
Q: Can I combine MOT and service?
A: Yes, booking MOT and service together saves time and money. You can learn more about this and even book an MOT and service by clicking here.
Q: Is it true that 1/3 cars fail first MOT?
A: Yes, common failures include lighting, brakes, tyres, and suspension issues.
Common MOT Failures:
As much as we don't like to do it, when a vehicle fails its MOT, it's always for a good reason, and that reason starts with your safety. We have put this section together to show you some of the most common things we see failures on. Some of these failures could easily have been avoided with regular maintenance and care. At Fastlane Autocare, we are much more than just an MOT station, we offer every vehicle repair you need to stay on the road including tyres, diagnostics and electrical repairs. We are much more than MOT centre making us the convenient solution to staying on the road all year round with trusted, professional car repair, servicing and MOT.
Q: What are the most common fails?
A: Lighting and signalling issues, suspension problems, brake defects, and worn tyres top the list.
Q: Will minor defects cause fail?
A: Minor defects may receive advisories but not cause failure unless they affect safety.
Q: Can mechanical issues cause MOT fail?
A: Yes, if they impact safety or emissions, for example, faulty brakes or exhaust leaks.
Q: Will crack in windscreen cause fail?
A: Cracks in the driver’s line of sight over 10mm lead to failure.
Q: What about seat belts?
A: Faulty, missing or damaged seat belts will cause a fail.
Q: Is a failed MOT the end for the car?
A: No, repairing faults and retesting can resolve all issues.
Q: How to handle a failed MOT?
A: Get repairs done quickly, often at the same garage, to qualify for free or reduced retests.
Q: Can weather affect MOT pass?
A: Bad weather can affect certain checks but ordinarily doesn’t cause failures.
Q: Do noise issues cause failure?
A: Some noise issues linked to safety might cause failure but others are advisory.
Q: Are MOT results confidential?
A: Results are stored online; insurers and enforcement agencies access them digitally.
MOT Retests and Repairs:
When your vehicle fails its MOT, it doesn’t mean the end of the road. Fastlane Autocare offers comprehensive MOT repair services designed to get your vehicle back to passing standards efficiently and stress-free. Our experienced technicians carry out all necessary repairs, including brakes, suspension, lighting, emissions, tyres, and more, using high-quality parts to ensure your vehicle is safe and legal. We understand the importance of quick turnaround times, so many repairs can be completed on the same day, allowing you to drive away with confidence. Once repairs are completed, we conduct a full or partial retest depending on the extent of repairs needed. A partial retest at our centre is usually free if the vehicle is returned within 10 working days of the initial failure and the repairs were done on-site. If repairs are carried out at another garage or outside the retest window, a full retest will be required, and you will need to pay the standard MOT fee again. Our team will guide you through the process, explaining why your vehicle failed and what steps to take next.
Q: What is the retest window?
A: You have 10 working days after failure to fix faults and get a free or reduced-cost retest.
Q: Can I choose another garage for retest?
A: Yes, but you will likely pay the full MOT fee again.
Q: What repairs can Fastlane Autocare do after MOT fail?
A: All repairs from brakes, tyres, suspension, lighting, emissions, and more are handled on-site. We then retest your vehicle and everything is done for you, hassle free with no stress. No wonder we are the popular choice for Merseyside and North West MOT tests.
Q: How long until retest after repair?
A: Typically same or next day appointments available once repairs are done.
Q: Do I get a new certificate after retest?
A: Yes, passing retest renews your MOT certificate valid for 12 months.
Q: Is repair financing available for MOT failures?
A: Yes, Fastlane Autocare offers flexible, interest-free finance plans to manage unexpected costs.
Q: Can I wait during repairs and retesting?
A: Yes, many customers opt to wait in our comfortable lounge during quick repairs.
Q: Do retests cover all faults or partial?\
A: Retests can be partial if only certain items failed, making the process faster and cheaper.
Q: What if repairs reveal new faults?
A: We inform you upfront and give clear choices for repairs to ensure a pass.
Q: Are MOT retests compulsory if faults repaired?
A: Yes, to confirm all issues are resolved and the vehicle is safe for road use.
Legal and Practical MOT Considerations:
Practically, it’s important to book your MOT in advance, as driving without a valid MOT is illegal except for journeys directly to a booked MOT appointment or repair facility. Many garages, including Fastlane Autocare, offer convenient same day and next day MOT bookings to help you stay fully compliant with less hassle. Ensuring your vehicle passes its MOT not only keeps you on the right side of the law but also maintains your vehicle’s safety, reliability, and resale value. In summary, regular MOT testing combined with timely repairs is essential for legal compliance, safe driving, and avoiding costly penalties. Fastlane Autocare assists drivers across St Helens, Merseyside, and the North West with all MOT-related needs, blending legal expertise with practical, customer-focused service.
Q: What if I drive without valid MOT?
A: You risk fines up to £1,000, invalid insurance, and police intervention.
Q: Can I drive to MOT test if certificate expired?
A: Yes, but only directly to the pre-booked MOT or to garage for repairs.
Q: Are classic cars exempt from MOT?
A: Vehicles over 40 years old may be exempt, but only if not substantially modified.
Q: How does MOT affect vehicle insurance?
A: In most policies, an invalid MOT can void your insurance.
Q: Is an MOT mandatory for taxed vehicles?
A: Yes, valid MOT is legally required to tax a vehicle.
Q: Can an MOT check detect hidden engine issues?
A: No, MOT tests roadworthiness, not long-term engine health or performance.
Q: What to do if MOT expiry is missed?
A: Book MOT immediately and avoid driving except for test or repair.
Q: How reliable are MOT digital records?
A: All MOT results are recorded in a central DVSA database accessible online for proof and history checks.
Q: What is the penalty for repeated MOT failure offences?
A: Repeat offences can lead to licence points, higher fines, or vehicle seizure.
Q: How can I get MOT reminders?
A: Not all garages provide this, however If you get an MOT at Fastlane Autocare, we provide free MOT reminder services to help you stay compliant. You'll get a text to your phone when your MOT is due, and you can even opt for a phone call if you'd prefer. We are here to keep you on the road, safe, all year round with our trusted MOT services in the North West.
