Mot Reading
Mot Reading, The Car Service Centre in Reading, is a family-run business striving to improve its operations and its services for customers in the Reading and Berkshire areas.
Book Your MOT Test Reading
Find Your Vehicle Identification Number
Vehicle Registration
Please note: Our prices include VAT where applicable. We can carry out MOTs and servicing on most vehicles, but some vehicle exclusions may apply, including Tesla models. If you book a service with your MOT and your vehicle has a Digital Service Record (DSR), we will not be able to update or reset it, as Tesla itself locks it down.
Class 7 MOT Test
Mot Reading
What is an MOT Reading
An MOT test is an annual inspection that is required by law on all vehicles in the UK that are older than 3 years (and some vehicles that are older than 1 year). The test follows strict DVSA criteria to determine whether your car is safely roadworthy. A broad range of vehicle safety checks must be completed by an MOT test centre with DVSA-approved examiners, including lights, tyres, seatbelts, and emissions. For a full list of what is included in an MOT when you have your MOT test, please see our MOT Reading checklist
During the MOT test, the tester, a person accredited by the DVSA to assess your vehicle, will conduct a comprehensive inspection to ensure the vehicle is in roadworthy condition. However, it is not the same as having your car serviced, and the MOT test does not check the general mechanical condition of the vehicle. Also, the assessment is based on the vehicle’s condition on the day—passing an MOT does not guarantee the condition of the tyres six months later, for example.
Mot Reading
If the vehicle passes, the tester will provide you with a pass certificate. They will also separately list and inform you of any ‘minor’ (formerly ‘advisory’) items that will require attention shortly, so you can monitor them.
If the vehicle fails, you will receive a list of the ‘major’ or ‘dangerous’ faults present. If these are easy fixes and can be addressed without your car leaving the garage, you may be entitled to a free MOT retest
How often do I need a Reading MOT?
Any vehicle older than 3 years must have a valid MOT test certificate that should be renewed annually. This means that, if you have a vehicle that is younger than 3 years, you don’t need to take it for an MOT test until it reaches the third anniversary of when it was first registered. After this date, you must ensure that it is renewed every 12 months.
Some vehicles, such as ambulances and taxis, must be taken for an MOT test after 1 year.
How long is an MOT certificate valid for?
An MOT certificate is usually valid for 12 months from the expiry of your previous certificate, instead of 12 months from the day of the test. This is important to remember so that you aren’t driving your car when the MOT has expired. You can find this expiry date on your existing MOT test certificate.
How early can you do an MOT?
Certain rules govern how early you can take your car for its annual MOT test. The inspection can be carried out up to 28 days before the expiry date shown on your previous MOT certificate. If you take your vehicle for its test 28 days before the expiry, your MOT will essentially be valid for 13 months. You won’t lose any days for Mot testing the car early.
For example, if your MOT certificate expires on March 20th, you can take the car for its next test between March 22nd and March 20th. The new certificate would then be valid until March 20th the following year.
Do I need an MOT?
An MOT is a legal requirement to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive on public roads and isn’t producing too many harmful emissions. This means that there are certain penalties that you could incur if you don’t have a valid MOT. To find out what these are, see the section below.
Do electric vehicles need an MOT?
Just like cars with petrol and diesel engines, electric and hybrid vehicles still require a valid MOT certificate if they are three years old or older. The main difference is that electric vehicles do not require an emissions test, so this part of the MOT test is omitted.
Our MOT test Centre is equipped and capable of carrying out MOT testing for hybrid and electric cars, although some vehicle exclusions may apply, including Tesla models currently. Please contact our local MOT centre for more details.
Can I drive if my MOT has expired?
You cannot legally drive your vehicle or renew your road tax without a current MOT certificate. The penalty for not having a valid MOT certificate is a fine of up to £1,000; however, if your car has failed the test and is deemed as ‘dangerous’, driving this vehicle could result in a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 points on your license. For your car to be classified as dangerous following its MOT test, it either poses an immediate risk to road safety or seriously impacts the environment due to its emissions.
Is insurance valid without an MOT?
If you’re asked to produce your MOT certificate following an accident and it isn’t up to date, your car insurance claim could be affected, especially in the case of injury. Alternatively, the recent computerization of the MOT testing system by DVSA means that police and mobile camera units can now check remotely to see if your vehicle has a current MOT. They can use your number plate to check their database and may stop you if your MOT is invalid.
It’s best not to take the risk, so don’t leave it too late – Kwik Fit has over 500 DVSA-approved MOT test centres nationwide.
What do I need to take to my MOT?
The only thing you need to bring with you is the vehicle being tested!
Our tester can check your vehicle on the DVSA database to find the existing MOT details. You can even book MOT tests up to one month (minus a day) before your current due date without losing the expiry date, giving you 13 months on your MOT instead of 12. Book your MOT online today.
How long does an MOT take?
The MOT test takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. Each MOT test Centre has comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi, so you can make yourself at home. We will carry out your MOT while you wait.
Rest easily with a Car Service Centre Mot and service
If you have an upcoming MOT and are concerned about your vehicle’s health – invest in a combined appointment at your local Service Centre Our expert technicians will go through all of the areas for a Vechile Service and an MOT, giving you peace of mind that not only is your car safe but also that it is fully serviced, given fresh oil, and ready to get back on the road book a appointment Today
Mot And Service Reading
What’s Included in an MOT?
The MOT tester will check the following components to ensure each meets the minimum standard the DVSA sets before issuing an MOT certificate.
Chassis Number
Vehicle Identification Number
The Reading MOT test checks that the Vehicle Identification Number, commonly referred to as the VIN, is present and legibly displayed on the vehicle. The VIN is a unique code stamped on the vehicle, including a serial number. The location of the VIN varies from one vehicle manufacturer to the next.
Registration plate
The MOT tester will check the condition, security, legibility, and format of the letters and numbers on your registration plate. The spacing and lettering on the number plate must meet current regulations and should not be altered in any way.
Headlight Aim Check
HeadLights
The MOT test checks the condition, operation, security, and color of your vehicle’s lights. The test will also check to see if the headlamp aim is correct.
Steering And Suspension
Steering and suspension
The MOT tester will also check the steering and suspension components for correct condition and operation.
Wipers and washer bottle
During the MOT, the tester will check your vehicle’s wipers and washers to ensure they operate properly and give the driver a clear view of the road.
Windscreen
During the MOT, the tester will check your vehicle’s windscreen for any chips or cracks. The maximum damage size is 10mm in the driver’s line of vision or 40mm elsewhere in the remaining area swept by the wiper blades.
Horn
The MOT test will cover the horn’s operation for effectiveness and suitability.
Seatbelts
All seatbelts, including those in the rear of the vehicle, are checked for type, condition, correct operation, and security, and for ensuring that all compulsory seatbelts are in place.
Seats
Your vehicle’s front seats are checked for security during the MOT test.
Fuel Line Check
Fuel system
During the MOT test, the fuel system is checked for leaks and to ensure that the fuel cap fastens and seals securely.
Check Emission Readings
Emissions
The MOT test checks your exhaust emissions, ensuring that the vehicle is within the specified guidelines and that the exhaust is complete and secure, without serious leaks and effectively silenced.
Bodywork
Bodywork
The vehicle structure and body shell are checked during the MOT test for excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas of the vehicle. Any sharp edge can result in an MOT failure.
Doors
The MOT tester will check that the doors open and close correctly and that the latch is secure in a closed position. Front doors should open from both the inside and outside of the vehicle. Rear doors may need to be opened to access testable items like rear seatbelts.
Mirrors
The mirrors on your vehicle are checked during the MOT test for condition and security.
Mot Reading Wheels and tyres
The MOT tester will check the vehicle’s wheels and tyres for several key points: condition, security, tyre size and type, and tread depth.
Brakes
The MOT tests the vehicle’s braking performance, condition, and operational efficiency. Most vehicles are tested on a roller brake tester.
For more information about MOTs and the checks carried out as part of the MOT test, please visit the GOV.UK website
