MOT
Testing

You can use our MOT Checker to find out when your current MOT expires and register for a free reminder.

You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:

• the third anniversary of its registration (for new vehicles)*
• the anniversary of its last MOT (vehicles over 3 years old)

*Note: Taxis, large private passenger vehicles (9+ passenger seats), playbuses, and ambulances need to be tested after the first anniversary of registration and every 12 months thereafter. Refer to the DVSA MOT fees table for more details.

You can book an MOT test up to one month (minus a day) before your current certificate expires while keeping the same renewal date for the following year.

You can use our MOT Checker to find out when your current MOT expires and register for a free reminder.

No, it is illegal to drive a vehicle without a valid MOT unless:

• You are driving directly to a pre-booked MOT test or to a garage for repairs prior to an MOT.
• Your vehicle is less than three years old and does not yet require an MOT.

 

If driving to an MOT, ensure your vehicle is insured and carry details of your MOT booking with you. If your vehicle has been previously deemed dangerous you must get your vehicle transported to a garage for repair and testing.

Driving without a valid MOT can result in a £1000 fine.
If deemed dangerous, fines can rise to £2500, with potential penalty points or a driving ban.

No, it is illegal to drive a vehicle without a valid tax unless:

• You are driving directly to a pre-booked MOT test or to a garage for repairs prior to an MOT. A valid MOT is required to tax your vehicle.
• Your vehicle is declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) and kept off public roads (i.e. driven and stored entirely on private land).

Driving or owning an untaxed vehicle is a criminal offence. Enforcement action carries a £1000+ penalty and risks seizure/loss of the vehicle (plus fees).

You do not need to bring any documents with you as we can check your vehicle’s MOT history online.

However, before taking your vehicle for an MOT test, you can carry out some basic checks to improve the chances of passing. Many MOT failures are due to minor, avoidable issues that can be fixed beforehand.

Pre-MOT Checklist: What You Can Test Yourself

1. Lights & Indicators

• Check headlights, brake lights, indicators, reversing lights, and fog lights all work.
• Make sure number plate lights are functioning.
• Replace any blown bulbs.

2. Tyres & Wheels

• Check tread depth – it must be at least 1.6mm (use a 20p coin to check).
• Look for bulges, cracks, or damage to the tyre sidewalls.
• Ensure the tyres are properly inflated.

3. Brakes

• Test the brake pedal – it shouldn’t feel too soft or spongy.
• Listen for grinding or squealing noises, which may indicate worn brake pads.
• Make sure the handbrake works properly.

4. Windscreen & Wipers

• Check for cracks or chips (especially in the driver’s line of sight).
• Make sure wiper blades are in good condition (no tears or smearing).
• Ensure the washer jets spray correctly and the washer fluid is topped up.

5. Number Plates

• The plates must be clean, clearly visible, and securely attached.
• The font and spacing must comply with UK standards.

6. Seatbelts & Seats

• Pull each seatbelt fully out and let it retract – it should work smoothly.
• Ensure buckles fasten securely.
• Check that all seats are securely fixed.

7. Mirrors & Visibility

• Ensure side mirrors and rear-view mirrors are clean and undamaged.
• Check that the sun visors function properly and don’t block vision.

8. Horn

• Press the horn – it should be loud and work properly.

9. Exhaust & Emissions

• Start the car and listen for unusual noises from the exhaust.
• If your car emits excessive smoke, it may fail the emissions test.
• If possible, take the car for a long drive before the MOT to help clear the exhaust system.

10. Warning Lights

• Check for any warning lights which remain lit after starting the car. You can use our warning lights guide to help identify and troubleshoot them.

Final Tip: Give It a Clean!

• Remove any clutter from the boot, seats and footwells to ensure access for testing. This will also save you fuel.
• A dirty car, especially dirty number plates or mirrors, can result in a failure.

An MOT is an annual vehicle safety, roadworthiness, and emissions inspection required for most vehicles over three years old in the UK. It ensures that vehicles meet legal safety and environmental standards to be driven on public roads.

The inspection originated from the Ministry of Transport in 1960 – hence the term MOT. This later fell under the remit of VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) and ultimately, today, the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

What Does an MOT Involve?

The MOT test checks various aspects of a vehicle, including:

1. Vehicle Identification & General Checks

• Registration plate (must be clear and secure)
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• MOT certificate history

2. Lights & Electrical Equipment

• Headlights, indicators, brake lights, and fog lights
• Dashboard warning lights (for critical issues)
• Battery and wiring condition

3. Steering & Suspension

• Steering wheel and column
• Power steering functionality
• Shock absorbers and suspension components

4. Brakes

• Brake pads, discs, and overall condition
• Brake fluid levels
• ABS and electronic brake controls

5. Tyres & Wheels

• Tyre tread depth (minimum 1.6mm)
• Tyre condition (no cuts, bulges, or excessive wear)
• Wheel alignment and security

6. Exhaust System & Emissions

• Exhaust system for leaks or excessive noise
• Emissions levels (to meet legal limits)
• Diesel particulate filters (if applicable)

7. Bodywork & Structural Integrity

• Rust or corrosion in key areas
• Doors, bonnet, and boot security
• Mirrors and visibility

8. Windscreen, Wipers & Washers

• Windscreen condition (cracks or chips in the driver’s field of view)
• Wiper blades and washer fluid operation

9. Seats & Seatbelts

• Seatbelts (wear, fraying, and proper function)
• Seat security and adjustability

10. Fuel System

• Fuel tank leaks or damage
• Fuel cap security

An MOT test usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. However, if your vehicle requires repairs, this may take longer or may require a return visit depending upon availability and parts.

You are welcome to wait in our customer lounge whilst your MOT is completed, or drop it off early and collect at the end of day – allowing you to go to work as usual, run errands or pop into Leeds to do some shopping!

In the UK, there’s a maximum amount MOT test stations can charge – dependant upon the type of vehicle. Currently, the maximum fee for a car is £54.85. Refer to the DVSA fee table for the latest information.

Here at Sultas, our MOT test costs just £39.95 for any class IV vehicle (this includes most cars and small vans including hybrids and EVs). We also have a special offer price of £29.95 when booked together with a full/major service.

There is no VAT applied on MOT fees.

If your car fails its MOT, you will receive a refusal of an MOT certificate (VT30) detailing the severity and reason(s) for refusal.

The failure could be due to major or dangerous faults:

• Major faults: You cannot drive your vehicle unless the faults are fixed (except to a garage for repair or re-test).
• Dangerous faults: Your vehicle cannot be driven at all until repaired. The vehicle must be repaired or transported for repair then re-tested.

Depending when and where you choose to have your vehicle repaired, you may need to pay for a full or partial re-test (see re-test fees section below).

Re-testing early provides valuable time to arrange repairs should your vehicle fail its re-test. You can re-test up to one month (minus a day) before your current MOT expires.

If your vehicle fails an early re-test but has no ‘dangerous’ faults listed, you can continue driving it until the original MOT expiry date.

Obviously, any major faults should be remedied as soon as possible, but this gives you some grace to continue driving until your original MOT expires.

If the test identifies any ‘dangerous’ faults, your vehicle is immediately considered unroadworthy. You must not drive it and your existing MOT certificate becomes invalid with immediate effect. You will need to have the vehicle repaired here or transported elsewhere for repair (it cannot be driven).

Yes, we offer repairs for most MOT failures. Our team can provide a quote and carry out necessary work to help your vehicle pass its retest. We’ll also give you an honest appraisal in circumstances where we feel a vehicle is beyond economic repair.

Yes, of course. However, a £10 partial re-test fee is charged if the vehicle is repaired elsewhere (vehicle must be returned within 10 working days). After the 10 day period, a full mot test is required at the standard MOT price.

If you decide to have your vehicle repaired with us, within the 10 day window, we waive the partial re-test fee.

Retest Fees

• If the vehicle is repaired here, at Sultas, within 10 working days, a re-test is free of charge.
• If the vehicle is taken away for repairs and returned within 10 working days, a partial re-test fee of £10 will apply.
• If the vehicle is tested after 10 working days, a full MOT test will be required at full price.

Yes, we are an approved MOT test centre with the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (Registered Site Number: V106311).

We don’t take vehicles elsewhere for testing, our MOTs are undertaken on‑site here in Leeds – 1 Bodley Terrace, Leeds, LS4 2BE.

You are welcome to wait in our customer lounge whilst your MOT is completed. We’ll even offer you a brew!