MOT Peterborough
Looking for a reliable MOT service in Peterborough?
When you own a vehicle, it is your responsibility to make sure that you have a valid MOT certificate each year. Have you booked your car in for an MOT in Peterborough? A valid MOT certificate shows that your vehicle is safe to drive on UK roads, and involves checking that lights, mirrors, seatbelts and other areas are in good condition.
Here at FRM Automotive Ltd, we conduct MOT testing in Peterborough. Our skilled mechanics have the expertise and knowledge to conduct a full MOT test on your vehicle and any post-MOT repair work that may be needed to ensure it is road safe. We advise that all our customers book in their car for a check-up in advance of its annual MOT due date.
Our MOTs and are accredited by a Government chosen Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA). We can carry out MOT class 4 (cars, motor home) Class V (minibus) and Class VII (light vehicles over 3000Kg). Class V (minibus) is used for hire and reward requires an MOT after 1 year. All our mechanics are fully trained and have the very latest diagnostic equipment.
What is an MOT?
An MOT test is an inspection that is required by law on all vehicles that are older than 3 years and must be carried out annually.
MOT testing is set out by the DVSA to determine whether your car or vehicle is fit for purpose and in a roadworthy condition. During the inspection, a range of safety checks are completed by DVSA-approved examiners at an MOT garage. Checks include lights, tyres, seatbelts and emissions. For a full list of what is included in an MOT inspection when you have your test at FRM Automotive Ltd, please scroll further down this page.
During the MOT test, a comprehensive inspection is carried out to the vehicle. This is not the same as having your car serviced.
If your car passes the MOT test, you will be provided with a pass certificate. Alongside this, you will receive a separate list that details any minor or advisory points that will require attention in the near future.
If your car fails then you will have to have a re-test.
How often does my vehicle need an MOT?
If your vehicle is brand new and less than 3 years old, then you don’t need to take it for an MOT test until it reaches year 3. After this, it is your responsibility to ensure that your vehicle is MOT tested every 12 months.
How long is an MOT certificate valid for?
An MOT certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of expiry from your previous MOT certificate. It is important that you remember this so that you aren’t driving your car when the MOT has expired.
On your existing MOT certificate, you can find the expiration date.
Can I MOT my car early?
An MOT inspection can be carried out up to 28 days before the expiration date on your previous MOT certificate. There are particular rules about how early you can take your car for its annual MOT test, it cannot be before 28 days. It is also important to note that you won’t lose any days for taking your car into the garage early if it’s within the 28 days.
Do I need an MOT?
Yes, you do. A valid MOT certificate is a legal requirement that ensures your vehicle is safe to drive on public UK roads, and that it doesn’t emit too many harmful emissions. If you don’t have a valid MOT, there are penalties that you could incur.
What do I need to bring with me to my MOT?
The only, and most important thing to bring with you is the vehicle that is being MOT tested! We can look up your vehicle on the DVSA database and find all its related MOT details.
When is my MOT test due?
We offer an MOT reminder service – Here at FRM Automotive Ltd, we understand that it’s easy to forget when your next MOT is due so why not fill in our MOT Reminder form, and we will remind you within 3 weeks of your next MOT date.
What’s included in an MOT test with FRM Automotive Ltd?
Below are some of the things that are checked when FRM Automotive Peterborough carries out an MOT test
Lighting and Signalling Equipment
- Front and Rear Position Lamps, Registration Plate Lamps, Rear Fog Lamps
- Headlamps
- Stop Lamps
- Rear Reflectors
- Direction Indicators and Hazard Warning Lamps
- Headlamp Aim
- Audible Warning (Horn)
Brakes
- Parking Brake Lever Mechanism and Associated Mountings
- Hand Operated Brake Control Valves
- Service Brake Control
- Anti-Lock Braking System
- Mechanical Brake Components
- Hydraulic, Air and Vacuum Systems
- Brake Performance
- Method of Calculating Brake Performance
- Examples of latest type ‘Ministry’ and Manufacturers Plates
- Brake Efficiency Table The M.O.T. Inspection Manual Issue Date 10 May 2009
Body and Structure
- Vehicle Structure
- Body Security and Condition
- Doors and Seats
- Registration Plates and VIN Details
- Load Security and Spare Wheel Carrier
- Speed Limiter
- Towbars
Tyres and Roadwheels
- Tyres
- Roadwheels
Seat Belts
Drivers View of the Road
- Mirrors
- Windscreen
- Bonnet
- Wipers and Washers
What if my MOT has expired?
Without a valid MOT certificate, you will be unable to drive your vehicle legally or renew your road tax. The penalty for not having a valid MOT certificate is a fine of up to £1,000.
If your vehicle fails its MOT and is categorised as ‘dangerous’, and you drive the vehicle, this could result in a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 points on your licence. If a car is deemed as ‘dangerous’ following an MOT test, this is because it poses an immediate risk to road safety or it has a serious impact on the environment, due to its emissions.
If your MOT certificate has expired and you have an accident, your car insurance claim could be affected. Not only this, but the MOT testing system is digital, which means that the police and mobile security units can now remotely check whether your vehicle has a current MOT.
It’s best not to risk it, book yourself in for your MOT test today.
How long does an MOT take?
An MOT test typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour to fully complete.
What can a car fail an MOT on?
The majority of vehicles fail their MOT due to these elements: tyres, brakes, seatbelts, lighting, suspension and visibility.
Tyres – tyre pressure and tread depth, also remember to check your spare tyre!
Brakes – worn-out brake pads
Seatbelts – if they’re cut or frayed, or the belt is unable to clip into the holder
Lighting – any issues relating to lighting
Suspension – not always easy to spot prior to an MOT test, but pay attention to unusual clunky noises or if your vehicle looks level when parked up
Visibility – any obstruction to the windscreen such as air fresheners, ineffective windscreen wipers or sat navs and dash cams
What vehicles does FRM Automotive carry out MOT testing on?
Here at FRM Automotive Ltd, we can MOT a variety of different vehicle types:
Class 4, 5 and 7 MOTs – for vehicles over 3 years
Every vehicle over the age of three years from the date of registration must have a valid MOT every year by law, to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and in safe working order. If your vehicle needs an MOT we can help.
We are an independent garage that can service and maintain new Class 4, 5 and 7s under warranty and this will not affect manufacturers warranties given on vehicles. For more information about our Class, 4, 5 and 7 MOT testing in Peterborough, please visit our dedicated page.
Contact Us
FRM Automotive is located in Peterborough, close to the A47 and A15, making it easily accessible for customers in and around the local area. If your car needs an MOT test, and you live in the Cambridgeshire area, please get in touch with us today and book in your vehicle. Call us on 01733 333 838 or fill out our online contact form.