MOT
MOT Test Centre in High Wycombe – Our Award Winning Garage
Not all MOTs are the same! Legally they are, but at Hillclimb we go the extra mile to make sure your car is in tip top condition, ready and safe for the road.
We adhere to a strict code of practice mandated by both the Ministry of Transport and our membership in the RMI and Independent Garage Association. We are also full members of the Trust My Garage network across the UK.
If your vehicle has failure or advisory faults we will video this as part of the MOT and provide a full written estimate of works that are required.
There are important legal implications if your car fails on any major safety or environmental items – see the legal information below.
Or call us now on 01494 444481
Why choose to have your MOT done by Hillclimb Garage?
We have a unique approach to MOTs at Hillclimb Garage. The MOT itself is entirely run as the DVSA rules dictate – and our MOT technicians are bound by those rules – but it’s what else is included that makes the Hillclimb MOT a little different.
MOTs are the minimum legal safety standard required to keep your car on the road. However, maintaining a car involves much more than just the MOT. That’s why we offer our 25-Point Hillclimb Video Health Check, which includes a check of all levels. This vitals check covers brake fluid levels, brake condition, coolant levels, battery health, tyre condition, steering, suspension and oil levels.
We are committed to keeping your car on the road for longer, only doing any maintenance and repair work where necessary – advising you of other repairs that might be necessary
Call us now on 01494 444481
General information
about your MOT
When is my MOT due?
Beware the sites online asking for payment to check this information! We can always look it up for you – or you can check online for free HERE.
Why do you need an MOT?
MOTs check the safety of your vehicle and ensure it complies with legislation regarding the level of emissions from the exhaust. Although it doesn’t check the road worthiness of your vehicle, it is still an essential piece of documentation, and without a valid MOT certificate your vehicle is not legally permitted on the roads. All cars over three years old need an annual MOT examination. For further information about the MOT rules CLICK HERE.
When do you need an MOT?
As the vehicle’s owner it is your responsibility to keep on top of when the MOT is due. It is illegal to drive a vehicle with an MOT certificate which has expired, so it is important to book your appointment with our MOT team before this happens. The earliest date at which you can book your test will be shown on your previous MOT certificate.
Before you arrive
To give your vehicle the best chance of passing its MOT, and potentially saving you money, there are a few things you can check before booking your MOT appointment:
1. Check the headlights, brake lights and indicators are working
2. Check there is no dirt on your number plate making it illegible
3. Check the wipers are working and are not torn or damaged
4. Top up your fuel, engine oil and screen wash
5. Check that the wheels and tyres are sufficiently inflated and have plenty of tread
6. Check all seat belts are undamaged and in good condition
However, we are going to do all of these checks for you when you choose a Hillclimb MOT.
Or call us now on 01494 444481
Legal information about your MOT
If your vehicle doesn’t have a current MOT certificate, you can only drive it to or from a pre-arranged MOT appointment or to or from a pre-arranged repair appointment to have defects remedied that were discovered on a previous test. You can also drive your vehicle on a road without road tax in these circumstances too but your vehicle must be insured. However, not having an MOT may have implications for the validity of your insurance – you would need to check this with your insurer.
The only way you could lawfully move a vehicle without an MOT, other than in the circumstances described above, is on a trailer or recovery vehicle so that all four wheels are off the ground.
Note that:
- If a vehicle has failed an MOT you can’t drive it away from the garage if any of the defects were classed as being dangerous. Dangerous defects mean a direct and immediate risk to road safety or have a serious impact on the environment – do not drive the vehicle until they’ve been repaired.
- You will commit an offence if you park a vehicle without an MOT on the road.
- The law makes no mention as to how far you can go for an MOT but we would suggest the distance is kept as short as possible because even though you are exempt from having a valid MOT certificate in the circumstances described above, if you are stopped by the police you could still be prosecuted for any defective parts on your vehicle e.g. exhaust, brakes and tyres etc. If you call in at shops etc. on your way to the MOT, it may be held that you are using the vehicle for other purposes and the above exemption won’t apply. The further you travel the more likelihood there is of your vehicle triggering an ANPR camera and you being stopped.
- You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.
- You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.
