Taking your car for its annual MOT can often feel like a bit of a nuisance, especially if you know your local garage has a knack for running behind. But how long should an MOT take, and are there any ways you can speed up the process? Scrap Car Comparison guides you through all you need to know about MOTs.
But first, if you simply know that your car’s chances of passing its next MOT are minimal, then why not get ahead of the game and scrap it now? By using Scrap Car Comparison you can guarantee yourself the very best price with minimal hassle. Simply call our team of experts and we’ll give you a quote from certified buyers in your area, and with our nationwide network of collection agents, we’ll even arrange for it to be taken off your hands absolutely free of charge.
How long does an MOT test take?
Most MOT tests will take between 45 minutes and an hour, meaning you should be able to get it done in a single lunch break. Assuming you have transport available, or your MOT testing centre is walking distance from a local town or village, you could even use the time having a spot of lunch or running some errands while it takes place.
Can you do an MOT in 30 minutes?
Unsurprisingly, younger cars will likely go through their MOT checks faster than their older counterparts, and this is backed up by the DVSA, who believes that cars aged between three and five years could get through an MOT in 30 minutes, whereas cars fives years old and beyond will take upwards of 45 minutes.
Can I drive straight after my MOT?
Providing your car passed its MOT, then of course. Once you’ve paid the garage and have your receipt, certificate and keys, there’s nothing stopping you from driving away there and then. If you’ve failed however, that’s where things get tricky. If your previous MOT is still valid then you can drive away on the proviso there are no ‘dangerous’ issues, but you will need to get the issues sorted as soon as you possibly can so that the car can be retested. In some cases you may get away with just a partial retest, which could even be free if you leave your car at the same test centre and it’s retested within ten working days.
The specifics around retesting can be a bit confusing, so read our guide to make sure you’re absolutely clear on how they work.
What happens after the MOT test?
After the test has been carried out you will be presented with a new MOT certificate, valid for the next 12 months, and the result will be stored in the DVLA’s MOT database. If the car fails with any ‘dangerous’ or ‘major’ issues, then you will be given a ‘refusal of an MOT test certificate’ and this result will also be recorded and stored on the MOT database.
Want to know more about your MOT test? Here’s our expert advice
Want to know more about your MOT test? Here’s our expert adviceIs there anything that could cause my MOT test to take longer?
If you’ve booked in with a particularly popular garage or at a typically busy time (such as the lunch rush), then this could add some time onto your test while the garage works its way through the backlog of vehicles it is checking. In some instances, a garage may also suggest they carry out a service beforehand, or at least give your car a once over to ensure there are no defects that may cause a fail, without you having the inconvenience of these being discovered in the ‘official’ test.
If you know for a fact that the next MOT trip is going to be a long, expensive or simply pointless endeavour, then why not just scrap your car and use the money to get something a little more reliable? By using Scrap Car Comparison’s industry leading service, we can find you the very best price for your car in as little as 60 seconds. What’s more, with collection agents working in 99% of UK postcodes, we’ll even come and collect it for free. Simply call our friendly team and see just how much your broken old car could be worth today.
The MOT test knowledge hub
Everything you needed to know about the MOT test itself. From preparing your car, to setting renewal reminders and everything in between. It’s all there below.
MOT Renewals reminder
Set up MOT renewal reminders through gov.uk to receive timely alerts, ensuring your car’s test is booked on time and avoiding penalties.
What do I need to MOT my car?
To MOT your car, ensure it’s in good condition and bring necessary documents like your V5C, current MOT certificate, and payment method.
MOT Preparation You Can Do
To prepare for your MOT, check fluids, tyres, lights, exhaust, steering, and the windscreen. Ensure seatbelts and the handbrake work, and confirm no visible damage.
What is Checked During an MOT
An MOT test ensures your car’s roadworthiness, checking items like brakes, lights, tyres, and emissions. Preparing in advance can help avoid failures.
Or, visit our MOT Hub for guides on everything related to MOT.
Sell your MOT failed car
If you want to get rid of a car which has failed it’s MOT test, or is damaged beyond repair, you can get an instant and free quote online. Simply add your reg number and postcode and we can find you a salvage buyer in your area.
