01604 765007

Rothersthorpe Road, Northampton, NN4 8HZ

CAR, VAN, 4X4 AND MOTORCYCLE MOT TESTING IN NORTHAMPTON

Book your MOT today in our Northampton MOT centre

Book your MOT test in Northampton today

Simply enter your vehicle registration number to book your Northampton MOT test and then select a date and time from our diary.

Approved DVSA MOT Testing Station serving Northampton

Motorvation operate 4 MOT test lanes to cater for Class 1, 2, 3, 4 vehicles. These bays are open for MOT testing in Northampton Monday to Friday at our Rothersthope Road garage.

Why do I need an MOT test?

If your vehicle is 3 years or older you are required by law to have an annual safety check, a Ministry Of Transport test, more commonly known as the MOT test. The purpose of the test is to ensure your vehicle meets the minimum road safety and environmental standards.
It is your responsibility to ensure your vehicle is examined every 12 months. Without a current MOT certificate, you will be unable to drive your vehicle lawfully on a public highway or renew your road tax. Recent computerisation of the MOT testing system by DVSA means police and mobile camera units can now check remotely to see if your vehicle has a current MOT.
The penalty for not having a valid MOT certificate could be a fine of up to £1,000. If the vehicle is involved in an accident, you may be asked to produce your MOT certificate, and an insurance claim could be greatly affected by the absence of a valid MOT certificate.,

How do I find out when my MOT test is due?

Your MOT test is due by the annual anniversary of the previous MOT test as they are valid for only 12 months. You can find out when your MOT test due date is by visiting the Government MOT vehicle enquiry service – you’ll need the registration plate details of the car you want to check to use this service. It’s a good idea to book your MOT test in Northampton a few weeks before the due date so you have time to get any repairs completed before the MOT certificate expires.
Sign up to our free MOT reminders to be notified with plenty of time to book your MOT.
A grey car on the vehicle lift during an MOT with a bike MOT being carried out by a Motorvation Northampton technician in the background. 

What is checked during the MOT test?

The MOT test is a comprehensive investigation of vital vehicle components. The aim is to make certain that a vehicle is roadworthy and meets ‘minimum standard of safety’. Here’s a breakdown (pun intended) of the MOT checks and why they matter:

Vehicle identity and legal requirements

MOT testers check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which is a unique code that confirms your car’s identity and ensures it hasn’t been tampered with. Missing or damaged VINs are usually a sign of theft or major repairs.
Number plates must be clean, securely fixed, and conform to the regulations of number plates. Unreadable or illegal number plates are an MOT failure.
MOT tip – give your plates a clean and check for damage before your MOT test.

Visibility and lights

Check your windscreen for chips and cracks. Depending on the size and location, windscreen damage can cause an MOT fail.
Wipers must work smoothly, and the washer bottle needs to be filled so you can easily clean your windscreen.
Mirrors need to be secure and provide clear and unobstructed views.
All your lights, including indicators, fog lights, and number plate lights, will be tested for brightness, alignment, and functionality. Lights that work keep you visible to others as well as helping you see hazards.
MOT tip – check your lights and change any bulbs before your MOT to avoid fails.
Two mechanics inspect the underneath of a car during an MOT test in Northampton
A mechanic in blue overalls inspects a car from underneath during an MOT in Northampton

Visibility and lights

Check your windscreen for chips and cracks. Depending on the size and location, windscreen damage can cause an MOT fail.
Wipers must work smoothly, and the washer bottle needs to be filled so you can easily clean your windscreen.
Mirrors need to be secure and provide clear and unobstructed views.
All your lights, including indicators, fog lights, and number plate lights, will be tested for brightness, alignment, and functionality. Lights that work keep you visible to others as well as helping you see hazards.
MOT tip – check your lights and change any bulbs before your MOT to avoid fails.

Tyres and wheels

Your wheels can’t be cracked or distorted, and your tyres must be free of cuts, bulges, and other defects. Tyres also need a tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters. Wheels and tyres in good condition, maintain a better grip on the road.
MOT tip – do a tyre pressure check every month and inspect your wheels and tread depth as well, to prevent unexpected issues.

Fuel and emissions

As part of an MOT your fuel system is checked for leaks, corrosion, and secure fittings. It goes without saying that a fuel leak is a fire hazard and will fail the MOT.
In order to comply with environmental standards, exhaust gasses are tested. Excessive emissions are usually an indicator of engine or exhaust problems.
MOT tip – regular servicing can actually help reduce emissions and improve the chances of passing an MOT first time.

Vehicle structure and condition

The whole vehicle is inspected for corrosion, sharp edges, and damage that might injure pedestrians or compromise the structure in a collision.
MOT tip – structural rust can cause an immediate MOT failure, so get any rust checked out asap.
An MOT is designed to protect you and your passengers, as well as other road users. Maintaining the components on the MOT checklist will not only increase your chances of passing first time but also reduce the chance of breakdowns and accidents.
Car MOT testing in Northampton

MOT testing Northampton prices

Get the up-to-date prices for car and motorcycle MOTs on our booking page, for other vehicle types please contact the Motorvation Northampton team for prices. When booking your MOT you can choose from a range of vehicle servicing to be carried out at the same time as your MOT.

What to expect in your first MOT test?

If this is your first experience taking a car or other vehicle to an MOT test here’s what to expect.

Book your MOT in advance 

You will want to book your MOT in advance, aiming for 3-5 weeks before the MOT is due to expire, in case you need to get a repair done. If you are concerned about the condition of the vehicle, book it for a service and repairs in advance so you can increase the chances of passing the MOT the first time. Remember if the vehicle doesn’t pass the MOT, you may not be able to drive it home!
Most MOT’s can be done in less than an hour however some garages may require you to drop your car off for the full day if they are busy and can’t give you a precise time. Make sure you plan how you will get from and to the MOT without transport if you are leaving your vehicle for some time. At Motorvation you are given a time slot, so you know exactly what time to drop your car off and pick it up. We have a wheelchair accessible waiting room with comfy chairs, a TV and toilets.

Prepare your vehicle for an MOT with Pre-MOT checks

If you aren’t going to take your vehicle for a pre-MOT service professionally, you can still make some checks to save you failing over something you could have sorted yourself.
  • The car should be clean and tidy inside, with clean lights and number plates.
  • Mirrors and windscreen wipers need to be in good condition and intact.
  • Top up all the fluids:
      Screen wash
    • Oil
    • Brake fluid
  • All lights should be working including the little ones over your number plates.
  • Use the 20p test to check your tyre tread depth.
  • Not used your horn lately? A quick honk will tell you if it is working correctly which it needs to be.
  • Check the seatbelts all extend and retract properly and the driver’s seat is adjustable.
  • Have you got any warning lights on? Whether it’s for oil, brakes, or electrics the issue ought to be checked professionally before you submit your vehicle for an MOT.
These checks are generally considered ones you should do regularly anyway, to ensure your car is roadworthy and safe to drive regardless of whether you have an MOT coming up or not.
A Motorvation Northampton technician kneeling next to a motorcycle they are conducting an MOT on.

Take your vehicle to an authorised MOT testing centre near you

On the day, your MOT centre will have let you know what time you need to drop your vehicle off. At the end of the MOT test the garage will explain if any faults were found, whether your vehicle passed its MOT test, and what needs to be done if not. If your vehicle passes, you are issued with a certificate, payment is taken and may leave safe in the knowledge your vehicle is roadworthy and safe.

What to do if the MOT has advisories or faults?

If there are any issues with the vehicle they are categorised into:
  • Advisory 
  • Minor 
  • Major 
  • Dangerous  
Advisories are given for parts that are likely to need repairs or replacing in the near future but are not urgent. An example advisory could be a windscreen wiper that is starting to wear out but still works.
Minor faults are issues that don’t pose an immediate risk but do need to be sorted soon. For example, tyres that are near to the minimum tread depth – they are still safe to drive with but will need replacing before the next service.
Any major defects will cause the vehicle to fail the MOT as they are an immediate safety risk. Very worn brake pads would be considered a major defect and must be fixed as soon as possible. If your current MOT certificate is valid, you can still drive your vehicle home and to somewhere to get it fixed, only to those places though.
A dangerous fault also automatically fails an MOT however you are not permitted to drive a car with a dangerous fault. If your MOT certificate is in date, it will be rendered invalid if your vehicle has a dangerous defect and you will not be able to drive it. Broken wheels, not enough brake fluid, and worn tyres are all examples of dangerous defects that will fail an MOT.
If your vehicle fails the MOT test, ideally you want to get it fixed right away and then retested. At Motorvation we’re both an approved MOT testing station and vehicle repair centre which means we can get it repaired and retested in good time.

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A Motorvation Northampton technician checking a tyre as part of an MOT

How to prevent a car from failing the MOT

With any vehicle, scheduling a service before your MOT will highlight any defects and faults that would come up in your MOT, and gives you the opportunity to have the repaired in advance for the test. This way you can rest assured your vehicle with pass and you’ll have no nasty surprises.

Do you charge for MOT retests if the work is done at Motorvation?

We don’t charge for MOT retests if we carry out the repairs work for you.

What are they checking for in an MOT?

The MOT test checks fall under four main criteria:
  • Safety  
  • Functionality 
  • Emissions 
  • Identifying potential issues 
These elements cover checking that all elements of the vehicle are up to standard and working and that emissions are within governmental guidelines. It’s also an opportunity to proactively notify the owner of problems that will need addressing in the future, before they become costly major faults.

Can you drive your car if your MOT has expired?

No, you can only drive your car to a pre-arranged MOT test or to be repaired if your MOT has expired. Otherwise, you must not drive it.

How long do you have to get an MOT after it expires?

Contrary to popular belief, there is no grace period after your MOT expires, the MOT test must be done before the date of expiry. Once expired, you cannot drive the vehicle except to the test centre or a repairs garage.

Can you drive your car with failed mot?

If your current MOT is still valid and there are no ‘dangerous’ faults noted on the MOT, you can drive your car if it fails the MOT. ‘Dangerous’ faults could include defective seatbelts, brakes, suspension, or tyres. Driving with a failed MOT due to ‘dangerous’ faults could result in driving ban and a fine of up to £2,500.

Can a car pass an MOT with a warning light on?

No, if your dash has a red or amber warning light then it indicates a serious problem and must be looked at. If you take your car for an MOT and it has a warning light, it’s unlikely to pass. Instead, bring it in for vehicle diagnostics.

Common warning signs to watch for

As well as warning lights on your dash, there are a few other ways your car will let you know something is wrong before you take it for an MOT.
Screeching, squealing, knocking, and whining noises are audible warnings that something is right.
Changes in how your vehicle handles like pulling to one side or excessive vibrating.
Blue, black, or white smoke from the exhaust or strong smells of fuel inside the car should be checked immediately.
Brakes feeling spongy or taking longer to work? This is an obvious safety risk so don’t ignore it.
Acting quickly when your vehicle is telling you something is wrong is not only important for your MOT, but also because vehicle defects are responsible for 2% of road accidents in the UK.
Keeping your vehicle maintained improves safety for yourself and others, lowers the cost of repairs, and avoids breakdowns. You can book a service along with your MOT through our 24/7 online booking tool.

Does Motorvation Northampton offer warranties on parts?

Yes we do, different parts have different warranties, so we always clarify this with our customers on a case-by-case basis.

Do you get a reminder for an MOT? 

The MOT is an annual test, but it is up to you as the vehicle owner to remember to book it. It’s always a good idea to have a reminder a few weeks before the expiry date of the MOT certificate though so you don’t forget. Sign up for free MOT reminders.

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