Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is an MOT?

    The MOT scheme is primarily a road safety measure designed to ensure as far as possible that all cars, motorcycles and light goods vehicles more than 3 years old are properly maintained and at least once a year are examined at an authorised MOT test station to make sure that they comply with certain important requirements of the law.

  • You don’t need to be present for the test and in some cases you can leave your vehicle with us and pick it up later.

  • Yes, provided you do not distract the tester, alternatively there is a customer waiting area where vended tea and coffee is available.

  • Approximately 50 minutes, but this can vary.

  • Should the vehicle fail, you will be issued with a VT3O Certificate stating the items causing the failure of the MOT test. Make sure that you are clear as to what rectification is required for a pass to be issued. In certain cases expert or special services may be required regarding emissions or welding.

    There is no set time limit before taking a retest and it is at the discretion of the individual. Remember - a car that does not have a current MOT Certificate is not allowed to be used on the road except when going for repairs, for an MOT test.

  • Should the vehicle fail, you will be issued with a VT3O Certificate stating the items causing the failure of the MOT test. Make sure that you are clear as to what rectification is required for a pass to be issued. In certain cases expert or special services may be required regarding emissions or welding.

    There is no set time limit before taking a retest and it is at the discretion of the individual. Remember - a car that does not have a current MOT Certificate is not allowed to be used on the road except when going for repairs, for an MOT test.

  • Any vehicle can be driven to and from a testing station for the purposes of having its MOT by appointment without tax and an MOT but must be INSURED. If there are any faults that are notified to you either on an advisory note or a VT30 failure certificate, then if you remove the vehicle from the garage to have the faults rectified and if you have an accident then if the fault was a contributory factor then you could have a problem with your insurance: ie faulty tyres would be a good example.

  • There is no set time limit before taking a retest and it is at the discretion of the individual, however to take advantage of our free retest you must return the vehicle within 10 working days. Remember - a car that does not have a current MOT Certificate is not allowed to be used on the road except when going for repairs, for an MOT test.

  • No, it’s at the discretion of the individual test centre. At Ashford MOT Centre our policy is a free retest within 10 working days.

  • No. The test is now fully computerised so it is not necessary to bring your old certificate.

  • Unlike road tax where you receive a reminder, the mot test is your responsibility. You can, however sign up to get free reminders by text message or email:

    1. One month before your car, van or motorcycle MOT is due
    2. Two months before your lorry, bus or large trailer MOT is due

  • Yes, If the vehicle is tested within the calendar month prior to when the MOT is due, the test certificate will run from the date of the test to one year after the expiry date of the current certificate.

  • Yes - The simplest way is to come back and tell us the vehicle registration number (provided your test was undertaken by Ashford MOT Centre) and we will be able to give you a duplicate certificate. If we didn't carry out your last MOT test we will be able to provide you a duplicate upon production of the V5C. The fee is £10.00.

  • We accept all major credit cards, cash & cheques with a valid bankers card.