MOT Testing in Stafford & Rugeley
£51
For Cars & Vans (up to 3,000kg)
Haywood Garage is an official DVSA class 4 testing station, authorized to perform MOT tests for cars and vans weighing up to 3,000kg. Located in the Stafford & Rugeley areas, we have gained a reputation for excellence. Government inspections have consistently awarded us the highest rating, emphasizing our commitment to conducting fair MOT tests.
Our existing customers are well aware of our dedication to ensuring that the vehicles we inspect meet the minimum road use standards. During the MOT test, we provide friendly advice to car owners, advising them on ways to minimize the need for repairs and maintain a healthy vehicle.
What is an MOT?
Optional from September 1960 and compulsory from February 1961, the test was introduced by the Ministry of Transport to ensure the roadworthiness of the rapidly growing number of vehicles on U.K roads. Initially for cars over 10 years of age, it tested the steering, lights and brakes of a car.
Today close to 9,000,000 MOTs are conducted every year at over 23,000 testing stations; over eight testing classes, from mopeds through three-wheeled vehicles, to 40 tonne lorries and their trailers. The MOT test now evaluates not only the steering, lights, and brakes but also other aspects such as the structural integrity of the body and emissions. This comprehensive examination ensures that vehicles meet the necessary safety and environmental standards.
Before Your Car Is Tested
What items are tested on a MOT
Registration Plates and VIN
Registration Plates & Vehicle Identification Number
Your registration plates and vehicle identification number will be checked to ensure that the car isn’t misrepresented. 0.39% initial test failure rate. Common failure items are:
- Incorrect spacing, size and/or font of characters
- Features or fittings affecting the appearance of characters
Brakes
Brakes
The condition of all braking components and the efficiency of your brakes. 6.86% initial test failure rate. Common failure items include:
- Brake pads worn down to wear indicators
- Significantly worn brake disc
- Corroded brake pipes
- Insufficient braking efficiency of service brakes
- Insufficient braking efficiency of parking brakes
- Imbalance of front service brakes
- ABS fault causing an error light on the dash
Steering
Steering
The condition of all steering components. 1.89% initial test failure rate. Common failure items include:
Visibility
Visibility
The condition and operation of items which might affect the drivers visibility. 4.73% initial test failure rate. Common failure items include:
Lights, Reflectors and Electrics
Registration Plates & Vehicle Identification Number
Your registration plates and vehicle identification number will be checked to ensure that the car isn’t misrepresented. 0.39% initial test failure rate. Common failure items are:
- Incorrect spacing, size and/or font of characters
- Features or fittings affecting the appearance of characters
Axles, Wheels, Tyres and Suspension
Registration Plates & Vehicle Identification Number
Your registration plates and vehicle identification number will be checked to ensure that the car isn’t misrepresented. 0.39% initial test failure rate. Common failure items are:
- Incorrect spacing, size and/or font of characters
- Features or fittings affecting the appearance of characters
Body, Structure and Attachments
Registration Plates & Vehicle Identification Number
Your registration plates and vehicle identification number will be checked to ensure that the car isn’t misrepresented. 0.39% initial test failure rate. Common failure items are:
- Incorrect spacing, size and/or font of characters
- Features or fittings affecting the appearance of characters
Other Equipment
Registration Plates & Vehicle Identification Number
Your registration plates and vehicle identification number will be checked to ensure that the car isn’t misrepresented. 0.39% initial test failure rate. Common failure items are:
- Incorrect spacing, size and/or font of characters
- Features or fittings affecting the appearance of characters
Noise, Emissions and Environmental
Registration Plates & Vehicle Identification Number
Your registration plates and vehicle identification number will be checked to ensure that the car isn’t misrepresented. 0.39% initial test failure rate. Common failure items are:
- Incorrect spacing, size and/or font of characters
- Features or fittings affecting the appearance of characters
MOT Test FAQs
When can I book my MOT?
There are not restrictions on when you can have your car MOT tested, you could have a brand new car tested minutes after taking delivery if you wanted. However it is worth noting that once your car has been tested, and passed, then the MOT is valid for 1 year from that date.
The exception to this is if you have your car tested within 28 days of it’s MOT expiring, in which case your MOT will continue from it’s expiry date. For example, if your MOT expires on the 30th November 2023 you could have it tested as early as the 3rd November 2023 and it’s new expiry date would be 30th November 2024.
When does my MOT expire?
If you are a Haywood Garage customer, and have given us permission, then we will send you an MOT reminder in the previous calendar month. If you’re not a customer of ours, or you have purchased a new car and want to check it’s MOT due date then you can use the government website to check: www.gov.uk/check-mot-status
The government offers a free reminder service, either by text message or email. You can sign up for it hre: www.gov.uk/mot-reminder
How much does an MOT cost?
We charge £51 for a class 4 MOT for cars and vans (up to 3,500kg). There is a maximum price for MOT tests, imposed by the government, of £54.85 for class 4.
How long does an MOT take?
Typically an MOT will take 45 minutes, however there is no minimum or maximum time for an MOT test.
What documents do I need to bring?
For 99% of cars you won’t need to bring any documentation with you. If your car is currently unregistered in the U.K, has recently been IVA tested or has been put on to a Q plate then we will need proof of it’s date of first use.
How can I have my car tested if it has no tax?
There is an exemption in place for cars driving to and from a pre-booked test if they have no tax. If you are having an MOT on a car which is either SORN’d or has tax which has run out then ensure it is pre-booked and the test station has your details and the details of the car, particularly it’s registration number.