MOT – FAQ’s

 What is an MOT? 

An MOT test is a routine assessment designed to check if your vehicle is safe enough to drive on public roads. All testing garages test the same components and structural parts of the car regardless of make and model. Also regardless of where the MOT takes place, be it a Camberley MOT or in any other part of the country.

When is my MOT due and how do I check my MOT history?

If you wish to check when your MOT is due, we have added an MOT Check link at the end of this paragraph. Most new vehicles under 3 years old will not require an MOT based on the assumption that they’re in a good condition. Any vehicle will be due for an MOT by the third anniversary of its registration. If the vehicle is over 3 years, then the MOT is always due on the anniversary of the previous MOT. Classic cars over 40 years old do are not required to get an MOT. However, we strongly recommend having an annual MOT to check the vehicles safety. We are always happy to work on classic cars at our Camberley MOT centre.

Some vehicles may need an MOT at one year old. Click the following MOT check link to find out when your MOT is due. MOT Checker.  You will also be able to check a vehicles MOT history via this MOT checker.

The ability to check a cars history is important as this will tell you the date of past MOT’s, whether it passed or failed and the reason for failures or advisories. Knowing a vehicles MOT history is also  very useful if you are looking to purchase a car second hand.

How much will an MOT cost me?

The total cost of MOT’s are regulated with a maximum price that test stations can charge. The cost varies depending on the vehicle class. At St Georges, our fixed price is always well below the regulated maximum price allowed. There is no VAT applied to MOT’s.

How much will a re-test cost if my car fails the MOT?

Many garages charge for re-tests. At St Georges Camberley MOT centre, we will do a FREE re-test regardless of whether we do the repair work or you have it done elsewhere. To qualify for FREE, the re-test must be within 10 working days of the original test.

Can I drive a car if the MOT has expired?

It is illegal to drive your vehicle on the road after the MOT has expired. You can be prosecuted if you are caught. The only exceptions are when:

You are driving your vehicle to or from somewhere to be repaired or to a pre-booked MOT appointment. Please call our Camberley MOT centre in advance on 01276 686826 if you would like to book in with us in advance.

What is the difference between an MOT and a service? 

An MOT is designed to check whether your vehicle is safe enough to drive on public roads. A service is designed to maintain the mechanical functions of a vehicle and keep it in good working order. A vehicle service is not a legal requirement. However, regular servicing is recommended in order to keep the vehicle in a roadworthy and safe condition.

How do I check if a car has failed an MOT before?

Go on line to the DVSA’s ‘MOT History Checker’ to view details of the vehicle’s past MOT test results. This will tell you whether it has passed or failed the MOT, when and where the test took place, and which parts failed at each of the tests. See our ‘MOT Checker’ link in red further up this page.

How do I book an MOT near me?

You can do a Google search using phrases such as the following. Book an MOT near me or Camberley MOT or MOT centre near me. The same type of Google search applies if you are looking for Car service near me OR Car servicing near me. Just contact the local MOT centre or car service centre to get booked in. If you live in Camberley or surrounding towns such as Farnborough, Sandhurst, Fleet, Farnham or Aldershot or if you work locally, please give us a call on 01276 686826 to book an MOT. 

Can I book an MOT now?

Check when your MOT is due on the red ‘When is my MOT due?’ link. You can book up to 30 days before your MOT is due and your new certificate will run from the due date (i.e. you won’t lose any of the days on your current certificate).  When is my MOT due?   

Is there a way to check road tax / check vehicle tax?

In a word, yes! If you own and want to to check your car tax, you can click on the following link to do a ‘Car tax check.’  This will take you to the government records and will tell you when your car tax is next due and when your MOT expires. This is only a check site. If you’re thinking ‘I want to tax my car,’ you need to click on this link – ‘Tax my car.’ This will take you to the gov.uk/vehicle-tax website which allows you to tax your car online.

You may also be interested in our Servicing – FAQS page