Croydon MOT
The purpose of an MOT test is simple: to confirm that your vehicle meets the minimum safety and environmental standards required by law. Once your car is three years old, it must undergo an MOT every year to remain road-legal.
During your Croydon MOT, our DVSA-approved testers will carry out a thorough visual inspection of key components throughout your vehicle. This includes checks to the interior, exterior, under the bonnet, emissions system, lights, brakes, steering, suspension and more.
Your MOT does not replace a regular service, it simply ensures your car is safe to drive. If you’re ready for your test, book your Croydon MOT online today.
What Happens After Your MOT Test?
At the end of the test, you’ll receive one of two outcomes:
✔ MOT Pass – VT20 Certificate
Your car has met the minimum legal standard. Any advisory items will be listed, which you should monitor and repair when needed.
✘ MOT Fail – VT30 Certificate
Your vehicle hasn’t met the required safety standard. The certificate will outline the reasons for failure along with the MOT test number and vehicle details.
Our Croydon MOT team will explain the findings clearly and provide an honest, no-obligation quote for any recommended repairs. We also offer a FREE MOT retest within 10 working days if the vehicle fails.
Changes to the MOT Test
In May 2018, the government announced several changes to the MOT test in England, Scotland and Wales. The updated MOT rules apply to cars, vans, motorcycles and other light passenger vehicles. Any defects found during the test are placed into one of three categories: minor, major or dangerous.
The category assigned depends on the nature of the issue and how significantly it affects the vehicle’s safety or environmental performance. During your Croydon MOT, our testers will highlight any items that require monitoring or future repair.
Here is an overview of each MOT defect category and what it means for your overall MOT result.
| Dangerous | A defect that has a direct and immediate risk to road safety or presents a serious impact on the environment. Do not drive the vehicle until it has been repaired. | Fail |
| Major | Possible effect on vehicle safety and may put other road users at risk or have an impact on the environment. Repair the defect immediately. | Fail |
| Minor | No significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment. Repairs are required as soon as possible. | Pass |
| Advisory | Not a safety concern yet but could become more serious in the future. Monitor and repair if needed. | Pass |
| Pass | It meets the minimum legal standard. Ensure that it continues to meet the standard. | Pass |
Additional MOT Changes You Should Know
In recent updates, MOT testers now inspect:
- brake discs for wear or cracking
- reversing lights on newer vehicles
- steering systems, including leaks from the steering box
- fluid contamination
- dashboard warning lights
Vehicles over 40 years old may be MOT-exempt if they have not been substantially altered. You can check your vehicle’s status online.
We’ve highlighted some of the key changes to the MOT test, but if you’d like more information, here is a comprehensive guide on Seven Common MOT Failures and How To Avoid Them. When your vehicle is ready, you can book your Croydon MOT online at a time that suits you.
Things to do in Croydon While You Wait
The MOT test takes about an hour so while you wait, enjoy some retail therapy at London Road Shops, Thornton Heath (10 min walk or 3 minutes in the bus). You will find many options including Lidl, the Stock Shop for ladies clothing, Coughlin’s Bakery and many others.
Keep forgetting your MOT due date? Use the online MOT checker and then sign up for our FREE text reminder service. Remember, it’s illegal to drive without a valid MOT unless you can prove you are going to a booked test. Penalties for driving without an MOT can be fines from £1000 or even more if you have serious faults; plus. your insurance would be invalid.
Ready for your test? Book your Croydon MOT before it’s too late by clicking the below button.