Poole MOT
Elite Garages has been a trusted MOT provider across the South of England for more than 60 years, and we’re excited to bring that same level of expertise to Poole. While our Poole branch is now open for servicing, tyres, wheel alignment, diagnostics and repairs, MOT testing is not yet available. We are currently in the final stages of approval from the DVSA, and we’ll announce the launch date as soon as we are officially signed off.
In the meantime, our team is still here to help with MOT preparation, repairs and safety checks, so your vehicle is fully ready for its test when MOTs go live at Elite Garages Poole. To help prepare you even further, here are some Pre-MOT Checks you can do at Home.
What Is an MOT and Why Does It Matter?
An MOT is an annual inspection required by law for vehicles over three years old. The purpose of the test is to ensure your vehicle meets minimum safety and environmental standards, keeping both you and other road users safe.
During a standard MOT (Class 4), a technician checks key components including:
- lights and electrics
- brakes and tyres
- steering and suspension
- bodywork and structural integrity
- exhaust and emissions
- windscreen, wipers and washers
- seatbelts and safety systems
What Happens During an MOT?
Once your MOT inspection is complete, your vehicle will be issued with either a Pass or a Fail, along with the appropriate certificate. A successful MOT results in a VT20 pass certificate, confirming your vehicle meets the legal safety and environmental standards. If the vehicle does not meet the required criteria, our future Poole MOT testing centre will provide a VT30 ‘Refusal of MOT Test Certificate’, which outlines the MOT test number, vehicle details and the specific reasons it did not pass.
The MOT test focuses on assessing a vehicle’s safety, roadworthiness and emissions, with particular attention given to components such as brakes, tyres and exhaust systems. Once a vehicle reaches three years of age, an MOT becomes a legal requirement every year. Although the MOT is strictly a visual inspection, which means testers cannot carry out repairs during the test itself so regular servicing remains essential to keeping your car in good working order.
Updates to the MOT Test
In May 2018, several updates were introduced to MOT testing across England, Scotland and Wales. These changes apply to cars, vans, motorcycles and other light passenger vehicles. Defects found during the MOT are now categorised as minor, major or dangerous, depending on the severity of the issue and its impact on safety or emissions. When our Poole MOT testing centre is up and running, our technicians will explain any defects clearly and advise you on items that require monitoring or urgent repair.
Below is an overview of the defect categories and what each one means for your 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 Rules You Should Be Aware Of
Modern MOT standards also include stricter checks for diesel vehicles fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). If a tester sees smoke of any colour coming from the exhaust during the inspection, or finds evidence that the DPF has been removed or tampered with, the vehicle will receive a major defect and automatically fail.
It’s worth noting that vehicles over 40 years old do not require an MOT unless they have been significantly modified. If you’re unsure of your vehicle’s registration date, you can check this quickly using the Government’s online MOT checker. Before the rule change, the exemption only applied to cars built before 1960.
Other updates to the MOT test mean that additional components are now inspected, including reversing lights, steering systems and brake discs. Issues such as a heavy steering-box leak, non-functioning reversing lights, or discs that are severely worn will all result in a test failure.
Poole MOT Tests
Elite’s Poole MOT testing centre carries out MOT tests for cars and small commercial vehicles, offering fast, reliable inspections you can trust. A standard MOT takes around one hour, giving you the flexibility to wait on-site or visit nearby cafés, shops or Poole Park while we complete the test.
After the inspection, our Poole MOT technicians will talk you through the results and explain any advisory items or repairs that may be required. If your vehicle does not pass, we offer a FREE MOT retest within 10 working days, giving you peace of mind and excellent value.
To make life easier, you can also sign up for our FREE MOT reminder service, ensuring you never miss your annual test again. Remember, driving without a valid MOT can result in fines of up to £1,000 and may invalidate your insurance, so staying up to date is essential.
While You Wait in Poole
Since the MOT test takes about an hour, you can explore the immediate area with a Premier Convenience store and several foodie places, including Parkway Fish Bar and Beijing Palace if you’re in the mood for takeaway. A bit further way, you can enjoy stunning beaches or explore Poole Harbour.