Group

Local MOT Test Centre Near Me

To keep your car roadworthy and keep drivers safe on the road. The UK government implemented a mandatory MOT Test to be carried out annually. This is to keep road users safe making sure all vehicles will pass a minimum standard of safety to be on the UK roads.

To make sure your car has a valid MOT certificate, the UK government has provided a tool that will check the MOT status of a vehicle. Simply enter your vehicle registration, confirm your vehicle and the full details will be presented to you. This makes sure you know when the date of your MOT expires.

Howards Motor Group has 18 local MOT garages which are all registered MOT test centres. Our vast network of MOT test centres ensures we are providing this service to our local community.

 

At each MOT testing station we offer you, the customer, the following:

Blue stopwatch icon showing partially elapsed time.

MOT

while you wait
Blue Wi-Fi signal icon.

Free WiFi

in all our customer waiting areas
Blue car icon facing forward.

Courtesy Car

is available **subject to availability**
Illustration of a blue clipboard with a checklist and tick marks.

Collection & Delivery

service is available **subject to availability**

When you book your MOT test with Howards you can be assured that each MOT will be carried out by fully qualified and trained technicians. We only use genuine branded parts and fluids on your vehicle, maintaining your vehicle's warranty.


MOT Test Centre Near Me

 

Here are Howard's locations that offer MOT testing. You’ll notice we cover all Dorset and Somerset areas. Click on the location nearest to you and you’ll see each MOT test centre and their location. This way you can choose the MOT test centre that is right for you or that nearest to you.

Map showing Weston-super-Mare and surrounding areas including major roads like the M5 and A370.

Weston-super-Mare

Map showing Dorchester and surrounding areas in Dorset, including Poundbury and Winterborne Came.

Dorchester

MOT FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

 

How Often Do You Need An MOT?

Do you own a car that is 3-years old or more? If so your car requires a valid MOT test certificate. This MOT certificate should be renewed annually, make sure you add a reminder on your calendar. It is your responsibility to make sure your car goes through an MOT check every 12-months. You are able to MOT your car 28-days before the MOT due date.


How Do I Know When My MOT Expires?

The MOT expiry date will be shown on your MOT certificate, make sure to make a note of this before filling this paperwork away. If you’ve bought your car from new here is no government MOT reminder that will be sent to you. You need to make a note or relay on the retailer you purchased your car from to send you a reminder.


What If My MOT Has Expired?

It’s a legal requirement that your car has an MOT certificate. If you own a car with an expired MOT you won’t be able to drive your car legally or renew your road tax. You could receive a fine for not having an up to date MOT certificate for your vehicle. It may also void your car insurance if your involved in an accident without an up to date MOT.


What Do I Need To Take With Me To My MOT Booking?

All you need is the car you have booked in for an MOT. Our MOT garage will be able to look up your vehicle on the DVSA database. This will give them your existing or previous MOT certificate. This is great news if you can’t find your MOT certificate.


What Gets Checked In An MOT?

Because the MOT is a legal safety requirement there are a stringent set of tests laid out by the DVSA. Your car must meet the minimum requirements for the following checks…

  • VIN (vehicle identification number) - is it present and legible
  • Registration Plate - they are looking at condition, security, legibility and format of letters
  • Lights - they are looking at condition, operation, security and colour of your vehicle’s lights
  • Steering and suspension - they are looking at steering and suspension components for correct condition and operation
  • Wipers & Washer Bottle - checking for correct operation
  • Windscreen - looking for chips and cracks that are bigger than 10m in the driver’s line f sight or 40mm elsewhere
  • Horn - does it work and is it effective
  • Seatbelts - checked for type, condition, correct function
  • Seats - checked for security
  • Fuel System - looking for leaks and the fuel cap fastens and seals
  • Emissions - checking exhaust emissions against the guidelines of the vehicle
  • Bodywork - does it have excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas
  • Doors - that they function correctly and latch securely
  • Mirrors - condition and security of mirrors
  • Wheels & Tyres - there are a few key points to look at such as condition, security, tyre size, type and depth
  • Brakes - making sure they perform efficiently are in good condition and operation.
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