When your MOT date rolls around, knowing what to expect can make things far less stressful. Whether you’re taking time off work or planning errands around your appointment, you’ll want to know how long it will take and what the process involves. Keep reading to find out exactly what to expect and how to plan your day around it.
How Long Should You Expect to Wait?
On average, an MOT test takes between 45 and 60 minutes. This assumes everything goes smoothly and your vehicle doesn’t require any immediate repairs. If your car passes without issues, you can usually drive away within the hour.
However, if problems are found, you may need to wait longer. That could be for minor fixes on-site or because you have to rebook after repairs. This is especially important to know if you’re getting your MOT during a busy period or close to the expiry date of your current certificate.
Since availability can vary between test centres, it’s worth checking what’s on offer in your area. If you’re planning around local timings, for example, booking an MOT check in Leeds, be sure to confirm appointment slots in advance.
Can You Wait While It’s Being Done?
In most cases, yes. Garages often have waiting areas for customers, so you can stay on-site. This is ideal if you’re only popping in for the MOT and expect to be in and out. Just bring something to keep yourself occupied, especially during peak hours when garages might be running behind schedule.
If you’re dropping the car off and returning later, make sure the garage has your contact details. You’ll want to be notified quickly if anything needs attention or if the car is ready earlier than expected.
What Happens During the Test?
The MOT test checks essential parts of your car that affect safety and emissions. This includes brakes, lights, tyres, seatbelts, and exhaust emissions. The tester follows a strict checklist approved by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).
No dismantling is required, so the process is relatively fast. However, if something looks borderline, the tester may take more time to check it thoroughly or run additional diagnostics. If this happens, your wait time could stretch slightly beyond the one-hour mark.
What If Your Car Fails?
If your car fails its MOT, the garage will issue a refusal of an MOT test certificate. You will also receive a list of problems that need fixing. Whether you can drive your car away depends on the severity of the issues and whether your previous certificate is still valid.
For example, if your MOT has not yet expired, and the failure isn’t considered a dangerous fault, you can legally drive it away to a garage for repairs. On the other hand, if it’s a dangerous fault, you will not be allowed to drive the vehicle until it’s repaired, regardless of the expiry date. Always ask the garage for clear advice before making any moves.
Final Thoughts
MOT tests are rarely anyone’s favourite task, but they don’t have to derail your day. By understanding how long it takes and what’s involved, you’ll be in a better position to plan ahead and avoid last-minute surprises.