Fleet Hub

Your MOT questions answered!

An article you can keep referring back to when you’re not sure.

What is an MOT?

A Ministry of Transport (MOT) test checks the general health of your vehicle and its parts, ensuring that it's roadworthy and meets the DVSA’s legal safety and environmental standards.

When is my MOT due?

If you’ve bought a car, you can check the MOT status via the government website. If it’s a brand-new car, you don’t need an MOT test until its third anniversary, after that, however, you will need an MOT every year. If you have a lease car with NHS Fleet Solutions, here’s what you need to know. If your lease is for 36 months, your car will require an MOT before it can be collected and returned, if it’s a 24-month lease, you don’t need one.

How long does an MOT take?

Usually, the test will last around 45 to 60 minutes, which means you’ll be able to go about your day as usual and pop back to the test centre to collect it, once it’s complete.

If your car fails, and there are repairs required, it may need to stay in for a little longer. If there’s a ‘major’ issue you’ll be allowed to drive your vehicle to a garage to have it repaired. A ‘dangerous’ defect, you’ll have to wait for the issue to be fixed before driving away.

That’s why we suggest having backup transport, should this happen.

How much does an MOT cost?

If you’ve bought your own car, you’ll have to pay for your MOT, but it shouldn’t break the bank. The maximum price would be £55, repairs will be an additional cost.

If you have leased your car through NHS Fleet Solutions, the cost is covered by the lease agreement, meaning the fee is already included in your monthly payments.

What is checked during my MOT?

The test will include checking various areas of the car, including:

• Exterior: bodywork, towbars, mirrors, vehicle structure, wipers and washers, and registration plates

• Safety: seatbelts, brakes, steering and suspension, tyres and wheels, head and brake lights

• Interior: seats and doors

• Electrics: wiring, dashboard warning lights, and speedometer

• Exhausts and fuel

Will I pass my MOT?

Failing the MOT can be caused by small issues which could easily be prevented before the test. Here’s a little check-list to go through prior to your test:

• Check your windscreen for cracks and make sure your wipers are in good conditions

• Check all lights and indicators are working

• Check the tread depth of your tyres (use a 20p or a tyre tread gauge), and check pressure too

• Top up all fluid levels

• Check the horn works

• Make sure mirrors are intact and secure

• Resolve any warning lights that are showing up on your dashboard

• Give your number plate a clean (it needs to be readable)

If these checks are done, then usually your car would only fail its MOT for something that you cannot control.

If your car is up for its MOT make sure you get it booked in. If you have leased through NHS Fleet Solutions, please contact your lease company which can make the arrangements for you, or simply book your car into the dealership that carries out your routine servicing. Your leasing company details can be found in the My Account section of our website under ‘vehicle details’ or in your Driver Handbook.