MOT Testing – DVSA Rated GREEN Test Centre in Dorking

Why should I have my MOT test carried out at Tutts of Dorking?

Although the DVSA don’t make the scores public knowledge, they do score MOT testing stations on a traffic light system and we’re very proud to be able to say that we are rated as a green testing station. We also chose to be quality control checked by the Retail Motor Industry Federation annually to make sure that we are fully compliant.

How do I book an MOT test at Tutts of Dorking?

The quickest way to book is by giving us a call on 01306 286014.
You can also email us or fill in our booking request form below.

Book your MOT with Tutts of Dorking

Email us to request an MOT with Tutts of Dorking.
reception@tuttsofdorking.co.uk

How often should my car have an MOT test?

The first MOT test is required once a car has reached three years old (there are different rules if you use it as a taxi or if it has more than 8 passenger seats). Testing is then required every 12 months. You are able to have the MOT test carried out up to a calendar month in advance.

When is my MOT due?

Don’t worry; we’re here to help. Simply fill in the boxes below and we’ll email you the expiry date.

Remind me when my MOT expires

Email us to request a reminder of when your MOT is due to expire.
reception@tuttsofdorking.co.uk

Alternatively, give us a quick call on 01306 286014 and we can tell you straight away.

How much is an MOT test?

The cost of an MOT at Tutts of Dorking is £54.85, no VAT.

What type of vehicles can you MOT test at Tutts of Dorking?

We carry out MOT tests on class 4 vehicles.

  • Cars (up to 8 passenger seats)
  • Goods vehicles (up to 3,000kg design gross weight) – dependent on size, please call for clarification as we are slightly limited with commercial vehicles due to the height of our roller doors

What happens if my car fails the MOT test?

All repair work can be quoted for and carried out by our experienced technicians. However, of course, you are welcome to take the car away and either carry out the repair yourself or have it attended to at another garage and we will be happy to carry out a free MOT re-test within 10 working days of the failed test. Outside of those 10 working days a full test will have to be carried out again which will be chargeable at our normal MOT test price (unfortunately the time restriction is controlled by the DVSA not by ourselves).

Can I watch while the MOT test is being carried out?

Yes, that’s no problem. We have a dedicated MOT viewing area so you are able to view your car during its MOT test should you wish to.

How long does MOT testing take and can I wait while it’s done?

Yes of course, you will need to make a booking in advance so just contact us for appointment availability. The test normally takes around 45 minutes and you can either wonder in to town (5 minute walk) or relax in our reception with free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, newspapers and magazines.

Will you supply me with an MOT test certificate?

Yes, although all details of the MOT are now stored online you will still get a certificate.

What do I need to bring with me on the day of my MOT?

Just the car, no paperwork is needed so don’t worry about hunting around for your old certificate!

Is there anything I can do to help obtain an MOT pass the first time?

There are some simple checks you can carry out, such as checking light operation and tyre condition, and also checking and topping up your under-bonnet levels i.e. screen wash etc. Don’t worry too much about this as our MOT tester will do little bits and pieces such as replacing bulbs, wipers and topping up your screen wash during the test free of labour charge and if the worst comes to the worst we wont charge for a re-test as long as it is carried out within 10 working days.

To check the MOT history of your vehicle or one you’re thinking of buying…

For this service you will need the registration number of the car and the document reference number from the front of the V5c registration document. The MOT history of a car, dating back to 2005 when MOT tests were computerised, can be accessed on the direct.gov website at https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history-vehicle
This service will give you the following information;

  • Whether the vehicle passed or failed the MOT test
  • The date the MOT test was carried out and the expiry date
  • The mileage
  • The MOT testing station name, VTS number and telephone number
  • Any advisory notes that were made

Why does my car need an MOT test?

It is the responsibility of everyone who uses a motor vehicle on the road to keep it in a roadworthy condition at all times. Roadworthiness is essential in the interests of road safety and protecting the environment. The MOT test has been put into place to ensure that all vehicles used on the public highway are checked on a regular basis; however it is not intended to replace regular general maintenance.
The MOT test requires the nominated tester to look at some important items on your car to ensure that they meet key minimum legal requirements at the time of the test being carried out. You should be aware however that the presence of an MOT test certificate does not guarantee the general mechanical condition of a vehicle.
Without a valid MOT you will not be able to renew the road tax, it may cause complications with your insurance in the event of a claim and you could be fined up to £1000.

A guide to the components that will be inspected during your MOT test:

Body and Structure

The body and structure of your vehicle must be free from excessive corrosion and damage in specific prescribed areas. The body must also be free of any sharp edges which may cause injury.

Towbar

The towbar on your vehicle (where fitted) is checked for security, condition and any inappropriate repairs. Also now included in the test is the operation of the towbar electrics. The towbar electrics must now fully operate the rear lamps on your trailer, caravan or trailer board. This is tested by a special tool which is connected to the tow socket on your vehicle, and will indicate to the MOT tester if any faults are present.

Fuel System and Fuel Tank

The fuel system must be free of leaks. The security and condition of fuel hoses and pipes are checked where visible. The fuel cap must fasten and seal securely. The fuel cap will also need to be removed and checked during the test so the appropriate key will need to be made available where applicable.

Engine Exhaust Emissions

Your vehicle will under-go a basic engine exhaust emissions check. The limits of which will be specific to the age of the vehicle. It is imperative that the engine of your vehicle is in good health and that the histories of items such as the timing belt (also known as cam belt) are known before carrying out these tests. Petrol engine vehicles will need to be run at approximately half maximum engine speed during the basic emissions test. Diesel engines are quite often required to be accelerated up to maximum engine speed during a diesel emissions smoke test. Poor condition/damaged timing belts and/or tensioners may fail during these tests and will almost certainly result in major engine damage, so prior knowledge that the timing belt has been replaced within manufacturer specified intervals is extremely important.

Exhaust System

The exhaust system must be complete, secure and without any major leaks. Exhaust systems may also fail if they are obviously louder than the original manufacturer specification, protrude too far from the vehicle edge (likely to cause injury), if a catalyst has been removed or is missing where one was fitted as standard or if the exhaust tail pipe is positioned in such a manner that exhaust gases may enter into the vehicle cabin.
From the 1st of February 2014 MOT testers are required to check for the presence of the diesel particulate filter (also known as a DPF). If the vehicle should have a DPF fitted as standard and it is found to be missing, the vehicle will fail its MOT test. This is to combat the growing trend of vehicle owners having the DPF removed when they become blocked. Replacing a DPF can be an expensive job which is why ‘de-CAT’ pipes are becoming commonplace, but this can often be avoided by using the vehicle in the manner for which it was originally designed, and also by not ignoring engine malfunction indicator lights. Vehicles fitted with a diesel particulate filter are usually required to be driven through a set driving cycle by the owner. Failure to carry out this drive cycle will stop the filter from being able to regenerate, causing them to become blocked.

Seat Belts and Airbag System

All seat belts fitted to the vehicle are checked for type, condition, operation and security. All mandatory seat belts must be fitted to the vehicle. A check is made to ensure that the airbag system (also known as SRS or Supplementary Restraint System) malfunction lamp is not illuminated indicating a fault. The airbag malfunction indication lamp being illuminated is now a failure following a recent update to the MOT test rules, and will need to be rectified in order to obtain a pass.

Seats

All seats fitted to the vehicle are checked for security. The drivers seat fore and aft adjustment (forwards and backwards) must function correctly where applicable. All seat backs must secure in the upright position correctly.

Doors

All vehicle doors must latch securely in the closed position. Front doors must be able to be opened from both the inside and the outside handles. Rear doors do not need to open from the inside but must open using the outside handle. Door hinges and catches must function in such a way that they do not adversely affect the way that a door opens and closes.

Rear View Mirrors

The obligatory rear view mirrors must provide an adequate view to the rear of the vehicle. All class 4 vehicles first used on or after 1st August 1978 must have a minimum of the drivers side door/wing mirror and at least one of the passenger side door/wing mirror or the central rear view mirror. A broken mirror glass may not necessarily be an instant failure if it still provides a reasonable view to the rear.

Load Security and Spare Wheel/Carrier

The vehicle boot, tailgate, any loading doors or access panels, tailboards or drop sides are checked to ensure they close securely. The spare wheel is not part of the test as such but you should be made aware of any defects when noticed by the tester. If the spare wheel is secured to the vehicle by way of an external carrier, it must be securely attached to the vehicle body in such a way that it is unlikely to fall off.

Brakes and Brake Controls

Your vehicles brakes are checked for condition and security, including any inappropriate modifications or repairs. The performance of the braking system is checked using the appropriate equipment. It is also tested for any major imbalance from one side to the other that may cause unexpected or undesirable characteristics under braking. It should be noted that the removal of wheels and/or wheel trims is not permitted during an MOT test and therefore it should not be assumed that an MOT test pass is an indication that your brakes are in a reasonable condition as full view of the brake components may not be possible.
The anti-lock brake and electronic stability control systems are checked for illumination of the malfunction indicator light. Indication of a fault in either system will count as a reason for the tester to issue a failure notice. Also included in the test is the correct function of the parking brake and its controls including any appropriate warning lights.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels and tyres on your vehicle will be checked for condition, security and correct tyre size, type and load rating. A temporary use spare tyre (sometimes called a space saver) is not permitted to be presented as a ‘road wheel’ and the fitment of one will result in a failure of the test. Vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2012 are subject to a check of the malfunction indicator lamp for the tyre pressure monitoring system. Tyre pressure monitoring systems are now required to be fitted to all new vehicles by EU law as of November 2012.
Loose or missing wheel nuts or bolts/studs are also a reason for refusal to issue a pass certificate.

Registration Plates

The registration plates on your car should be clear, correctly spaced, of the correct type and size, and using the correct font. They should also be clean and undamaged so that they can be read from a reasonable distance and cannot be misread as something different. Any modifications to the registration plates so that they intentionally read as something different are illegal and also a reason for refusal to issue a pass.

Obligatory Lights and Reflectors

The condition and operation of all obligatory lights are checked during the MOT test. This will include headlamps, directional indicator lamps, side or position lamps, stop lamps and fog lamps. Non-obligatory lamps include the nearside rear fog lamp, front fog lamps and reversing lamps. Non-obligatory lamps are those not required to work by law. The beam image of each headlamp is checked. This can be affected by something as simple as an incorrectly fitted bulb. If your vehicle is fitted with HID (sometimes known as Xenon) headlamps, it should be fitted with headlamp washers and an automatic headlamp levelling system as standard. If your vehicle is fitted with HID lamps without these items or if they no longer function correctly, that is a reason for failure. Aftermarket HID kits are currently very popular but not strictly legal unless accompanied by headlamp washers and automatic levelling. They can also have an adverse effect on the beam image if the headlamp is not designed to accommodate HID headlamp bulbs.
Your vehicle must also have 2 reflectors fitted to the rear of the vehicle. They must be red in colour and must not be obscured by more than 50% of its reflective surface; this also applies if they are broken.

Bonnet/Hood

For the purpose of the MOT test, the bonnet or hood is referred to as an ‘engine cover’ or other device that is designed to be readily opened. The MOT tester can refuse to test your vehicle if the bonnet does not open, as a proper examination cannot be carried out. The bonnet must also close securely.

Washers and Wipers

The washer and wiper systems must be in good working order. Wiper blades must effectively clear water from the windscreen and adequate amounts of washer fluid must reach the windscreen. The wiper system must work continuously when switched to an automatic setting and the switches must be accessible to the driver. The wipers must also operate over an adequate area to give a clear view of the road from left to right through the windscreen.

Windscreen

The windscreen is an extremely important part of any car. Few people are aware that modern car design requires the windscreen to aid in the structural integrity of the vehicle. Of course it’s also very important that you can see where you are going! Excessive damage to a windscreen and any items fitted that may obscure the drivers view is a reason to fail an MOT test. Light scratches are not necessarily a failure depending on the position and severity of the scratch in question.

Horn

The horn on your vehicle must be loud enough to be heard by other road users, not sound harsh or grating and must only produce one tone or continuous note. A horn that produces a tune for example is not permitted, nor is a siren.

Steering Control and Suspension

Steering and suspension make up a large part of the MOT test and of course is very important to how your vehicle behaves on the road. Everything on your vehicles steering and suspension system is checked, from the steering wheel to the wheel bearings and from the top suspension mounts to the anti-roll bar. Where power assisted steering is fitted, the steering components are checked for any leakage and whether the power assistance is actually working (the steering can be extremely heavy if the assistance has failed). Where electric/electronic power assisted steering is fitted the malfunction indicator light is checked. Illumination of this lamp will result in a failure of the test.

Vehicle Identification Number (or VIN)

A Vehicle Identification Number is required on all vehicles first used after the 1st of August 1980 and must be permanently displayed on a secured VIN plate or etched into the vehicle body or chassis. Exceptions to this are kit cars and amateur built vehicles. The MOT tester will check the VIN number against the records held by the DVLA to check that it’s correct and legible. Vehicles first registered in the UK will have a 17 digit VIN number. Vehicles registered overseas and imported to the UK may be different.

Electrical Wiring and Battery

The electrical wiring on your vehicle will be subject to inspection where visible to ensure it is adequately secured and supported so that it unlikely to become damaged or cause a short circuit. Batteries will be checked for condition and security. The condition check does not include the starting capacity of the battery, however if the vehicle does not start the tester will have to refuse to carry out an MOT test. Battery security is a fairly new addition to the MOT test and in years gone by many vehicles were issued with a failure incorrectly for this fault. It is now part of the test on safety grounds.

Additional Items

Also checked during the MOT test is the presence of the speedometer, its condition and the illumination. Although the function is not part of the test, it may fail if it’s obviously not working. For example, if the needle has fallen off or is broken.

Please note that although we try to keep this guide as up to date as possible, a full list of testable items is available on the DVSA website.

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