MOT Testing In Nottingham, Mansfield & Derby
Making sure your vehicle is safe to drive
At Ken's Autos, we see ourselves as a one-stop shop for all of your vehicle maintenance needs. As well as providing you with quality spare parts, we also offer MOT testing too. If your car is more than three years old, it’s a legal requirement to have an MOT test once a year to check that your vehicle is safe and roadworthy.
MOT Test Center in Nottingham
When we carry out an MOT test on your vehicle, we’ll run tests on all of the elements you’d expect, including:
- Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment
- Steering and suspension
- Brakes
- Tyres and wheels
- Seatbelts
- Body, structure and general items
- Exhaust, fuel and emissions
- Mirrors, windscreens and wipers
Once the test has been completed, if any MOT repairs are required then we can also get to work on fixing them for you – saving you the need of having to organise them elsewhere.
Whether you’re looking for a service and MOT or just to book an MOT test, we’re here to help. We offer our MOT service to customers from Nottingham, Derby, Mansfield and the surrounding areas. To find out more or to book an MOT test, give us a call or visit our garage today.
From the workshop
Recent work
What is checked during an MOT?
An MOT is a legal roadworthiness test, not a service. It checks that a vehicle meets the minimum safety and environmental standards set by the DVSA on the day it is tested — it is not a guarantee of the vehicle’s general condition, and it does not cover the engine, clutch or gearbox.
- Lights, indicators and reflectors
- Brakes and brake performance
- Steering and suspension
- Tyres, wheels and tread depth
- Seat belts and seats
- Windscreen, wipers and washers
- Exhaust, emissions and fuel system
- Horn, mirrors and registration plates
- Vehicle structure and body condition
A car needs its first MOT three years from the date of first registration, and then once every year after that. You can check any vehicle’s MOT status, expiry date and full test history free of charge on the GOV.UK website using its registration number.
Driving without a valid MOT can mean a fine of up to £1,000, and your insurance may not be valid. If your vehicle fails, you can be fined up to £2,500, get three penalty points and be banned from driving for dangerous defects.
Common questions
MOT questions
How often does my car need an MOT?
The first MOT is due three years after the date of first registration, then every 12 months. Some vehicle types differ, and you can confirm any vehicle’s due date free on GOV.UK.
Is an MOT the same as a service?
No. An MOT is a legal safety and emissions check against a set standard. A service is preventative maintenance — oil, filters, fluids and wear items. A car can pass its MOT and still be due a service.
Can I drive my car if it fails its MOT?
Only in limited circumstances — to a pre-booked test or to a garage for repair — and never with a dangerous defect. Otherwise the vehicle must not be used on the road.
How early can I get my MOT done?
You can test up to one month minus a day before the expiry date and keep the same renewal date, so an early test does not cost you any of the year.
What happens if my car fails?
You will be given a list of the defects and whether each is dangerous, major or minor. The vehicle needs the faults repaired and a retest before it can be used normally on the road.
Related services
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Ken’s Auto Spares · Bulwell
Talk to us about it
Give us a ring, or drop in — 2-4 Carey Road, Bulwell, NG6 8AT.