What To Expect When Getting A Van MOT
A Ministry of Transport (MOT) test is something that everybody who drives a vehicle will be familiar with. It’s an annual test that is designed to test the safety of a vehicle and see whether it is roadworthy. Most vehicles that are over three years old require annual MOT testing, as driving a vehicle without an MOT certificate is dangerous, unsafe and most importantly illegal. You will invalidate your insurance, put yourself and others in danger and face your car being impounded with a fine of up to £1000 issued.
Van MOTs are very similar to other vehicles and are more likely to fail due to usually being on the road a lot more than cars, so here is Van Sales UK’s guide to Van MOTs.
Van MOTs
A van MOT ensures your vehicle is safe and can be driven legally on roads. Just like a normal MOT, vans need to be tested yearly, unless they are less than three years old. An MOT takes around 45 minutes to an hour, where the tester will conduct a series of tests on your van to ensure it is roadworthy. Some of the things checked during an MOT include:
- Lights
- Steering
- Suspension
- Seatbelts
- Horn
- Registration plates
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Seats
- Fuel System
- Exhaust & Emissions
- Wheels & Tyres
- Doors
- Brakes
Some of the things not covered on an MOT test include the condition of the engine, gearbox and clutch. This is because they are not deemed as being safety-critical. If you want to ensure your car is in good working order in accordance with the manufacturer, it is often best to book a service as well as an MOT. The MOT looks at keeping the car safe at the present moment, not about maintaining its condition in the future.
Vans often fall into vehicle classes 4, 5 or 7 which may require you to seek out a specialised van MOT testing centre, as the van MOT might not be available in all places. You may find yourself paying more if your van is particularly heavy, but the prices are capped at just below £60 so you should never expect to pay more than this.
What If My Van Fails?
If your van fails, you can usually leave it at the garage you had the MOT and they will repair it for you. You can then have it retested, and there will be no fee for the retest if done within 10 days of the fail notice. You will however have to pay for the cost of the repairs to allow you to drive the vehicle again.
New & Used Vans For Sale
Now you know all about Van MOTs, it’s time to purchase your new or used van from Van Sales UK. We have hundreds of great quality vans available to buy or lease, with electric options available as well. So call now on 0117 428 7721 to talk through your van requirements with one of our team, or browse our range by visiting our website today.
