MOT TESTING IN KIDLINGTON
An MOT test checks that your vehicle meets the required road safety and environmental standards. Kidlington MOT Centre is a DVSA approved vehicle testing station providing Class 4 MOT testing for cars, vans and qualifying light commercial vehicles.
MOT appointments are available throughout the working day in convenient 45-minute slots. If you have any questions about your vehicle or are unsure whether it requires a Class 4 MOT, please contact our team.
WHAT IS A CLASS 4 MOT?
Class 4 is the MOT category covering most cars and many other everyday vehicles, including:
- Cars with up to 8 passenger seats
- Motor caravans and camper vans
- Dual-purpose vehicles
- Goods vehicles up to 3,000kg design gross weight
- Private hire and public service vehicles with up to 8 passenger seats
- Many three-wheeled vehicles and quadricycles that fall within Class 4
If you are unsure which MOT class your vehicle requires, call us on 01865 841627 and we can advise.
WHAT IS CHECKED DURING AN MOT?
The MOT is a standardised inspection covering important safety, roadworthiness and environmental items. The tester checks the condition, operation and security of relevant components where applicable to your vehicle.
- Lights and signalling equipment
- Steering and suspension
- Brakes and braking performance
- Tyres and wheels
- Seatbelts and seats
- Windscreen, wipers and washers
- Mirrors and driver visibility
- Horn
- Registration plates
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Doors, bonnet and boot or tailgate
- Fuel and exhaust systems
- Exhaust emissions
- Visible electrical wiring and battery
- Dashboard warning lights where applicable
- Vehicle structure and body condition
PRE-MOT CHECKLIST
A few simple checks before your appointment can help identify some of the most common avoidable MOT problems.
- Lights: check headlights, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, number plate lights and fog lights are working.
- Tyres: check for visible damage and make sure the tread depth is at least 1.6mm across the required area of the tyre.
- Tyre pressures: ensure tyres are correctly inflated and that any tyre pressure warning light is not showing.
- Windscreen: check for significant chips or cracks, particularly in the driver's field of vision.
- Wipers: make sure the blades clear the screen properly without being split or damaged.
- Screenwash: top up the washer bottle and check the washers operate correctly.
- Mirrors: check required mirrors are secure and provide a clear view.
- Horn: make sure it operates correctly.
- Number plates: make sure they are secure, clean and clearly readable.
- Seatbelts: pull each belt out, check it fastens securely and make sure it retracts properly.
- Dashboard warning lights: check that important warning lights such as ABS, airbag, brake and engine-related warning lamps are not remaining illuminated unexpectedly.
- Doors, bonnet and boot: check they open and close securely.
- Registration and VIN: make sure the vehicle registration plates are fitted correctly and the visible VIN has not been obscured.
- Locking wheel nut key: if your vehicle has locking wheel nuts, bring the key with you. Wheels are not normally removed during the MOT itself, but the key may be required if tyre, brake or other repair work is needed.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY MOT?
For most routine MOT tests you do not need to bring any documents. In some circumstances the V5C registration certificate may be needed, for example where information about the vehicle's date of first use cannot otherwise be established.
WHEN IS MY MOT DUE?
Most vehicles require their first MOT by the third anniversary of registration and then annually. You can check your current MOT status, expiry date and previous MOT history online.
Check your MOT history on GOV.UK
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY VEHICLE FAILS?
If your vehicle fails its MOT, the result will identify any major or dangerous defects, as well as any minor defects or advisory items.
Whether you can drive the vehicle away depends on the defects identified and whether the existing MOT remains valid. A vehicle with a dangerous defect must not be driven until it has been repaired.
JS Motors Oxford can carry out most MOT-related repairs at the same Kidlington workshop. We will explain any faults identified and, with your agreement, can arrange the work required before the vehicle is retested.
MOT RETESTS
Where applicable, Kidlington MOT Centre offers a free MOT retest subject to our MOT retest terms.
Government rules allow different types of partial retest depending on whether the vehicle remains at the test station for repair or is taken away and returned. If you are unsure, ask us when your MOT result is explained.
MOT QUESTIONS
How long does an MOT take?
We schedule MOT appointments in convenient 45-minute slots. The time required can vary depending on the vehicle and whether any issues are identified during the test.
Can I wait while my vehicle is tested?
Please ask when booking your appointment and we will advise on the arrangements available for your chosen appointment time.
What happens if my vehicle fails its MOT?
If your vehicle fails, you will receive an MOT test certificate showing the items that need attention. Our team can explain the results and advise you about any repairs that may be required.
Do you offer MOT retests?
Yes. A free MOT retest is available where applicable, subject to MOT retest terms.
READY TO BOOK YOUR MOT?
Choose a convenient 45-minute appointment slot at Kidlington MOT Centre and we will confirm your requested date and time.
WHY CHOOSE KIDLINGTON MOT CENTRE?
DVSA Approved
vehicle testing station
Experienced
MOT testers
RAC Approved
Garage
About Us
JS Motors Oxford is an independent garage and MOT testing station in Kidlington, providing professional servicing, diagnostics and repairs for cars, vans and light commercial vehicles.
