MOT

We can carry out MOT appointments while you wait.

Lochrin Autos (Edinburgh) Ltd is approved by the Government appointed Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and all MOT tests are completed by MOT testers nominated by VOSA.

During the MOT test the nominated tester will conduct an inspection and a comprehensive series of checks around the vehicle.  The result of each check is recorded – if the vehicle passes a VT20 ‘Pass’ certificate is issued, if the vehicle fails to meet the required standard a VT30 ‘Failure’ document is issued.

It is your responsibility to ensure your vehicle is examined every 12 months. Without a current MOT certificate, you will be unable to drive your vehicle lawfully or renew your road fund license. Recent computerisation of the MOT testing system by VOSA means police and mobile camera units can now check remotely to see if your vehicle has a current MOT.

You can arrange an appointment online and have an MOT test completed up to one month before the expiry of your current MOT

When should my vehicle take an MOT Test? 

Vehicles should receive their first MOT when they reach 3 years of age. If your vehicle is 3 years or older you are required by law to have an MOT Test. The purpose of the test is to ensure the vehicle meets the minimum roadworthiness, and safety levels required by law.

If a car is registered with no prior use on the road, the MOT will be required three years after the date of registration. 

What is checked during an MOT test? 

Interior checks

  • Front/rear seat belts, seat security
  • Rear fog tell tales, ABS warning light
  • Switches (position lamps, headlamp)
  • Indicator, hazard switches
  • View to front wipers & washers
  • Brake pedal servo operation
  • Handbrake steering wheel & column
  • Front doors, mirrors, horn
  • Front/rear registration plate (class V N/A)
  • Front lamps, including indicators
  • Headlamps and headlamp aim
  • Mirrors, front & rear shock absorbers
  • Front/rear wheels, tyres
  • Rear lights, rear fogs, number plate lamps
  • Number plate, stop lamps
  • Fuel tank cap
  • Indicators, hazards
  • Rear doors & boot lid
  • Wiper blades
  • General condition of vehicles

Under bonnet

  • Vehicle structure
  • Braking systems
  • Exhaust system
  • Fuel system
  • Steering & suspension
  • Power steering components

Under vehicle inspection

  • Steering including power steering
  • Drive shafts (if applicable)
  • Front suspension, shock absorbers
  • Front & rear wheel bearings
  • Wheels & tyres
  • Service brake control
  • Mechanical brake components
  • Parking brake system, exhaust system
  • Fuel tank & fuel system
  • Rear suspension including shock absorbers
  • Structure, general vehicle condition

Emissions

Brake performance

How early can my car be submitted for test? 

An MOT can be carried out at any time.

If the vehicle is presented for test within the calendar month prior to the date when the MOT is due, the test certificate will run from the date of the test to one year after the expiry date of the current certificate. To have this extension, the vehicle owner should present their old certificate to the Test Station to verify that the extra time is applicable. The tester would then write the serial number of the old certificate in the appropriate section of the new certificate. The same rule would also apply if the vehicle were taken in within a calendar month of its first MOT. In this case, the vehicle owner would need to present their registration document and the serial number from this document will be entered in the “last certificate serial number” box on the MOT.