RPL Automotive - MOT Tests in Lindford & Bordon

Car and Van MOT Tests in Lindford & Bordon, Hampshire

RPL Automotive in Lindford, near Bordon, is Hampshire's Best Independent Mercedes Service Centre.

Are you looking for an MOT Test in Lindford ? If so, RPL Automotive, the BEST Independent Mercedes Garage in Lindford, near Bordon, will MOT your car, van or motorcycle. At RPL Automotive, you're in safe hands. We pride ourselves on giving your vehicle the best care possible.

We’ve been carrying out MOT Tests for cars, vans and motorcycles in our Lindford garage since we first opened our doors in 2006.

Let's take a look at some common questions we get asked at our Independent Mercedes Garage in Lindford.

What is An MOT Test?

The MOT Test is an annual inspection that follows the strict criteria and standards as set out by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). It determines if your car is fit for purpose and whether or not it is in roadworthy condition (safe to be driven on a public highway). The MOT test covers a wide range of vehicle safety checks that, among others, includes the lights, tyres, seatbelts, suspension and emissions. An MOT Test and can only be carried out by a garage that has been approved by the DVSA, and employs DVSA approved vehicle examiners (MOT Testers).

RPL Automotive is a DVSA Approved Garage that offers you an MOT Test in Lindford, Hampshire for your car, van or motorcycle. In fact, we are one of only two DVSA Approved Garages in the Bordon area that can offer you an MOT Test for your motorcycle, Class 1 or Class 2.

During the MOT test the MOT tester, will assess your vehicle, to ensure the vehicle is in roadworthy condition. If it is, it will pass the MOT Test, if not, it will fail the test. It’s important to note that the MOT Test is not the same as having your vehicle serviced, the MOT test does not check the mechanical condition, or wear of the vehicle. It just checks to ensure your vehicle exceeds a certain minimum level of condition and function. An MOT test is also not to be taken as proof of the overall condition of a vehicle you may want to buy, as the MOT assessment is only based on the condition of the vehicle on the day of the MOT Test.

When Do I Need To Get My First MOT Test?

Generally speaking the majority of vehicles require their first MOT Test at 3 years old. However, there are some vehicles that will need to pass an MOT Test at 1 year old. These vehicles are primarily Taxis and Public Service Vehicles (PSV) with seating for more than 5 people. You can find a list of those vehicles here.

How Much Is An MOT Test?

There are many different classes of MOT Tests covering a multitude of different types of vehicle. You can find out the Full MOT Test Fees in this document from the DVSA website.

At RPL Automotive, your independent Mercedes garage in Lindford, we offer a discounted MOT Test to all our customers.

Currently we carry out:

Class 1 MOT Tests for £25.00* - (Full Price £29.65, or with a sidecar £37.80)

Class 2 MOT Tests for £25.00* - (Full Price £29.65, or with a sidecar £37.80)

Class 4 MOT Tests for £50.00* - (Full Price £54.85)

How Often Do I Need An MOT Test?

Every vehicle that is three years old, or over (one year in some cases), must have a current MOT Test Certificate and it must be renewed every a year if it is either driven on, or parked on the public highway. Vehicles in storage or ones that are not being driven / parked on the highway, are not required to have an MOT Test. If you have a car, it is your responsibility to make sure that it is examined annually at a DVSA approved MOT Test Centre, such as ours in Lindford.

You can find out when your current MOT expires by looking at your current test certificate.

If you can’t find it, don’t have a current MOT, or have misplaced the MOT documents, you can check the MOT status of your vehicle by clicking the button to the right.

What’s Included In An MOT Test?

When you bring your vehicle in to our independent Mercedes workshops at RPL Automotive in Lindford for an MOT Test, our experienced MOT testers will fist place your vehicle on the MOT Testing ramp. Then the MOT tester will check the following components and vehicle systems to ensure each meets the minimum standard set out by the DVSA before issuing an MOT Pass Certificate.

VIN - Vehicle Identification Number

The MOT test checks that the Vehicle Identification Number, often referred to as the VIN, is both present and legibly displayed on the vehicle.

Registration Plate

The MOT tester will check the vehicles registration plates for; condition, security, legibility and the correct format of letters and numbers. If the spacing and lettering on the number plate has been altered in any way, the vehicle will fail the MOT Test.

Lights

The MOT test checks the condition, operation, security and colour of your vehicles lights. The test will also check if the headlamp aim is correct.

Steering and Suspension

The MOT tester will also check the steering and suspension components for correct condition and that the operation of each testable item is correct.

Windscreen Wipers, Washers and Washer Bottle

During the MOT the MOT tester will make sure that your vehicle's wipers and washers operate properly and give the driver a clear view of the road.

Windscreen

Your vehicle's windscreen will be checked for any chips or cracks during its MOT Test in Lindford. The maximum damage size is 10mm in the drivers’ line of vision and damage contained within 40mm elsewhere in the remaining area swept by the wiper blades.

Horn

The MOT test will make sure that the vehicles horn operation is effectiveness and suitable for the vehicle.

Seat Belts

All seat belts including those in the rear of the vehicle are checked for type, condition, correct operation and security, and that all compulsory seat belts are in place.

Seats

Your vehicle’s front seats are checked for security during the MOT test. Rear seats may, or may not be fitted at the time of test.

Fuel System

The fuel system, including the fuel pipes. is checked during the MOT test for leaks, security and that the fuel cap fastens and seals securely. Temporary ‘push in’ type fuel caps will lead to an MOT failure.

Emissions

The MOT test checks your exhaust emissions are within limits, and that the vehicle’s exhaust is complete, secure, without serious leaks, and silences effectively.

Bodywork

Vehicle structure and body shell are checked during the MOT test for excessive corrosion or damage within specific areas of the vehicle. Any sharp edge likely to cause injury can also result in an MOT failure.

Doors

Doors must open and close correctly and latch securely in a closed position. Front doors should open from both the inside and outside of the vehicle. Rear doors may need to be opened to gain access to testable items like rear seat belts and suspension points.

Mirrors

The mirrors on your vehicle are checked during the MOT test for condition and security.

Wheels and Tyres

The nominated MOT tester will check the vehicle's wheels and tyres during the MOT test for: condition, security, tyre size and type and tread depth.

Brakes

The MOT tests the efficiency of the vehicle's braking performance, condition and operation. Most vehicles are tested on a roller brake tester, however some vehicles require a road test using a ‘Tapley Meter’ to ascertain their braking efficiency and operation.

Is My Vehicle Exempt From An MOT?

Some vehicles are exempt from having an MOT Test.

Vehicles that do not need an MOT Test include:

• Goods vehicles powered by electricity and registered before 1 March 2015
• Tractors
• Some historic (‘classic’) vehicles

A list of exempt types of vehicles can be found on the MOT exemption form (V112).

If you think your vehicle should be exempt from an MOT Test you need to fill in the form if your vehicle is listed, so that you can either tax it or apply for tax exemption. Or you can call in at our Lindford workshop and discuss the status of your vehicle and its MOT Test at anytime.

Can I Drive My Car If It Fails The MOT Test?

We would strongly advise that you do not drive your vehicle on the public highway if it does not have a current MOT test, or has failed its MOT Test.

The following is taken from the DVSA Website:

Driving a vehicle that’s failed

You can take your vehicle away if:

• Your current MOT certificate is still valid
• No ‘dangerous’ problems were listed in the MOT
• Otherwise, you’ll need to get it repaired before you can drive.

If you can take your vehicle away, it must still meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times.

You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle that has failed its MOT because of a ‘dangerous’ problem.

Remember, you’re responsible for making sure your vehicle is always safe to drive (‘roadworthy’). It can be unsafe even if you have a current MOT certificate.

Another point worth noting is that if you drive a vehicle on the public highway without a valid MOT Certificate, your vehicle’s insurance policy will probably also be invalid. If you are stopped by the police or have an accident this could even lead to your vehicle being taken away and crushed, as well as a fine and possible points on your licence.

If My Car Fails Its MOT Test, Do I Have To Pay For A Retest?

There are several retest fee scenarios if your vehicle fails it’s MOT Test at our DVSA Approved Garage in Lindford, these can be found in more details on the DVSA website.

But, generally speaking if you leave your vehicle with us at our Mercedes workshop in Lindford after it’s failed its MOT Test, and we repair the faults within 10 working days, there is no retest fee.

If your vehicle fails its MOT Test on one of these items and you remove your vehicle after it fails, repair it, and return it to us the following day for retest, you do not have to pay again.

If you remove your vehicle from our MOT Test Garage, repair it, and return it to us within 10 working days, there is a partial retest fee payable.

In all other situations you will have to have a full retest and pay the full MOT Fee again.

* Price correct as of February 1^st 2020 and until further notice. We reserve the right to change this price at any time, without updating the price on this website and without prior notice.

Book your vehicle in today for MOT Tests, Servicing, Tyres, Welding, Air Conditioning, Wheel Alignment Repairs and every kind of General Mercedes Repair at RPL Automotive in Lindford, today.