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Book an MOT
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We find garages for you
Choose from a huge selection of pre-approved, trusted garages to get your car back on the road.
Competitive pricing
We make the garage selection process as easy as possible. Simply enter your car's details to see prices and availability.
How do I book an MOT?
Booking your vehicle's MOT with Blackcircles has never been easier. With just four simple steps, you can get your car back on the road — with support and care provided at every stage of the process.
- Enter your details and choose your MOT
Enter your cars registration plate, your postcode and we'll do the rest. Not sure when your MOT is due? Our system will show the due date of your next MOT, so you don't miss it.
- Select a garage close to you
Our pre-approved garage network means you can put the trust in us to find the right garages for you. Blackcircles.com works with the largest network of independently owned garages in the UK, meaning you're sure to find a VOSA approved garage for your MOT.
- Choose a time and date that suits you
We know taking the car to the garage is an inconvenience at the best of times. That's why when you book through Blackcircles, you can choose a date and time that suits you. Our in-house customer care team is here to help you with any queries you may have.
- Secure online payment
We take your personal data very seriously and ensure that our system complies with the latest in retail safety protocols - to safeguard any banking or personal data in our system.
MOT Test: Frequently Asked Questions
The “MOT” is an annualised test for all vehicles driven on the roads of the UK. It is a legal requirement for any vehicle from the third anniversary of its initial registration or the anniversary of its last MOT if it is over 3 years old.
An MOT ensures the vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards and therefore, the test will check for things like vehicle structure, brakes, steering, suspension, lights, tyres, and emissions are all within safe standards.
| MOT Item | Checked |
|---|---|
| Body and Vehicle Structure | |
| Vehicle structure for corrosion or damage | ✔️ |
| Doors, boot, bonnet open/close securely | ✔️ |
| Brakes | |
| Brake pedal condition and operation | ✔️ |
| Brake performance test | ✔️ |
| Tyres and Wheels | |
| Tread depth and condition | ✔️ |
| Wheel condition and security | ✔️ |
| Lights and Electrical | |
| Headlights, indicators, brake lights | ✔️ |
| Battery and wiring condition | ✔️ |
| Exhaust and Emissions | |
| Exhaust system secure and not leaking | ✔️ |
| Emissions within legal limits | ✔️ |
| Visibility | |
| Windscreen condition and washers/wipers | ✔️ |
| Mirrors secure and in good condition | ✔️ |
| Steering and Suspension | |
| Steering rack and column condition | ✔️ |
| Suspension springs and dampers | ✔️ |
| Other | |
| Horn works correctly | ✔️ |
| Registration plates and VIN visible | ✔️ |
Tip: An MOT is a legal requirement every 12 months for vehicles over 3 years old. It ensures your car meets minimum road safety and environmental standards.
Your vehicle will fail its MOT if the tester discovers faults deemed to be ‘major’ or ‘dangerous’. You will receive a certificate which categorises the reasons for failure of the MOT into “Dangerous” and “Major”. You may also see “Minor” and “Advisory” categories.
If Dangerous faults are identified you should not drive the vehicle until you fix the problems. If your vehicle fails, your result will be recorded in the MOT database.
We do not provide legal advice. However, The Department for Transport states that you may drive your vehicle away from the test centre for repairs if your current MOT is still valid and the failure is not listed as ‘Dangerous’.
You cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has expired and may face prosecution if caught. However, if you have a pre-arranged MOT or are driving somewhere to carry out repairs, an exception will be made if there is not already an MOT failure listed as ‘Dangerous’.
You have 10 days from the date of the failed MOT to have the vehicle partially retested (checking only the failure points). If the vehicle is repaired at the MOT test centre and retested, you will not have to pay any additional fees. If the vehicle is taken away and returned for a partial retest, there may be a partial fee. This is at the discretion of the garage. If the full 10 day window lapses, a full MOT will need to be carried out again and the MOT Test fee paid in full.
If your car has failed and needs repairs, the garage will advise you on the timescales for repair as these will depend on the nature of the fault and availability of the required parts.
We do not provide a courtesy car.
Your car may be exempt from having an MOT if it was registered more than 40 years ago and has not undergone any “Substantial” changes in the past 30 years. Blackcircles cannot advise you specifically on the exemption status of your vehicle and you should consult the Department for Transport for further information.
Blackcircles doesn’t just provide a standalone MOT service – we also offer a wide range of additional MOT and servicing options, including:
- • EV MOT
- • Hybrid MOT
- • Major Service
- • Full Service
- • Interim Service
- • EV Service
- • Hybrid Service ( Full & Interim)
- • Oil & Filter Change
- • Combined MOT & Service packages (coming soon)