MOT Testing in Devon

Yes, we carry out MOT tests for cars and for vans. Automaster is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and we test vehicles for drivers across South Devon, from the coast to the edge of Dartmoor. You can book online or by phone, and we will tell you what to expect before you arrive.

The MOT is a legal check that a petrol or diesel vehicle meets minimum road safety and emissions standards on the day of the test. It is not a service, and a pass does not mean every part is in good order. Below we explain what is checked, what the results mean and what to tell us when you ask for a quote on any repair work.

What does a Class 4 MOT test for cars check?

Class 4 covers ordinary cars and many small vans. The tester works through the vehicle from lights to exhaust. They look at lights and indicators, brakes, tyres and wheels, steering and suspension, exhaust and emissions, mirrors and the view through the windscreen, seatbelts, horn, registration plates and the condition of the structure and body for safety. Dashboard warning lights are checked too, and some of them will fail a test on their own.

Because every item is judged against a set standard, a car that drives well can still fail on something small, such as a blown bulb or a tyre worn below the legal limit.

• Lights, indicators and number plates
• Brakes, steering and suspension
• Tyres, wheels and seatbelts
• Exhaust, emissions and warning lights

Do you do Class 7 MOT testing for vans?

We do. Class 7 is the test for larger goods vehicles, and the class depends on the design gross weight of the van rather than its size on the road. If you are not sure which class your van falls into, check the weight shown in the V5C logbook or ask us when you book.

The checks are very similar to a car test, with the same focus on brakes, steering, tyres, lights and the exhaust. Vans that work hard, carry heavy loads or run on rural lanes tend to wear brakes, tyres and suspension bushes faster, so a quick look beforehand is sensible. When you book, tell us the make, model, year and whether the van is a panel van or has a body fitted.

Is a pre-MOT inspection worth booking?

A pre-MOT inspection is a check of the items the test covers before the official test is done. If something is likely to fail, you hear about it first and can decide what to fix, rather than finding out on the day with a failed certificate. Many drivers book one when a vehicle is getting older, when a warning light is on, or when they have noticed a noise, a pull under braking or uneven tyre wear.

MOT preparation can also be simple things, such as replacing a bulb, wiper blades or a worn tyre, so the vehicle goes into the test in good shape. Tell us anything you have noticed and we will look at it first.

What happens if my car fails its MOT and needs repairs?

A failed test lists defects as dangerous, major or minor. A dangerous defect means the vehicle is an immediate risk on the road and must not be driven until it is repaired. A major defect means it fails and needs fixing before it can pass. Minor defects and advisories do not cause a fail, but they are worth keeping an eye on, because advisories often become failures next year.

We can carry out MOT failure repairs on site, so you do not have to take the vehicle elsewhere. When you ask for a quote, give us the list from the failure sheet, along with the registration, make and model. Cost depends on the fault, the parts needed and how easy they are to reach, so we will ask you to request a quote rather than guess.

Can I get an MOT retest after a fail?

Yes. Once the faults on the failure sheet have been dealt with, the vehicle can be tested again. Whether the retest is a partial or full one, and what applies, depends on which faults were found, where the repairs were done and how long has passed since the first test, so please ask us about your own case.

Do not drive a vehicle with a dangerous defect away from the test centre. If your current MOT has run out, you can only drive to a pre-booked test or to a place where repairs are booked, and only if the vehicle is safe enough to do so.