MOT Testing in Dartington

Dartington sits just outside Totnes on the A384, and plenty of its drivers are commuters or visitors heading to the Hall estate for gardens and arts events. Whichever you are, a car that is legally roadworthy matters, and the MOT is how that is checked.

Automaster is an independent garage at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes. We carry out MOT testing for cars and vans and can handle the repairs and retest if the result is not what you hoped for.

Where can I get an MOT near Dartington?

You can bring your vehicle to our garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. We see drivers from Dartington itself and from nearby places including Totnes, Buckfastleigh, South Brent and Ivybridge. Tell us the make, model and registration when you ask about a booking and we will take it from there.

Booking can be done online or by phone, whichever is easier while you juggle commuting and everyday commitments.

What gets looked at during the test?

The tester checks the lights and indicators, brakes, tyres, steering and suspension, exhaust and emissions, seatbelts, mirrors and visibility, registration plates and the condition of the body for anything unsafe. Dashboard warning lights are also taken into account.

If your car handles the busy A384 every day, tyre wear and a stone-chipped windscreen are worth a glance before test day.

• Brakes and tyres
• Lights and signalling
• Steering and suspension
• Emissions and warning lights

Fail, advisory or pass: how does it work?

Faults are graded as dangerous, major or minor. Dangerous means do not drive the vehicle until it is repaired, and major means it fails. Minor items are written down but the car can still pass, and advisories flag things that are wearing.

After a fail, the usual route is to repair the fault and have the vehicle retested. How a retest works depends on the fault and on timing, so ask us and we will explain the options for your situation.

Why have a pre-MOT inspection first?

An inspection beforehand finds the simple things, such as a blown bulb, worn wipers or a low tyre, before they cause an avoidable fail and a second visit. If your car has had a hard winter on country lanes, this is especially worthwhile.

MOT preparation is also useful if you are not sure what mileage or age has done to the brakes and suspension. We can tell you what is likely to need attention before the official test.

Do vans need a different test and when is mine due?

Vans in the Class 7 band are tested under a separate class from cars. We can do Class 7 MOT testing, which suits local tradespeople and small businesses around Dartington.

A first MOT is due when a vehicle turns three years old. After that you can test a month minus a day early and keep your renewal date, which helps you fit the test around work.