Imagine ... you drop your car off for its annual MOT, expecting a quick pass. Instead, the mechanic hands you a list of "urgent repairs" totalling £1,200. Some sound necessary, but others seem suspicious. You pay up because you need your car, only to later discover that half those fixes weren’t even required for the MOT.
Sound familiar? Unfortunately, this happens all the time, especially to women, who are often assumed to lack technical knowledge. And here’s the real kicker: even "reputable" garages aren’t immune to overcharging. I’ve been there myself, trusting a well-known chain, only to later realise I’d been sold unnecessary work.
So, how do you avoid being taken for a ride during your MOT? This guide covers everything you need to know, from pre-MOT checks to handling failures and spotting scams.
1. What Is an MOT—And What Does It Actually Check?
Before diving into how to avoid scams, it’s crucial to understand what an MOT
actually covers.
An MOT is a minimum safety and emissions test, not a full mechanical inspection. It checks:
Lights, indicators, and reflectors (all must work correctly)
Tyres and wheels (minimum 1.6mm tread, no cuts or bulges)
Brakes (efficiency and condition)
Steering and suspension (no excessive wear)
Seatbelts (must secure properly)
Windscreen and wipers (no major cracks, wipers must clear the screen)
Exhaust and emissions (must meet legal limits)
Body condition (no sharp edges or excessive corrosion)
Registration plates and VIN (must be legible and match records)
What it doesn’t check:
- Clutch or gearbox condition
- Engine health (unless it’s causing excessive emissions)
- Air conditioning
- Non-safety-related electronics (e.g., stereo, interior lights)
Why does this matter? Because some garages will try to upsell you on repairs that aren’t even part of the MOT. If they say, "Your shocks are a bit worn, but it’ll pass… though you should really get them replaced," be wary, unless they’re dangerously faulty, it’s not an MOT issue.
2. Pre-MOT Checks: How to Boost Your Chances of Passing First Time
Many MOT failures could have been avoided with a quick DIY inspection beforehand. Here’s what to check:
🔧 Tyres
Tread depth must be at least 1.6mm (use a 20p coin—if the outer band is visible when inserted, it’s too low).
No cuts, bulges, or uneven wear.
Correct pressure (under/overinflated tyres can cause issues).
💡 Lights
All bulbs must work: headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and number plate lights.
Check for condensation inside headlights (can cause a fail if severe).
🚗 Windscreen & Wipers
No cracks larger than 10mm in the driver’s line of sight (40mm elsewhere is allowed).
Wipers must clear the screen effectively (replace if streaky).
⛽ Fluids & Emissions
Top up engine oil, coolant, and screen wash (low fluids can lead to fails).
Check for warning lights (an engine management light = instant fail).
🔩 Brakes & Suspension
Brake pedal should feel firm (spongy brakes may indicate air in the system).
Listen for clunks when driving over bumps (could mean worn suspension).
Fixing these minor issues before the MOT can save you from unnecessary fails—and garage upsells.
3. How Much Should an MOT Cost?
The maximum fee for an MOT in the UK (as of 2025) is:
£54.85 for cars
£29.65 for motorcycles
Some garages offer discounted MOTs (as low as £30-£40), but be cautious, these are often loss leaders to get you in the door, then they hit you with expensive "repairs."
💡 Pro Tip: If a garage offers a suspiciously cheap MOT, ask:
"Is this a fixed price, or are there hidden fees?"
"Do you charge extra for a retest?"
4. Common MOT Scams—And How to Avoid Them
❌ The "Advisory Upsell"
Scenario: The mechanic says, "Your brake pads are 50% worn—we recommend replacing them now."
Reality: Unless they’re below the legal limit, this is just a sales tactic. Advisories are not failures.
✅ What to do:
Ask: "Is this an MOT failure, or just an advisory?"
If it’s just an advisory, you can wait.
❌ The "We Can Fix It Now" Rush Job
Scenario: "Your car failed, but if you pay £200 now, we’ll fix it and pass you today."
Reality: Some garages invent faults to charge for unnecessary work.
✅ What to do:
Never agree on the spot. Say: "I’ll take it elsewhere for a second opinion."
Remember: You can drive a failed car (if the old MOT is still valid) to another garage.
❌ The "Hidden Retest Fee"
Scenario: You return for a free retest, but the garage claims "We had to do extra checks, that’s £30."
Reality: DVSA rules say partial retests within 10 working days should be free (unless new faults are found).
✅ What to do:
Check the DVSA retest rules before paying.
If they insist on charging, report them.
5. What to Do If Your Car Fails the MOT
🚗 Can You Still Drive a Failed Car?
✅ Yes—but only if:
Your previous MOT is still valid (i.e., you took the test early).
The failure wasn’t for a dangerous fault (e.g., bald tyres, broken brakes).
❌ No—if:
Your old MOT has expired.
The failure was marked as "dangerous"—driving it could mean a £2,500 fine.
🛠️ Should You Let the Garage Fix It?
Not necessarily. You have options:
Get a second opinion (another garage might quote less).
Do minor repairs yourself (e.g., replacing a bulb).
Use an independent mechanic (often cheaper than dealerships).
💡 Pro Tip: If the garage insists on doing the work, ask:
"Can I see the failed part?" (A honest mechanic will show you.)
"Can I keep the old parts?" (Prevents them from charging for work not done.)
6. Special Advice for Women (Because Sadly, It’s Needed)
Studies show women are more likely to be overcharged for car repairs. Here’s how to protect yourself:
🚺 Take Someone With You
Even if you know nothing about cars, bringing a male friend/family member can reduce upsells (yes, it’s unfair, but it works).
📱 Record Conversations
If a mechanic insists something needs fixing, say:
"Can you show me the problem?"
"Can you explain why this is an MOT issue?"
If they get defensive, that’s a red flag.
💳 Pay by Card (Not Cash)
If you’re overcharged, you can dispute the transaction with your bank.
7. Final Checklist Before Your MOT
To avoid last-minute fails:
✔ Check tyres, lights, and wipers
✔ Top up fluids
✔ Clear fault codes (if you’ve fixed an engine light issue)
✔ Remove clutter (testers can refuse if the car’s full of junk)
✔ Bring your V5C (logbook) (some testers ask for it)
8. Key Takeaways: How to Avoid MOT Scams
✅ Know what the MOT covers (don’t pay for unrelated fixes).
✅ Do pre-checks (bulbs, tyres, fluids).
✅ Never agree to repairs on the spot (get a second opinion).
✅ Challenge advisories (they’re not failures).
✅ Stand your ground (especially as a woman, don’t be pressured)!
Final Thought:
An MOT should be straightforward, if a garage makes it feel like a shakedown, walk away. Your car (and wallet) will thank you.
Have you ever been overcharged for an MOT? Share your stories below—sometimes the best defence is knowing you’re not alone!
If you know someone who might find this helpful, don’t keep it to yourself—please share it.
You never know how much of a difference it could make in someone’s life.
Liked what you read? I'd appreciate if you bought me a coffee - it encourages me to keep writing helpful articles like this one. Just click the link below to send a small tip my way. It's quick and secure! Thank you very much!
Comments
Post a Comment