SPECIALISTS IN MOT & SERVICING ALL MAKES AND MODELS
WE’RE THE LARGEST MOT GARAGE IN BASINGSTOKE!
Welcome to Basingstoke MOT and Servicing Centre. We are a large MOT testing centre in the Chineham Business Park in Basingstoke. We can cater for all your testing requirements including Class 4, Class 5 and Class 7 MOTs, available at the highest standard.
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Fill out the form below to book in your MOT. Our team will confirm your appointment as soon as possible.
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WHAT IS AN MOT?
In short, an MOT is required by law for all vehicles over 3 years of age to ensure that they are suitable to be driven on the roads, for your safety and the safety of other road users.
WHY DO YOU NEED AN MOT?
The main reason for having a valid MOT certificate is to prove that your vehicle is roadworthy. Everyone who uses a vehicle on the road must keep it in a roadworthy condition. The MOT test checks that vehicles meet road safety and environmental standards. The first MOT test for a vehicle is required when it’s three years old.
THE MOT CERTIFICATE
The MOT certificate confirms that at the time of the test, without dismantling it, the vehicle met the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards required by law. It doesn’t mean that the vehicle is roadworthy for the length of time the certificate is valid. The MOT certificate is also no guarantee of the general mechanical condition of your vehicle.
The test doesn’t cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox. Thus, servicing also advises at least once a year to check these additional items on your vehicle.
Without a valid MOT certificate, your insurance will be void and you will not be able to tax your vehicle.
*Please Note*
We always run on time, so if you book in for an MOT please make sure you are too. If you are more than 15 mins late, it is likely we will need to reschedule your booking for another appointment.
If your booking was made and paid for online, we cannot refund the charge if you miss your appointment.
Have a question about the MOT process?
Call us on 01256 321012
WHAT DOES THE MOT TEST INCLUDE?
The MOT test looks at some important items on your car to see that they meet key legal requirements at the time of test. This is to ensure your safety and the safety of other road users.
The body and vehicle structure
Is free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas and there are no sharp edges likely to cause injury.
The brakes
Their condition, operation and performance (efficiency test). Note the removal of the road wheels is not part of the test.
The tyres and wheels
Their condition, security, size, type and tread depth. Spare tyres are not inspected.
The registration plates
Their condition, security, and characters are correctly formed and spaced.
The lights
Their condition, operation and security. Including headlamp aim.
The bonnet
Securely latches in the closed position.
The wipers and washers
Operate to give the driver a clear view ahead.
The windscreen
Its condition and the driver’s view of the road.
The horn
Operates correctly and is of a suitable type.
The steering and suspension
Are of satisfactory condition and operation.
The vehicle identification number (VIN)
Is on vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1980. Not more than one different VIN is displayed except on multistage build vehicles.
The fuel system
Has no leaks and the fuel cap fastens and seals securely. The fuel cap will need to be opened so be sure the key is available.
The exhaust emissions
The vehicle meets the requirements for exhaust emissions, depending on the age and fuel type of the vehicle.
The exhaust system
Is secure, complete, free from serious leaks and silences effectively.
The seat belts
All belts installed are checked for type, condition, operation and security. All compulsory seat belts must be in place.
The seats
The front seats are secure. Front and rear backseats can be secured in an upright position.
The doors
Latch securely in the closed position. Front doors should open from inside and outside the vehicle. Rear doors may need to be opened to gain access to testable items.
The mirrors
The minimum required numbers are on the vehicle, along with their condition and security.
Load security
The boot or tailgate can be secured in a closed position.
MOT TEST FAQS
We understand some road users may have questions concerning specific types of MOT tests. Please refer to the FAQs below for more information. Alternatively, please get in touch with us.
- What is a Class 4 MOT?
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A Class 4 MOT is the standard annual vehicle inspection required for most cars, vans, and other vehicles with up to 8 passenger seats and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of up to 3,000kg (3 tonnes). This includes private cars, taxis, ambulances, motorhomes, and smaller commercial vehicles, all of which will need to take an annual Class 4 MOT.
- What does a Class 4 MOT test?
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A Class 4 MOT inspection covers a comprehensive check of the vehicle’s roadworthiness, including the tyres, brakes, lights, electrics, bonnet, seats, mirrors, doors, windows, emissions, steering, suspension, and other key safety and environmental components.
- How long does an MOT take?
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A Class 4 MOT typically takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete, depending on the condition of the vehicle and the workload at the test centre.
- Does my van need a Class 4 or Class 7 MOT?
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The differences between a Class 4 and Class 7 MOT can be confusing but it’s simple when you break them down. The MOT class required for your van depends on the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight (GVW):
- Vans up to 3,000kg GVW require a Class 4 MOT.
- Vans over 3,000kg GVW up to 3,500kg GVW require a Class 7 MOT.
You can find the GWV for your vehicle in the owner’s manual or on a plate or sticker located on the vehicle itself (usually this is behind the driver’s door, on the fuel filler cap, or in the engine bay).
- What are the different MOT classes?
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The main MOT classes are:
- Class 1 MOT: Motorcycles and sidecars up to 200cc
- Class 2 MOT: Motorcycles and sidecars over 200cc
- Class 3 MOT: 3-wheeled vehicles that weigh up to 450kg
- Class 4a MOT: Class 4 vehicles with 9-12 passenger seats
- Class 5 MOT: Private passenger vehicles between 13 and 16 seats (and those with 16+ seats), such as ambulances, buses and coaches
- Class 5a MOT: Class 5 vehicles with 13+ seats that also require a seatbelt check
- Class 7 MOT: Vans and other vehicles between 3,000kg and 3,500kg GVW
Please note that there is no Class 6 MOT.
- Is an MOT the same as an Annual Test?
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No, an MOT and an Annual Test are not the same. Vehicles over 3,500kg GVW require a separate Annual Test, which can only be conducted at an Authorised Test Facility (ATF) or DVSA test station, not a local vehicle repair centre.
- What's the difference between an MOT and a service?
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The key differences are:
- MOT: A mandatory visual and point-by-point inspection to ensure the vehicle meets roadworthiness and environmental standards. All MOT garages test the same components and structural parts regardless of make and model.
- Service: A car service is a series of maintenance and upkeep steps to keep the vehicle in optimum shape. A vehicle service isn’t compulsory, but regular servicing is recommended to keep your car in good condition and to maintain its value.
- Which vehicles don't need an MOT?
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Certain vehicles are exempt from the mandatory MOT requirement, including:
- Most historic or classic vehicles built pre-1960
- Tractors
- Electric goods vehicles registered before 1 March 2015
- Do I need to keep my MOT certificate?
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Yes, it is important to keep your MOT certificate as proof that your vehicle has passed its annual inspection. If you lose or damage your certificate, you can get a replacement MOT certificate online for free. All you will need is the vehicle registration (number plate) and the 11-digit number from the V5C vehicle logbook.
Other Services
DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT, SEE WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS THINK.
We are also proud to be part of the Good Garage Scheme, where we currently have the highest number of feedback in the Basingstoke area. Testament to the impression that we make on our customers when they visit our facility and the treatment they receive from our staff.
16/08/2021
Handy to have a garage that doesn’t mess around and is honest, 100% recommend.
08/04/2021
Been using this place for all my car work for the last 3 years. They’ve always been super helpful and cheerful. Ive never been overcharged and all work has always been done to a really good quality.
08/04/2021
Been using this place for all my car work for the last 3 years. They’ve always been super helpful and cheerful. I’ve never been overcharged and all work has always been done to a really good quality.
