Van Maintenance - MOTs

Being a van owner and driver comes with legal responsibilities. One of these is ensuring that your van is roadworthy. Once your van hits the grand old age of three, it’s required by law to have an MOT. If your van is of testable age then you’ll need an MOT certificate for other things as well. For example, you can’t get a tax disc without one and if you don’t have a tax disc or an MOT certificate your insurance may not be valid.

The MOT – an overview

Once your van is three years old, it’s a legal requirement that it undergoes an MOT to ensure that it meets minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards.

The MOT only gives a snapshot of your van’s roadworthiness because it only confirms that at the time of the test your vehicle (without it being dismantled) did or did not meet the minimum road safety and environmental standards.

Even if your vehicle passes the MOT, you might be surprised to discover the following things.

• Your van is not necessarily roadworthy for the entire duration of the MOT certificate.
• The mechanical condition of your van is not guaranteed by having an MOT certificate.
• The engine, clutch and gearbox are not tested during the MOT.

These are important things to bear in mind for a couple of reasons highlighted below.

Breakdown cover

Many of the items checked during the MOT (see below) can and should be checked regularly by you throughout the year to ensure that you’re up to date with your van maintenance. In addition to helping your vehicle remain roadworthy, it also means that you’re less likely to break down. Saying that, having breakdown cover will also give you peace of mind if you don’t spot something on one of your visual checks.

Van Insurance

It’s also worth bearing in mind that you need to keep an eye on your van’s condition because if you have an accident and it’s your fault then an insurance company might take your vehicle’s roadworthiness at the time of the accident into consideration.

Where can you get an MOT?

Your van can be tested at a vehicle testing station, indicated by the blue three triangles logo. To find a testing station, check online or look in a business listings directory such as Yellow Pages.

What’s involved in the MOT?

Your van will be tested in a specific MOT bay. The maximum fee to be paid should be displayed on a poster inside the testing station.

The following items are tested during the MOT:

• Body structure
• Bonnet
• Brakes
• Doors
• Fuel system
• Exhaust emissions and system
• Horn
• Lights
• Load security
• Mirrors
• Registration plates
• Seatbelts and seats
• Steering and suspension
• Tyres and wheels
• Vehicle identification number
• Wipers, washers, windscreen

Don’t forget to carry out regular checks yourself to not only reduce the likelihood of you breaking down but also to lessen the risk of your van insurance being affected if you’re involved in an accident which is your fault and your van’s not regarded as being in a roadworthy condition.

MOT results

All test results are included in a central secure database. This database is now the only record which proves your van has a valid MOT (the certificate is only regarded as a receipt).

Pass - if your van passes its MOT, you will receive an MOT certificate.

Fail - if your van fails its MOT, you will receive a notification of failure.

Advisory notices

You may also receive an advisory notice letting you know about advised repairs.

Disagreeing with MOT results

If you disagree with the test results then first of all talk to the testing station before repairs are carried out.

It is also possible to appeal against a failed test result within 14 working days. You’ll need to submit Form VT17 (available from the testing station, online or calling VOSA) with a full test fee. Your vehicle will then be re-tested within five days. If your appeal is successful then you’ll receive a full or partial refund of the test fee.

Validity of MOT certificate

MOT certificates are valid for one year. You can, however, renew your MOT up to one month before it’s due without it affecting the annual expiry date.

Consequences of failing to have an MOT certificate

If your van is of testable age and you do not have a valid test certificate then you are breaking the law. You could receive a fixed penalty notice from the police, currently of £60 or a court fine up to a maximum of £1,000. If you do not have a valid MOT certificate then your van insurance may be invalidated and you will also be unable to tax your van.

For further information about MOTs visit: the VOSA website or Directgov.

Although ensuring your van has a valid MOT certificate is a legal requirement, it also makes good practical sense to keep your vehicle in good condition so that you can reduce the chances of breaking down and avoid your van insurance policy being adversely affected in the event that you’re involved in an accident which is your fault.

The information contained within this article is for general information purposes only, it does not constitute advice. Direct Line endeavours to keep the information up to date and correct but does not make any representation or warranties of any kind about its completeness, accuracy, reliability or suitability. Any reliance you place on the information is strictly at your own risk. Direct Line will not be liable for any direct or indirect loss or damage arising out of or in connection with the use of this information.