MOT Testing Guide: What Hanley Drivers Need to Know
What do Hanley drivers need to know about MOT testing? Every car over three years old needs an annual MOT test to confirm it meets minimum road safety and emissions standards. The test covers everything from lights and brakes to tyres, suspension and exhaust emissions. Understanding what gets checked — and what commonly fails — helps you prepare your vehicle and avoid unexpected costs.
What Is an MOT Test?
An MOT is a mandatory annual inspection carried out at a DVSA-approved testing centre. It checks that your vehicle meets the minimum safety and environmental standards required to be driven on public roads. Without a valid MOT certificate, driving your car is illegal and your insurance may be void. If you are a driver in or around Hanley, Auto Mechanix is just a 10-minute drive away on Melville Road, Longton.
What Does an MOT Check?
The MOT test covers a comprehensive list of safety and emissions checks. Key areas include:
- Lights and signals — all external lights must work correctly, including headlights, brake lights, indicators and fog lights
- Tyres and wheels — minimum 1.6mm tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre
- Brakes — brake pads, discs, cables and fluid levels are all inspected and tested
- Steering and suspension — checked for excessive wear, damage and fluid leaks
- Windscreen and wipers — the windscreen must be free of significant damage in the driver's line of sight
- Exhaust and emissions — the exhaust system must be secure and emissions must be within legal limits
- Bodywork and structure — checked for sharp edges, excessive corrosion and structural integrity
The Most Common MOT Failures
According to DVSA data, the most common reasons for MOT failure are faulty lights and bulbs, worn tyres, brake problems, damaged windscreen wipers and suspension wear. Many of these issues are easy and inexpensive to fix before your test. A quick walk-around check of your lights, tyres and wipers the day before your MOT can save you a failure.
How to Prepare Your Car for an MOT
Before your MOT test, do a basic check yourself. Walk around the car and test every light — headlights, brake lights, indicators, reversing lights and fog lights. Check your tyre tread with a 20p coin (if you can see the outer band of the coin, the tread is too low). Top up your windscreen washer fluid and make sure your wipers clear the screen properly. These simple checks take five minutes and can prevent a failure.
What Happens If Your Car Fails?
If your car fails the MOT, you will receive a list of the faults that need fixing. You can then choose to have the repairs done at the testing centre or take it elsewhere. At Auto Mechanix, we offer a free retest if you have the required repairs carried out with us — saving you the cost of a second test. We also provide a clear, no-obligation quote for any work needed.
Book Your MOT Near Hanley
Auto Mechanix is a DVSA-approved MOT testing centre on Melville Road, Longton — just 10 minutes from Hanley town centre. MOTs cost just £45 and you can book online 24/7. If you have any questions, contact us or call 07491 155581. We also offer full car servicing and engine diagnostics if your vehicle needs additional attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does my car need an MOT?
Your car needs its first MOT when it is three years old, and then every 12 months after that. You can book your MOT up to one month before the expiry date without losing any days on your certificate. Driving without a valid MOT is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
What are the most common MOT failure points?
The most common MOT failures are faulty lights and bulbs, worn tyres with insufficient tread depth, damaged or worn windscreen wipers, brake pad and disc wear, and suspension issues. Many of these can be checked and fixed before your MOT to avoid a failure.
How much does an MOT cost near Hanley?
At Auto Mechanix, just 10 minutes from Hanley, an MOT costs £45. This is well below the government maximum of £54.85. We also offer a free retest if you have any required repairs carried out with us.
Can I stay at the garage during my MOT?
Yes. At Auto Mechanix we have a comfortable waiting area with free WiFi and complimentary hot drinks. Most MOT tests take between 45 minutes and one hour, so you can wait while we test your vehicle.