MOT test fee

[flango]

Hot topic raging in the office this morning after one guy had his car fail the MOT, unfortunately I don't know the answer to this one but I'm sure of of you in the business out there will. I guess now all the MOT test stations are computerised so my questions are.

1. How long should it take to do an MOT?
2. Does the garage keep all the MOT fee or does part of it go to VOSA?

PS No doubt about his car failing, NSF wheel bearing is totally shot, how he has never heard it is beyond me

 

[wemorgan]

1. How long should it take to do an MOT?

I watched my wife's Smart ForTwo being MoT last week and it took roughly 30 mins.

 

[davidjpowell]

There is an MOT station near me that I think told me that it's supposed to take 45 minutes for the MOT and 15 mins for the paperwork. I was told they had their license withdrawn for a while. I noted while there last that the mechanic will go and have a coffee rather than put the details on the system early. They must track that electronically.

 

[Spinal]

Similar experience with all my MOTs... they start the system, type in the car's details then go for a coffee somewhere in between the checks... Overall time is usually just over an hour...

I once queried this and was told that they can't take "too little time" [sic]...

M.

 

[C240Sport97]

the place which did my MOT had a computerised jig ..

tester pressed a few buttons and the car was rocked around. this removes the need to jack the car up, and it tests wheel bearings and suspension components etc.

very slick

 

[stevesey]

Similar experience with all my MOTs... they start the system, type in the car's details then go for a coffee somewhere in between the checks... Overall time is usually just over an hour...

Been going to the same guy for 24 years now - a couple of years ago he mentioned that the new computerized system required the car to be logged in for a certain period of time (before the certificate was printed I assume) or they'd get into trouble for being too fast.

So we now "waste" the extra time by having a chat about the kids (same ages as ours) etc.

 

[Frank O' Phile]

Much the same with bike MOTs. I think they're allowed 30 mins, but the last bit has to be dragged out with idle banter until th etime is up.

 

[Big Nige]

Top tip - take it to the council for an MOT.

They have no agenda as they don't do repairs, only MOTs and they're obliged to serve the public too.

 

[JumboBeef]

My local garage does them for £40.

 

[tim74]

my local garage also charges £40 and takes around 50 mins to 1 hour