how long does a car mot take

[OElisa]

A standard car MOT test itself typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. However, you should plan for your entire visit to the garage to last around an hour or two, accounting for check-in, potential repairs, and payment. If your car fails and you choose to have the repairs done on the spot, the wait could extend to several hours or even require a return visit on another day.

The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual mandatory check for vehicles over three years old in the UK, ensuring they meet road safety and environmental standards. The exact time can vary based on a few key factors. The size and type of vehicle is a primary one; a simple compact car is quicker to inspect than a large SUV or a commercial van with more complex systems. The condition of your car also plays a significant role. A well-maintained vehicle will sail through faster. If the tester finds minor issues like a blown bulb, they might fix it quickly and still issue a pass, which adds minimal time. A more serious fault, however, means a failure and a retest is required later.

The efficiency of the test centre itself matters. A busy workshop with a backlog of cars might take longer to get your vehicle into the bay. Scheduling your test for a mid-week, off-peak time can often result in a quicker turnaround. It's always wise to book your MOT in advance and ask the garage for a realistic time estimate when you drop it off.

[LaneDella]

Honestly, it’s usually less than an hour for the actual inspection. But just block out your morning or afternoon. The real question isn't how long the test takes, but how long you'll be without your car. If it passes, you're in and out. If it needs work, you could be there half the day. Call the garage ahead of your appointment to ask about their current wait times for retests.

[StJayce]

From a logistical standpoint, you should allocate approximately 60 to 90 minutes for the entire process. The official testing procedure has a set number of items to inspect—from brakes and tires to emissions and seatbelts—which dictates a minimum time commitment. To minimize disruption, I recommend scheduling your MOT for a time when you can work remotely from the waiting area or have a contingency plan for a longer-than-expected delay, especially if your vehicle has known wear-and-tear issues.

[DelMila]

Plan for about an hour, but a lot depends on how your car has been treated. I’ve found that if you do a quick pre-check yourself—make sure all your lights work, your tires have good tread, and your windshield wipers aren’t streaking—you can avoid those simple failures that cause delays. A clean, well-cared-for car signals to the mechanic that it's likely in good shape, which can sometimes make the whole process smoother and faster for everyone involved.

[StJoel]

The last time I took my sedan in, I dropped it off at 8 AM and got the call it was ready by 9:15 AM. The tester told me the inspection itself was about 50 minutes. They were not particularly busy that day. My advice is to build in a cushion. Tell the garage you'll pick it up in two hours, so if it passes, you're pleasantly surprised. If it fails and needs a quick repair, you likely won't be inconvenienced. The uncertainty is more about the car's condition than the tester's speed.