that the Ministry of Transport (VOSA) is in a money-making racket. You have to take your car to be MOT tested every year to pass a roadworthy test. But they do not see that having those MOT tests, . Actually, you can help prevent accidents and cut down on road deaths by keeping badly maintained vehicles off the road.
By carrying out an MOT test every year on vehicles that have been on the road for three years from their first registration, VOSA has successfully managed to lower the number of unsatisfactory cars on the road, making things safe for the rest of us.
So if you have had your car for at least three years, then you need to find your nearest MOT test station and have your car MOT tested. The easiest way is to book online, You can search forMOT Halifax if you need to find your nearest testing station if you live in the Calderdale area of West Yorkshire.
MOT Test Safer Roads-Any testing station? MOT Test for Safer Roads
It is possible to take it to any testing station to have it tested there. Consequently, you can be on your way home soon after you get a test completed. The only thing you need to know. Hence, they are a fully accredited testing station. Able to carry out a thorough and legal test. It is also important that they don’t let you get away with small mechanical faults. Of course, that would affect the roadworthiness of your vehicle.
After all, this will defeat the whole purpose.
Thus, the tests were carried out in the first place. You want to make sure that your vehicle gets through the test as smoothly as possible. As a result, there are many checks that need to be performed. During the MOT test, your car has to meet the standard.
So, for ,these checks,. Consequently, you will be ready to go home in no time with a pass. The bodywork on your car needs to be in good condition. Therefore, there are no rusting or rotten holes. The fuel system, emissions tests, and exhaust system. All need to be in good working order without any more CO2 than is required.
MOT Test Safer Roads-Your car could fly past the MOT test. MOT Test for Safer Roads
Seat belts and seats must not be rotted and be able to keep you secure. Your brakes must still have enough pads left in them before the next brake check, and your tyres need enough tread to make sure you have the minimum legal requirements. . Make sure your lights and indicators are in good working order, and your wipers must be in good condition to ensure they clear the windscreen when it is raining and the rubber blades are in good shape.
Your steering and suspension need to be within regulation standards to make sure you are able to control the movement of the vehicle with no loose, worn parts. Your registration, plates, and vehicle identification need to be in good order as well. So look after your car, and it should fly through the MOT Test Safer Roads.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mot-testing-2.jpg512512Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2026-05-14 07:39:212026-05-14 07:39:21MOT Test for Safer Roads
MOT Test Fee In recent times, the price of an MOT test fee has dropped.
So, enabling garages to try and attract the cash strapped motorists. All sorts of deals have been advertised. Incredibly, even “FREE”, testing. Which is allowed under the “DVLA MOT Rules” signs outside garages.
So, as the owner of an MOT test centre in Halifax. I am amazed at the number of garages giving away “cheap MOT tests” . Of course, the official mot test fee should be £54.85 (no vat). As stated on the www.gov.uk web-site.
This MOT test fee is only a suggested amount for garages to use; it is not required. So, based on the time and equipment that it should take to carry out the mot test, according to VOSA the government test agency here in the UK,.
Significantly, the Government totally regulate our testing stations.
Including visits by their inspectors ? Consequently, who also make sure that we have the correct equipment and that all our paperwork is in order. Naturally, we have regular updates for testing procedures .
Such as any mechanical updates or different specifications that may have to changed during a test. The ministry guys also check our testers. Making sure that they are carrying out the correct testing procedures.
We have to provide a suitable reception and viewing room for the customers and also use VOSA’s own computer system to register the test results and store all the other information about my garage and the cars that are entered into the system.
In other words, in my opinion, we are controlled by the government!
Ensuring that the testing procedure is carried out correctly and within the law. If we stray from the correct procedures, we are subject to all sorts of penalties. Which would ultimately result in the closure of your MOT station. I am not moaning about all this, to the contrary.
I think that the system is a very good one and is the envy of many countries. Of course, it is not perfect, but then again, nothing is in the world of garages.
The average hourly rate that we charge for mechanical work in the independent garage sector. It is said to be around the £40 per hour mark ! In my opinion, this is a very fair price to charge. The Government maintain that because we here in the UK use the private sector to test cars.
Then the MOT Test Fee is only a recommended fee and garages could charge what they want. So, the problem is that when they visit, they ask you what you charge in your garage. Subsequently, they don’t seam to like it if you discount the MOT Test fee (that’s the impression that I get). However, it appears that they are the ones who believe that the private sector should control pricing.
mot test prices have dropped “big style”
In recent times, the price of an MOT Test Fee has dropped. Enabling garages to attract cash-strapped motorists. All sorts of deals have been advertised. Even “FREE”, testing is allowed under the DVLA MOT Rules. Can be seen up and down the country. Obviously, this is a move to attract motorists into your garage ! I hope that you may get some mechanical work from a test failure! There is nothing wrong with that ! you may say.
The problem is that we have all made huge investments in these mobile test stations.
Meaning that the price we are getting is far lower than the investment in staff and machinery. I understand that we all have to take the good with the bad ! But I now feel that it is time that the Government step in.
They could do two things, in my opinion. They could have a minimum price paid for a test based on the average hourly rate, say perhaps £40, or make the £54.85 in to a mandatory MOT Test Fee to all motorists, and not just a recommendation.
It will be interesting for some feedback from other garage owners with mot test stations here in the UK. So, since this article first appeared. Computerization has made significant changes to the DVLA garage procedures. In fact testers have now to be examined t more regular intervals that previously. In my opinion this is a good thing !
Also, testing procedures are now adjusted more often.
Because of the regular changes to emission testing procedures emanating from the of requirements of the European Union strict emission laws. Of course to bring down the nations “carbon foot print” So, reducing the C02 emissions. Naturally, this has affected diesel cars the most.
We all know about the diesel car scandal ? Most car manufacturers were falsifying the C02 figures of their diesel models. Of course, this brought a clampdown from the regulators.
Significantly turning around the theory that the diesel cars were better for the climate than the petrol cars. Responding to this, the EU came out with much stricter emission rules. resulting in stricter MOT emission testing in the EU member countries.
However, I have recently learned that VW have been selling older diesel cars to countries like Albania at highly discounted prices ! So much for emission standards !
There are rules for some and rules for others ! Many diesel cars can now be treated to clean the internal workings of the engine. Significantly improving the cars chances of passing the MOT test.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/canstockphoto88031629-scaled-e1704782691464.jpg333500Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2026-05-09 19:39:032026-05-09 19:39:03MOT Test Fee: How low
Surprising MOT Test Failures That Many UK Drivers Still Don’t Know About
Over the years at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we have seen plenty of motorists genuinely surprised when their vehicle fails an MOT test for something they never realised could actually be a problem.
Most people expect MOT failures to involve things like:
worn tyres
faulty brakes
broken suspension
exhaust problems
But modern MOT testing now includes many smaller safety and visibility checks that some drivers may never even think about.
One thing that still surprises many customers is that even something as simple as an air freshener hanging from the mirror can potentially become an MOT issue.
Air Fresheners and Windscreen Vision Problems: Surprising MOT Test Failures
This is probably one of the most common “surprise” MOT issues we come across.
Drivers often hang out:
air fresheners
fluffy dice
parking permits
ornaments
sat nav holders
from the rear-view mirror area without thinking twice about it.
However, MOT rules are very clear about the driver’s field of vision through the windscreen.
If an item obstructs the driver’s view of the road, it can become an MOT failure or at the very least an advisory.
In reality, most MOT testers will simply remove the item before testing where possible, but large objects hanging in the swept area of the windscreen can definitely create problems.
This is especially important on busy roads around Halifax, where visibility is already affected by hills, junctions and poor weather conditions.
Warning Lights Are Now Taken Much More Seriously
Years ago, many warning lights were ignored by motorists without too much concern.
Today, illuminated warning lights relate to the following:
airbags
ABS brakes
electronic stability control
tyre pressure monitoring systems
can all lead to MOT failures.
We often see customers arrive saying the following: “The car drives perfectly.”
But if a critical dashboard warning light remains illuminated, the vehicle may still fail.
Modern cars rely heavily on electronic safety systems, and MOT regulations have evolved to reflect this.
Tyres Are Under More Scrutiny Than Ever: Surprising MOT Test Failures
Tyres have always been important during MOT testing, but modern inspections now pay close attention to several additional areas.
It is not just about tread depth anymore.
Vehicles can fail for:
damaged sidewalls
incorrect tyre sizes
tyres fouling suspension components
cords exposed
severe cracking
mismatched tyre types on certain vehicles
At Pellon Tyres, we regularly see tyres damaged by potholes around Calderdale without drivers even realising it.
The roads around Halifax can be particularly harsh on tyres due to potholes, kerbing and steep road surfaces.
Number Plates Can Cause MOT Problems
Many drivers are unaware that number plates themselves are checked closely during MOT testing.
A vehicle can fail for:
incorrectly spaced lettering
faded plates
cracked plates
delaminated plates
missing characters
dirty or unreadable plates
Tinted covers and decorative fonts are also becoming increasingly scrutinised.
This is particularly common with modified vehicles.
Windscreen Washer Problems: Surprising MOT Test Failures
Another surprisingly common failure item is the humble windscreen washer system.
If:
washer jets fail
the bottle is empty
washers are blocked
wipers smear badly
the vehicle may fail the MOT.
Many drivers only discover the washers are not working properly when the tester checks them during the inspection.
With Yorkshire weather often producing muddy roads, proper screen cleaning is an important safety feature.
LED Bulbs and Modified Lighting
Modern LED conversions have also created new MOT complications.
We regularly see vehicles fitted with aftermarket LED headlight bulbs that were never designed for the original headlamp units.
In some cases:
beam patterns become incorrect
glare affects other drivers
light output becomes unsafe
Certain poorly fitted LED upgrades can now result in MOT failures.
Seat Belts and Interior Problems: Surprising MOT Test Failures
Something as simple as a twisted seat belt or faulty seat adjustment can also create MOT issues.
Modern MOT tests include checks for:
seat belt operation
secure seat mountings
damaged buckles
warning systems
front seat adjustment
Many people do not realise that interior safety systems are now inspected much more carefully than they were years ago.
Dirty Emissions and Diesel Smoke Tests
Diesel vehicles in particular now face stricter emissions testing.
One issue we increasingly see is diesel particulate filter (DPF) trouble, especially on cars mainly used for short journeys around Halifax.
Short local trips often prevent the DPF system from regenerating correctly, eventually leading to:
warning lights
excessive smoke
failed emissions tests
Modern emissions systems are far more sensitive than older vehicles ever were.
Dash Cameras and Phone Mounts
Another modern issue involves dash cameras and mobile phone holders.
These devices are extremely popular now, but poor positioning can obstruct the driver’s field of vision.
Large mounts fitted within the swept area of the windscreen may potentially create MOT concerns.
Again, many motorists are completely unaware of this.
Simple Checks Can Avoid MOT Surprises
One thing we always advise local motorists is that many MOT failures can easily be avoided with a quick pre-test inspection.
Checking simple items beforehand can save both time and money.
Before your MOT:
check all lights work
remove large hanging objects
top up washer fluid
inspect tyres
clear dashboard warning lights where possible
ensure number plates are readable
These small checks often make a big difference.
MOT Testing Has Changed Considerably: Surprising MOT Test Failures
Modern MOT testing is far more detailed than many motorists realise.
Vehicles today contain:
more electronics
more safety systems
more emissions controls
more driver assistance technology
As cars evolve, MOT testing evolves alongside them.
At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we regularly help customers prepare for MOT tests and explain some of the lesser-known rules that often catch drivers out.
Final Thoughts
The air freshener hanging from the mirror may seem harmless, but it is a perfect example of how modern MOT testing now focuses heavily on safety and driver visibility.
Many MOT failures today involve smaller issues motorists simply never realised were important.
Fortunately, most are easy to fix once identified.
A little preparation before the MOT test can often prevent unnecessary failures and keep vehicles safely on the roads around Halifax and Calderdale.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpg00Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2026-05-07 04:56:082026-05-07 04:58:24Surprising MOT Test Failures
MOT Testing at Pellon Tyres—Keeping Halifax Drivers Safe and Legal
MOT Testing Halifax UK
It’s that time of year again when the little sticker on your windscreen reminds you that your car’s MOT is due. At Pellon Tyres and Autocentre, we’ve been testing, servicing, and keeping Halifax drivers safe on the roads for over 30 years.
We’re not just a tyre centre—we’re your local DVSA-approved MOT testing station. Whether it’s your family run-around, a work van, or your teenager’s first car, we’ve seen and tested the lot. MOTs are part of everyday life for most motorists, and like it or not, you need that pass certificate to stay legal and avoid points or fines.
🚗 Why Book Your MOT with Us? MOT Testing Halifax UK
When it comes to your MOT, most people just want one thing:
👉 A fair, honest test with no nonsense
At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre
that’s exactly what we’ve been doing since 1989.
No gimmicks. No pressure. Just proper work done right.
👍 Why local drivers trust us: MOT Testing Halifax UK
We’ve built our reputation over the years by looking after customers properly.
Here’s what you can expect:
👨🔧 Experienced testers
Our MOT testers know exactly what they’re looking for, and, more importantly, they explain things in plain English.
No confusing jargon — just honest advice.
⚖️ Fair and honest assessments
If your car fails, we’ll show you exactly why.
We’ll:
Talk you through the issue
Show you the problem on the car
Give you clear options
👉 No pressure, just straightforward advice
🔁 Free retests: MOT Testing Halifax UK
If your car fails, don’t worry.
We offer: 👉 Free retests within 10 working days (when repaired with us)
🔧 One-stop garage
Need repairs after your MOT?
We’ve got everything on-site:
Tyres
Brakes
Exhaust repairs
Suspension work
👉 No need to go elsewhere
❤️ Local and friendly: MOT Testing Halifax UK
We’re part of Halifax life. Your car isn’t just a vehicle — it’s:
The school run
The commute
Your day-to-day lifeline
And we treat it that way 👍
⚠️ Common MOT fails we see in Halifax
Driving around Halifax means dealing with hills, potholes, and plenty of wet weather.
So we often see the same issues:
🛞 Worn tyres
One of the most common failures.
👉 Check your tread depth and sidewalls regularly
If you’re unsure, we carry a wide range of tyres to suit all budgets.
🔧 Broken springs and shock absorbers
That knocking or rattling over bumps?
👉 Could be more serious than it sounds
🔩 Exhaust problems
We’ve repaired countless:
Flexi pipes
Back boxes
Blowing joints
Often we can repair rather than replace — saving you money.
💡 Lighting faults
Something as simple as:
A blown brake light
A number plate bulb
👉 Easy fix — but still a fail
🛑 Brake issues: MOT Testing Halifax UK
We often see:
Worn brake pads
Corroded discs
Catching these early keeps you safe and avoids bigger bills.
⏱️ What to expect on the day
We keep things simple.
👉 Book online or give us a ring 👉 MOT takes around 45 minutes
You can:
Wait in our warm reception with a cuppa ☕
Or drop the car off and come back later
We’re easy to find on Pellon Lane, with good parking.
Many customers come from:
Boothtown
King Cross
Sowerby Bridge
Some even pop in while doing the shop at Lidl across the road 👍
🔋 What about electric and hybrid cars?
We’re seeing more EVs and hybrids every year. Yes, they still need an MOT after 3 years.
The difference?
👉 Fully electric cars don’t have an emissions test
But everything else is checked:
Brakes
Tyres
Suspension
Lights
Seatbelts
We’ve tested everything from Nissan Leaf to larger plug-in SUVs.
I would like to take this opportunity to warn drivers about the huge impending MOT Test backlog that is imminent. So we are coming up to the anniversary of the Governments postponement of testing due the Covid 19 pandemic. I and many other experts predict a mad rush and a possible double-up of up-coming MOT tests.
Our advice would be to take advantage. MOT Tests Book Early
of a 28-day extension that is now open to motorists. This will give motorists a 28-day extra period in which to book in their car for the MOT test. This will mean that your original test date will remain the same for the following year.
Here at Pellon Autocentre in Halifax UK we have remained busy testing for most of the summer period. Meaning that things can only become busier and probably not been able to cope with the large influx of the extra overlapping tests from the pandemic.
28-day extension is well advised!
So, by booking your MOT Tests Book Early, you will be “killing two birds with one stone”. This will spread out the backlog of tests for the MOT stations. Enabling customers to go to their favourite garages for their annual tests. For instance, last year, we could not cope with all the tests presented to us! Thus, some customers are disappointed by having to test the car at a strange and unfamiliar garage.
Testing stations are only allowed a certain number. MOT Tests Book Early
of test slots on any working day. So by taking advantage of the 28-day period, it enables the garages to spread out the work loads. The customer still retains the correct amount of test time for next year and we are all happier.
The last 18 months have turned the traditional MOT demand curve on its head. And while this caused initial uncertainty for the independent aftermarket, there is now a significant opportunity on the horizon. Nearly three quarters
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/canstockphoto88031629-scaled-e1704782691464.jpg333500Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2026-04-19 19:39:052026-04-19 19:39:05MOT Tests Book Early
So, this is something that we at Pellon Autocentre in Halifax have been noticing. However, it is not rocket science! Modern-day cars are meant to run all the time and have regular servicing. During the on-going pandemic, cars have been stood outside houses without being run at all. This can effect many of the vehicle’s engine parts, causing a failure on emissions when taking the MOT test.
We know for a fact that many cars have missed out on years of service.
So, this can lead to dirty oil and, indeed, blocked air and oil filters. Even further down the line, engine valves could be sticking, of course, due to the lack of servicing. Older cars will find that their plugs were not changed on the due servicing date. Once again, this causes the vehicle to have lower emission standards and possibly fail the MOT test.
Other problems due to standing vehicles
So, its not just emission problems that have occurred; other things have become relevant. We have noticed an increase in broken springs and other suspension and steering parts. As I have explained, modern cars need to be used, and standing about has not done them any good.
Such things as coil springs
are put under pressure when they stand in one place all the time. The springs are under tension and will become more rigid and more likely to break once the car is finally driven. This metal fatigue also causes other tensioned parts to fail when put under pressure, like hitting a pot hole.
Almost 1.3 million vehicles failed their MOT last year because of faults relating to exhaust emissions, new data suggests. A Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the DVSA found more cars have failed on emissions
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/car-service-centre.jpg458688Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2026-04-17 07:39:302026-04-17 07:39:30Worn out vehicles failing MOT
A Recent MOT Fail – The Little Fault That Could Have Been Dangerous
Running a busy garage like Pellon Tyre and Autocentre in Halifax means that we see all sorts of vehicles every day. Some come in for routine servicing, some for tyres, and others arrive for their annual MOT test.
Most cars pass without too much trouble, but occasionally we come across a vehicle that reminds us just how important the MOT test really is.
Earlier this week we had one such case.
The Car Arrives for Its MOT Test: A Recent MOT Fail
The customer arrived with a small family hatchback that had been running well by their own admission. In fact, the driver told us that they were fairly confident the car would pass its MOT without any problems.
At Pellon Tyres in Halifax, our MOT tester Dale always carries out the checks in a calm and methodical way. We believe that doing things properly is the only way to keep customers safe on the road.
The vehicle went up on the ramp, and the inspection began.
At first glance, everything looked fairly normal.
But as we often say in the garage world, it’s what you can’t see straight away that sometimes matters the most.
A Serious Brake Problem Discovered: A Recent MOT Fail
During the brake inspection, Dale noticed something that immediately caught his attention.
The rear brake discs were badly worn and heavily corroded.
Now, a lot of drivers don’t realise that brake discs can rust and deteriorate over time, especially if the car is used mainly for short local journeys around town.
Halifax, like many Yorkshire towns, has plenty of hills, damp weather, and the occasional salty winter road. All of this can take its toll on braking components.
In this particular case, the corrosion had reached a point where the braking surface was no longer safe. The brake pads were also unevenly worn and were no longer making full contact with the discs.
Under MOT regulations, this meant the car could not pass the test.
You can read more about brake safety here: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/brake-problems/
Why Brake Problems Are So Important: A Recent MOT Fail
Brakes are, without question, one of the most critical safety systems on any vehicle.
When a driver presses the brake pedal, they expect the car to stop smoothly and safely. If the discs or pads are worn out, stopping distances can increase dramatically.
In wet weather, which we see plenty of here in West Yorkshire, worn brakes can become even more dangerous.
This is exactly why the MOT test exists—to identify problems before they lead to an accident.
Explaining the Problem to the Customer
We always try to explain faults clearly to customers so they understand exactly what has happened.
In this case, the driver was surprised because they hadn’t noticed any obvious braking issues.
However, brake wear often happens gradually. Drivers become used to the way the car feels, so they may not notice the deterioration over time.
Once we showed the customer the worn discs and pads, they could immediately see why the MOT had failed.
Carrying Out the Repairs: A Recent MOT Fail
Fortunately, the repair itself was fairly straightforward.
We fitted:
• New rear brake discs • New rear brake pads • A full brake system inspection
Once the work was completed, the vehicle went back through the MOT retest and passed without any further problems.
MOT Testing Why You Should avoid Your Local Council
So, I am now the owner of my garage, Pellon Tyre, and Autocentre, which have been operating for over 40 years. As a result, I have tried to build up a reputation that is second to none. Over the years, we have built up a fantastic reputation and trust.
We have always been straight and honest with our customers. Hence, I personally have been the owner of this garage here in Halifax. For the past 25 years,. In that time, we have carried out thousands of MOT tests. Of course, we have always used our best discretion. Carrying out MOT testing. Having always had the customer’s best interests at heart.
Over the years, we have only had one small dispute with a customer. Subsequently, that was the fault of our tester at the time. Replacing him as soon as we could. Thus, at the moment, we only have two testers. Ryan Linton, who, in my opinion, is a first class mechanic,. Naturally, a person, and has worked for me for 22 years. We now have a second tester, Mr. Dale Linton.
The point that I am getting at is the massive effort that we at Pellon have put into our garage and MOT testing service, MOT Testing Halifax area
This was, in my opinion, undermined. So, when I heard a guy being interviewed on Radio 2. This presenter was from a website telling us how we can save money. Advising the listeners to go to the local councils. Thus, for their car MOT testing,. Because if they went there,.
Then they would not be taken for a ride or ripped off. Consequently, he was basically saying that MOT centres are vehicle testing stations. So those who carry out MOT testing fail the cars intentionally. In order to give themselves the work of repairing the car.
This could not be further from the truth. VOSA DVLA MOT Testing Rules statistics. Show that privately owned testing stations. As a result, you are more likely to pass the car than fail the car. The money website claims that the local council runs testing stations.
Therefore, they are more likely to pass your car than a private garage. Such as the likes of my own garage in Halifax. So what they are saying is we are corrupt. By failing cars just to get the mechanical work.
Local Council want private MOT Testing stations to test taxis? MOT Testing Halifax area
Other things that I am not happy with are the good reviews that they say they have had from customers of the local council testing stations. One says that they fitted a light bulb and then they passed the car, the council test stations do not do any mechanical work whatsoever, so this was porky.
Another one stated that his car had failed at a private garage and the car needed £400 spent on it to pass the test, so the guy took his car to the council test station, and they passed it without any problems.
I frankly do not believe what they say, I agree that we are not all squeaky clean in the garage trade, but we are well regulated by VOSA, and if the figures for different failures do not look right, then VOSA will give you a visit and try to see whats going on.
Council testing stations used to charge the full going rate for MOT Testing, MOT Testing Halifax area
But I rang around today and found out that they have now started to discount the tests, I think that they are under pressure to do more testing from the cash strapped councils. In fact, we did get a notification asking us if we would like to carry out testing on behalf of the council, but I declined the offer as we are busy enough anyway.
Another problem with the local council test stations is that if your car fails, then you have to go to a garage for the work to be carried out, and then they have to go back to the council for a re-test. This is a long way around when a private garage will, in most cases, have done the work on the car the same day, saving the customer time and money.
MOT testing station owner Eric Roberts . MOT Testing Halifax area
There is no evidence at all to back up the money website’s claims. Fundamentally, there are no statistics from VOSA showing that MOT testing stations carry out repair work. So, more cars fail than council-run MOT testing stations.
It is really clear that going to a MOT only testing station. Such as the council’s operations. Is likely to incur considerable cost and personnel inconvenience. Especially if the car fails on a minor fault, such as a light bulb, and has to make another appointment for a re-test.
VOSA is the government department in charge of MOT testing. Importantly, we are always watching out for garages. bad practices and make regular visits to offending garages. MOT garages are also given colour codes that relate to their testing standards. Green is the best, then Amber, and the worst standard is Red.
So, these are the ones that the ministry keeps a careful eye on. It is worth finding out what standard of the testing station is, before you book your car in. I am proud to say that we at Pellon Autocentre are in the best lane, the green lane.
MOT testing station
Pellon Tyre and Autocentre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. MOT Testing Halifax area
Comment from Jim McMasters –
As the owner of an older car I have been tempted to use the Council test stations. This year I had two MOT tests by two different independent garages. Garage No 1 failed the car on rear brake pipes and front and rear brake hoses with both front suspension bushes advisory – cost of repairs £344 inc MOT.
Garage No 2 failed the car on front and rear brake pipes and the suspension bushes and said the brake hoses were advisory with mild corrosion on the ferrules and discoloration of rear indicator bulbs which had been replaced by Garage No1 the year before – cost of repairs £601 inc MOT.
The only thing that puts me off using the Council testing stations is that if you fail you then have to fend around for someone to fix the car within the retest period which takes time and I’ve found some garages don’t want to do brake pipe jobs if they are busy with bolt on type repairs. So I think you make a fair point in favour of the independent garage for practical purposes but as my example shows, there is a lack of consistency with garages both in testing and pricing.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/MOT-testing-sign.jpg512512Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2026-04-10 07:40:092026-04-10 07:40:09MOT Testing Halifax area: Dont GO To Your Local Council
So this attached article is all about the chaos that the government caused by issuing the six-month exemption from your car’s MOT test! Of course, during last year’s lockdown.
Many garages and MOT centres are now short of work because customers have brought their MOT tests forward. To explain, most customers of garages would have their cars serviced at the same time. Now, because of the rush, garages have a void in their work schedule. Including us at Pellon Autocentre in Halifax .
So, in there wisdom,
The DVLA is advising motorists to bring their test forward. The Months with a void are now May, June and July. Because garage customers had their cars tested early, a huge void has occurred.
These cars are not due to have a test until August, September and October. It means to me that the six-month MOT exemption has completely thrown out the systems balance.
Businesses find this difficult to balance out and will be paying staff to be stood around . In my opinion the government should compensate garages to help them through this period until the Autumn.
Where are the DVLA telling the motorists ? MOT Test Chaos Continues
The attached article writes about the DVLA urging motorists! Unfortunately, I am wondering where this advice is going to be published ! I watch TV and listen to the radio all the time, but I have not yet seen any sign of the DVLA advising drivers.
So, I urge drivers to do anything. I suspect that what they mean is that we, the local garage, have to tell our own customers that getting an early MOT would be possible.
Another garage owner that I know says that he has been realy messed up by the government decision to the six month MOT extension. Frighteningly, he says that he has had no customers since March wanting an MOT test. He like me suspects that it will be like this until late August. The DVSA are doing nothing to help and I suspect garages will be closing down!
Finally, I believe that a six-month extension was not at all necessary!
The six-month grace meant that millions of drivers were taking the micky! Like my own garage, thousands of MOT centres are only doing a couple of tests a week!
This also includes the busy garages. I believe that the action that the government took is now causing the industry big problems. So, support should be given to MOT stations. We are losing revenue whilst still having to pay for MOT equipment and staff wages. This has been awarded to other industries requiring financial aid during these difficult times.
Financial Incentives could be the way- MOT Test Chaos Continues
Finally, I think that the government could offer a financial incentive to try and get an early MOT test. Otherwise, drivers will not be prepared to have their cars tested early. Understandably, most motorists leave there MOT test to the last minute. Most have a fear that the car may require expensive repairs, so, as I say, leave the test until the last minute.
The DVSA is urging motorists with a vehicle MOT due in August, September, October and November 2021 to bring their vehicle in for a test during May, June or July instead. It comes as MOT predictions
Even the largest domestic vehicles, like a pick-up truck or a van, aren’t always big enough for your driving needs. When you need to add extra capacity to your vehicle, whether it’s space for a horse, extra storage, or even somewhere that doubles as a home on wheels, the answer is simple: tow another structure behind your existing vehicle. Towing is popular with many drivers, but it does come with responsibility. The DVLA has laws around towing, and drivers need to be aware of them and compliant at all times.
While this might seem obvious,
even two years after a major change in towing laws was implemented, only 14% of respondents to a recent survey were aware of the developments. The law now allows those who passed their driving test from after January 1997 can tow trailers of up to 3,500kg MAM without undertaking additional training. Just because less training is now required, that doesn’t mean that towing isn’t still a dangerous pastime or that it isn’t a privilege that we need to take very seriously. Driver ignorance could potentially be fatal, especially when you’re towing a heavy trailer or caravan.
Here are some of the many reasons why this ignorance could be dangerous and how drivers can brush up on their knowledge before they hitch up their trailers.
Drivers Might Be Making Mistakes When Hitching-Ignorance Of Towing Laws
If drivers are ignorant of basic towing laws, then it begs the question: What else don’t they know about towing trailers or caravans? One of the most significant areas where they could be going wrong from the start is hitching their trailer to their vehicle.
Having properly fitted tow bars that are attached by an expert fitter and used correctly is crucial for ensuring that the trailer is properly secured from the start of the journey. Incorrectly hitching a trailer to a vehicle can result in detachment while driving. This not only endangers the occupants of the towing vehicle but also poses a significant risk to other road users, so drivers need to be aware of how to do this correctly.
It Might Mean Poor Driving Etiquette-Ignorance Of Towing Laws
Ignorance of towing laws can lead to improper use of overtaking lanes and slow lanes, causing frustration among other drivers and increasing the likelihood of road rage incidents. The law dictates how drivers should behave when they have a trailer, and if they don’t understand one aspect of it, they probably won’t grasp driving etiquette when towing a trailer or caravan.
This can lead to problems with other drivers and potential dangers. One area that could cause significant problems is overtaking others and turning correctly around other drivers when towing a trailer.
Towing a trailer affects visibility and manoeuvrability, so not having proper overtaking and turning techniques can lead to collisions, especially in tight spaces or when attempting manoeuvres without a clear understanding of the trailer’s path.
Ignorance Of Towing Laws
Proper Maintenance Might Not Be Undertaken
Drivers who don’t understand the law might not be interested in maintaining and caring for their vehicles, tow bars, and trailers effectively. Towing puts additional strain on all the vehicle’s components.
Ignoring maintenance requirements can result in mechanical failures while on the road, leading to accidents or breakdowns, so drivers need to be aware of these issues and manage them effectively. Drivers who view towing as a simple experience might not maintain their vehicles correctly when towing.
Ignorance Could Lead To A Lack Of Attention When Towing
Any vehicle can be challenging to drive, but when your car has an extra piece attached at the back that is long and heavy, there are additional issues that you need to bear in mind. As such, towing a trailer requires heightened awareness of the road and surroundings.
Not knowing how the trailer affects blind spots, turning radius, and overall vehicle length can lead to accidents or issues, especially in tight urban areas with narrow streets. Also, towing often comes at a reduced speed limits on certain roads. Ignoring these limits can lead to dangerous situations, as trailers require more time to slow down or stop safely. As a result, driver error could cause serious problems for road users.
What You Can Do To Stay Up-To-Date-Ignorance Of Towing Laws
Whether you’re a caravan owner, a horse transporter, or you regularly use a trailer for your work, you need to understand the laws and stay up-to-date with them. To make sure that you always know about changes to the law when towing or any other aspect of driving, follow the DVLA’s blog for regular updates.
You can also make the most of sites like ours
to understand how these new rules will affect you and what you can do to ensure your compliance at all times. Being proactive will make you a better driver and ensure that you can navigate the UK’s roads safely and effectively.
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