MOT Test Centre Sherborne & Surrounding Areas 

An MOT (Ministry of Transport) is an annual test of vehicle safety, roadworthiness and exhaust emissions required by law in the UK for every vehicle that is more than three years old.

The most efficient MOT test centre in Sherborne, Dorset is Crackmore Garage. In fact, we have motorists come for miles from surrounding areas like Yeovil, Sparkford and Templecombe in Somerset to have their MOT carried out by our qualified, professional technicians.

At Crackmore Garage we are authorised by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to carry out MOTs on passenger vehicles (class 4) and light goods vehicles, like pick-ups, vans and transits, up to a weight of 3.5 tonnes (class 7). Unfortunately we are not able to MOT motorcycles and three-wheeled vehicles.

We make MOTs as easy as possible, usually completing the test in an hour (please arrive about five minutes before your booked time – although you are welcome to leave your car with us from opening time in the morning).

When you book an MOT with us, you will find we go beyond the call of duty! You will leave not just with an MOT certificate for the next 12 months, but safe in the knowledge that we have warned you up front of any potential problems you may encounter next time round.

With Crackmore Garage your MOT experience will be free of nasty surprises! If your vehicle is not quite up to scratch for passing the test, we will generally be able to carry out the necessary repairs and adjustments the same day – after notifying you first, of course, along with a quotation for the cost. Re-testing is free (as long as you return the vehicle for the re-test within 10 working days).

You don’t need to bring any documentation with you unless your car is undergoing its first MOT – in this case you’ll need to bring the V5C vehicle registration certificate (also known as the log book) from the DVLA. You’ll also need to bring the log book if your car has had a change of registration plate since its last MOT.

Main MOT Tests

Some of the main things that are covered in an MOT test are:

• Checking for the presence of a Vehicle Identification Number (found on any car used after 1 August 1980).
• Making sure the registration plate is clean, readable and legally formatted.
• Lights are checked for condition, operation and colour, and headlamps for their aim.
• Steering and suspension must be operating in good condition.
• Wipers and window washers are checked, and the windscreen must give a clear view of the road.
• Seatbelts are checked for condition and operation.
• The fuel system, including the fuel cap, checked for leaks and seals.
• Tyre tread depth and condition must conform to standards.
• The exhaust system is checked and exhaust emissions measured to make sure they meet the requirement for the type of vehicle.
• The vehicle structure needs to be free of excessive corrosion or damage. Doors and mirrors are checked.
• Brakes are put through an efficiency test.

If you want a pain-free MOT with helpful, friendly service, contact us well in advance before the MOT is due, so we can book the most convenient slot for you.

If your vehicle is undergoing its first MOT then a V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book) is required, this document is also required if your vehicle has had a change of registration plate since its last MOT. In all other instances no documentation is required.

Our MOT retests are also free if you present you vehicle to us within 10 working days.