Barnsley MOT test centres

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Of every hundred cars presented for an MOT in the S area, about 25 fail. Nationally the figure is 28, so Barnsley and its surroundings are doing better than most of Britain. The most common defect on failed tests here is a broken coil spring, which runs 20% above the national rate for that defect. Based on 2,200,138 tests recorded by DVSA.

Bars show how often each defect appears on failed tests in this area. The figure in italics is the difference from the national rate for that defect.

Coil springs fracture on British roads more than anywhere else in Europe, and a fractured spring is a fail. Listen for a clunk over potholes. The UK-wide failure figures show the same pattern, and our list of advisories that become failures puts a number on how often a noted item fails the following year.

DVSA sets a maximum test fee, and no station in Barnsley can charge more than £54.85 for a car. Most charge less: chains and larger independents often advertise £30 to £40, and a few quote the full amount. The price is for the test only; any repair is separate and you are free to have it done elsewhere.

When to book in Barnsley

March is the busiest month for MOTs in the S area, with about 59% more tests than April. If your test falls in a busy month, book two to three weeks ahead; in a quiet one, most stations can fit you in within days.

Retests

A failed car left at the garage for repair gets a free retest. Take it away and bring it back within ten working days and the retest is free for the common small items (bulbs, wipers, tyres, mirrors, seatbelts) and half price at most for the rest. Miss the ten days and you pay for a full test.

Driving to the test without an MOT

You can drive to a pre-booked test with no MOT, and to a garage for repairs found at the test. That is the only situation where driving without one is legal, and the car must still be roadworthy and insured.