MOT stations in Plymouth

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Of every hundred cars presented for an MOT in the PL area, about 36 fail. Nationally the figure is 28, so Plymouth and its surroundings are a little harder on cars than most of Britain. The most common defect on failed tests here is tyre tread below the legal minimum, which runs 35% above the national rate for that defect. Based on 1,002,716 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.

Tyres are an easy failure to avoid. Check the tread and look for cuts and bulges the week before the test, not on the forecourt. The pass rates for the whole country show the same pattern, and our guide to MOT advisories puts a number on how often a noted item fails the following year.

DVSA sets a maximum test fee, and no station in Plymouth 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 Plymouth

October is the busiest month for MOTs in the PL area, with about 62% 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.