Get an MOT for a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), bus or trailer

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At the test station

Bring the following documents to the test station:

  • your appointment letter if you have one
  • the vehicle’s plating certificate
  • if your vehicle is exempt - a tachograph exemption form

You’ll need to drive your own vehicle during the test unless otherwise asked.

You should arrive 10 minutes before the test time.

Horseboxes

You should load the horsebox with heavy items like bags of feed, fertiliser or straw bales. This is so that the centre can check the brakes work properly.

Tell the test station about any changes you’ve made to the horsebox since its last test.

There is more information about testing standards for horseboxes in the guide for horsebox and trailer owners.

Repairs

If an inspector thinks minor repairs are needed to your vehicle and they can be done quickly and safely you may be allowed to do so, but only if it does not delay the testing of other vehicles

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) staff cannot provide tools or materials or help with repairs.

Passing the test

If your vehicle passes the MOT, your result will be recorded in the MOT database. You can:

Failing the test

If your vehicle fails the annual test you’ll have to take it away and get the faults fixed.

Unlike with an MOT, most centres will not be able to make the repairs for you. Once they’re made you’ll have to book another test and pay a retest fee.

Major faults

Some faults are so serious that the vehicle cannot be allowed on the road. In this case, the inspector may allow on-site emergency repairs.

If you disagree with a test result

You might be able to change your test result.

You’ll need to explain why you disagree. You can either:

  • talk to the assessor at the test station when you get your result
  • contact DVSA if the assessor is not available or you leave the testing station after you get the result

You need to contact DVSA within 2 working days of getting your result.

HGV, bus or trailer MOT complaints
technicalofficers@dvsa.gov.uk

Appeals

You can appeal if you’ve tried to change your test result and you still disagree with it.

You need to submit an appeal form within 14 days of the test:

Send the appeal to the address on the form or to the test station that carried out the test.

You’ll also need to pay an appeal fee.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Get an annual test (MOT) for a lorry, bus or trailer: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check when your test is due and get reminders

    1. Check when your annual test is due
    2. Get reminders by email or text message

  2. Step 2 Book the test

    1. Find your nearest test centre and book your test

    The cost will vary depending on where you take the test.

    1. Check the fees for heavy goods vehicles or trailers
    2. Check the fees for public service vehicles

    Fill in an application form before you book your test if it's the first time it's been tested and it's:

  3. Step 3 Prepare your vehicle

    1. Check your vehicle’s headlamp aim
    2. Check the brakes if it's a heavy goods vehicle
    3. Check what to do if your vehicle carries dangerous goods

    You can get your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic to prepare for the test. They should be using the test standards in the:

  4. and Prepare the documents you need

    1. Check what documents you need to take with you

    You need to bring extra documents if your vehicle is used to carry dangerous goods, or if it's exempt from having a tachograph or speed limiter.

  5. Step 4 Take your vehicle to the test

    1. Find out what happens at the test centre

    At the end of the test, you'll be told if your vehicle has passed or failed.