Get an MOT for a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), bus or trailer
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:
- check your MOT history to see the result online
- ask the test centre to give you a printed MOT certificate
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:
- form VTG17 for HGV and trailer annual tests
- form VTP17 for PSV annual tests
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.