Servicing & MOT
Repairs
Engine & Drivetrain
Diagnostics & EmissionsPelsall Village Garage
MOT Testing
We test cars and light vans up to 3,000kg to current DVSA rules, then talk you through every result before any repair is suggested. Nothing is fixed without your say-so.
Why book with us
MOT Testing with clear advice.
We carry out Class 4 MOT tests at our workshop at 45 High Street, Pelsall. Class 4 covers ordinary cars, and light vans and small motorhomes up to 3,000kg design gross weight. That means the family hatchback, the estate you tow with and the small or medium van you use for work can all be tested here. A garage has stood on this site since 1936, and we test drivers' cars from Pelsall, Walsall, Brownhills and Bloxwich every week.
The MOT is a yearly check that your vehicle meets the legal minimum for safety and emissions on the day of the test. It is not a service. The tester looks at lights, brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, seatbelts, the body and structure, the exhaust and emissions, mirrors, wipers and the view of the road. It does not check the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox, which is why a regular service still matters.
Most fails we see are simple things: a blown bulb, a worn tyre, a split wiper blade, a brake that pulls to one side or a worn suspension joint. Diesel cars with a tampered or emptied particulate filter will now fail, as will any car with a dashboard warning for the airbags, ABS or engine management that points to a fault. Doing a quick walk round the night before can save you a fail.
When the test is done, we sit down with you and go through the result. If anything has failed or been given an advisory, we show you what it is, explain what it means for you and how urgent it is, and give you a clear written quote. You decide what happens next. Mark has been in the motor trade for more than 30 years, and we would rather you understood your car than felt rushed into a repair.
We are open Monday to Friday 8:30 to 17:00 and Saturday 8:30 to 13:00. We offer discounts for police, fire service, NHS workers and the armed forces. We also MOT motorbikes over 200cc (Class 2), though we do not test Class 7 vans between 3,000kg and 3,500kg. To book your MOT, call us on 01922 682200.
Cars and light vans
Class 4 MOTs for cars, and vans and small motorhomes up to 3,000kg.
Tested to DVSA rules
Every test follows the current DVSA MOT inspection manual.
Results explained
We talk you through every fail and advisory in plain English.
Written quotes
Any repair is priced in writing first and only done with your approval.
Service at the same visit
Book your MOT and service together and drop the car off once.
Discounts for key workers
Police, fire service, NHS workers and armed forces get a discount.
MOT Testing
What happens during your MOT
Clear expectations, no surprises. If anything extra is needed, we explain it first.
- Lights, indicators, horn and battery security checked.
- Brake performance tested, plus pads, discs, pipes and hoses inspected where visible.
- Steering and suspension joints, bushes, shock absorbers and springs checked for wear.
- Tyres checked for legal tread depth, size, type and damage.
- Exhaust emissions measured, and the exhaust checked for leaks and security.
- Seatbelts, seats, doors, mirrors, wipers and washers inspected.
- Body and structure checked for corrosion or sharp edges near key areas.
- Dashboard warning lights checked for faults that cause a fail.
- Pass certificate, or a clear list of fails and advisories, with a written repair quote if needed.
MOT Testing
Common questions
- Do you MOT vans?
- Yes, as long as the van is Class 4, which means a design gross weight of up to 3,000kg. That covers most small and medium vans, such as a Transit Connect, Berlingo, Caddy or many short-wheelbase Vivaros and Trafics. Larger vans between 3,000kg and 3,500kg are Class 7, and we do not test those. The weight is on the plate in the door shut or under the bonnet, or call us and we will check.
- Do you do motorbike MOTs?
- Yes. We carry out Class 2 MOTs for motorbikes over 200cc, but not Class 1 bikes up to 200cc. Call us on 01922 682200 to book a bike MOT, as these are not bookable online. We have a motorbike lift too, so we can service and repair your bike as well.
- When is my MOT due?
- A car's first MOT is due three years after it was first registered, then every year after that. Your due date is on your last certificate, and you can check it free on the GOV.UK MOT history page using your registration. You can have the test up to a month, minus a day, before the due date and still keep the same renewal date for next year.
- Can I drive on an MOT advisory?
- Yes. An advisory is not a fail, so you can still drive the car. It means something is wearing and will need attention soon, such as a tyre close to the limit or a slightly corroded brake pipe. We explain each advisory and how soon it is likely to need doing, because many advisories become a fail at the next test.
- What happens if my car fails its MOT?
- We show you exactly what failed and why, and give you a written quote to put it right. Nothing is fixed until you say go ahead. If a fault is marked dangerous, the car should not be driven until it is repaired. If you leave it with us to repair and it is retested within 10 working days, it only needs a partial retest of the failed items.
- How long does an MOT take?
- The test itself usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour. If it fails and needs parts, it can take longer to repair and retest. Many customers drop the car off in the morning and collect it later, or book their service on the same day so they only have to bring the car in once. Call us and we will find a time that suits.
- Is it illegal to drive without an MOT?
- Yes. Driving without a valid MOT can lead to a fine of up to 1,000 pounds, and it can affect your insurance. The only exception is driving to a pre-booked MOT test or to a garage for repairs needed to pass. If yours has run out, call us on 01922 682200 and book a test before you drive it anywhere else.
- What should I check before my MOT?
- Walk round the car and check every bulb, including the number plate light and brake lights. Check the tyres for tread and damage, top up the screenwash and make sure the wipers clear the screen. Look for warning lights on the dashboard, and make sure the horn works and the number plate is clean. These small things cause a surprising number of fails.
- Where can I get an MOT near me in Walsall?
- We are at 45 High Street, Pelsall, Walsall WS3 4LT. We test cars and light vans for drivers from across Pelsall, Walsall, Brownhills, Bloxwich, Rushall and Great Wyrley. Our Google rating is 4.8 from 55 reviews. Call us on 01922 682200 to book a time.
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Serving drivers across the local area
We provide mot testing for customers from across the region — book online or call us.