You don't need to bring anything except the car itself — no logbook, no paperwork, no previous MOT certificate. Just make sure there's some fuel in the tank so the emissions test can run properly. Knowing your registration number helps if you're asking us questions beforehand, but it isn't needed for the test itself.
Do I need to bring any paperwork to my MOT?
No. You don't need your V5C logbook, your last MOT certificate, or your service history book. The test is recorded against your number plate on the national system, not a piece of paper, so the examiner can see everything they need without you handing anything over.
Do I need petrol or diesel in the tank?
Yes, a little. The emissions part of the test needs the engine running and warmed up properly, and a car running on fumes can hold the whole test up if it won't start reliably or cuts out mid-check. It doesn't need to be full — just enough to drive it there and keep it running for the test.
Should I bring my previous MOT certificate anyway?
You can, if you want to compare this year's advisories with last year's while you wait. It isn't required though. If you'd rather not dig it out of a drawer, you can check a vehicle's full MOT history free on the government's own service — every past test, pass, fail and advisory, going back years, searchable by registration number.
What if I don't know my registration number?
It helps when you're booking over the phone or online, so we can look the car up before you arrive. If you're bringing it in yourself, we can see the plate when you pull onto the forecourt, so it isn't a problem either way.
Does it matter if the car's a mess inside or out?
Not for the test itself — the examiner is testing the car's mechanical condition, not judging the footwell. The one practical issue is if there's so much stuff piled up that the seatbelts, pedals, handbrake or mirrors can't be checked or used properly. Worth clearing anything blocking the controls before you come in.
What if my MOT has already run out?
You can still drive to a pre-booked MOT test on an expired MOT, as long as you're driving straight there and the car is roadworthy. We've covered the detail on what's allowed and what isn't on our MOT run-out guide.
What happens if the car doesn't pass first time?
Nothing extra to bring for a retest, either. At ONEFIX, a retest within ten working days of a failure is free — you don't need to rebook from scratch or pay again for the parts of the test that already passed. The full rules on what counts as a free retest, and what doesn't, are on our MOT retest rules page.
What's actually checked on the day?
Lights, tyres, brakes, steering, suspension, emissions, the structure underneath, seatbelts, wipers, horn, mirrors — a long fixed national checklist, the same wherever you go. We've written a full breakdown here: what do they actually check on an MOT.
Can someone else bring the car in for me?
Yes. Whoever drops it off doesn't need to be the registered keeper or the usual driver — they just need the keys and, ideally, a way to reach you if we need to ask anything about the car during the test.
Ready to book?
ONEFIX tests Class 4 vehicles — cars and light vans — for MOT at Plas Acton Garage, 282 Chester Road, Wrexham. A Class 4 MOT costs £54.95. Book online or call 01978 356983, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.