When you have to take the MOT

Depends on your car's age (per RD 920/2017):

  • Cars under 4 years old: no MOT required.
  • 4 to 10 years: every 2 years.
  • Over 10 years: annually.

For motorcycles, light commercials and other cases timelines differ — check your registration document or call us if unsure.

What they'll check (in order)

1. Vehicle identification

VIN, plate, technical sheet. If you've made a modification (wheels, suspension, brakes), it must be declared on the technical sheet — otherwise, guaranteed fail.

2. Exterior condition, bodywork and chassis

Body condition, bumpers, mirrors, lights, plates. Broken or misaligned headlights are one of the most common reasons for "fail".

3. Brakes

Brake tester check on front, rear and parking brakes. Measures effectiveness and differential between wheels (max 30%). Heavily worn pads and discs are caught on visual inspection.

4. Steering and suspension

Plate bench, play in ball joints and bushings. If the wheel shakes on the motorway or the car pulls to one side, you probably have something to fix beforehand.

5. Lights and signalling

All lights (low/high beam, position, brake, indicators, fog if fitted). The #1 cause of MOT failure — and the cheapest to prevent.

6. Emissions

Opacimeter (diesel) or gas analyser (petrol). Many cars fail here with clogged EGR, saturated DPF or faulty lambda sensors.

7. Noise

Decibel meter. Modified or holed exhausts typically fail.

8. Equipment

Warning triangles, reflective vest, spare wheel (or puncture kit), seatbelts, Isofix anchors if fitted.

Top 5 failures in Valencia

  1. Misaligned or blown headlights — 22% of failures.
  2. Emissions over limit — EGR/DPF/lambda. 17%.
  3. Unbalanced or worn brakes — 14%.
  4. Play in steering and suspension — 11%.
  5. Tyres below 1.6 mm or with irregular wear — 9%.
What many people don't know

If you fail with an "unfavourable" result, you have 2 months to retake it without paying for the full test (just the retake fee, much cheaper). After 2 months, you pay full again.

Pre-ITV inspection: what it is and how it saves you money

A pre-ITV inspection at a workshop is a full check covering the same points as the official inspection — before you go. For about €35–60 they catch problems early and save you:

  • The trip to the MOT with a "fail"
  • The retake (another appointment, another waste of time)
  • Emergency repairs at higher prices
  • The risk of losing your car if the MOT expires

If you've noticed jerks, noises, vibration or warning lights, you almost certainly have something to fix before the test. Better caught in the workshop than at the station.

MOT stations near Aldaia

  • ITV Aldaia — Camí Nou, right next to the industrial estate. The closest one.
  • ITV Quart de Poblet — Calle Industria, 10 min by car.
  • ITV Manises — Polígono La Cova, 12 min.
  • ITV Paterna — Polígono Fuente del Jarro, 15 min.

Book online at itv.gva.es — we recommend booking 2 weeks in advance, as they're usually busy.

Documents to bring

  • Registration document
  • Technical sheet (MOT card)
  • Latest insurance proof
  • Owner's ID or authorisation if going on someone else's behalf

MOT cost in Valencia (2026)

  • Petrol car: ~€42
  • Diesel car: ~€48 (includes opacimeter)
  • Motorcycle: ~€25
  • Retake (if you fail and return within 2 months): ~€12–18

What we do at 2 Hermanos

We do a complete pre-ITV inspection with the same points as the official inspection: brakes on equivalent tester, aligned lights, emissions, play, tyres. If we find something, we tell you in writing — you decide whether to fix it before or go as-is. No paternalism.

If you want a pre-ITV inspection before your appointment, message us on WhatsApp or call +34 683 26 79 16. Slot available this week.