Good luck,I also worry about the Mav as each year ticks by, so far so good.
I find the best thing to do is fix things as you find them, and waxoyl everything, well nearly everything.
I will never rust anyway, I always get covered, it used to get in my hair.
No probs now, it wipes off the nearly smooth surface....:doh
I try to get the first booking of the day, and wait, cuts the stress of waiting.....
You used to be able to MOT it upto 1 month before and even drive it during that month, even if it failed, as the original MOT was still presentable for a month.
However, now you can still preent it up to 1 month, but if it fails it has to be off the road.
Advantage/disadvantage of electronic MOT's.
The police probably know 5 minutes before they tell you at the garage.:doh
So Thursday/ Friday morning may be a good day for MOT and re-book it in Monday. Gives you time to get the parts and fix it with least inconvienience.
I like to plan ahead, rather than panic at the last moment, cos I do tend to worry too much about things.:doh
Good luck,
best regards, Rustic