UK cars are expected to have a valid MOT certificate to help ensure they're safe and roadworthy. It’s a legal requirement, so it’s important to understand what an MOT is and what’s expected of you as a driver.
So, what is an MOT exactly? This guide covers everything you need to know about MOTs, including when they’re due, what’s checked, how much they cost and what happens if you fail.
What is an MOT?
The MOT is a series of checks that most UK vehicles more than three years old must go through every year. It is a roadworthiness test designed to ensure that vehicles don’t pose a danger to other road users. The first test is due on the third anniversary of the vehicle’s registration, and it must be carried out every year after that, unless exempt.
It’s important to understand that an MOT is not the same as a service. The MOT is legally required every year, but a service isn’t. A service is, however, a good idea to keep your car in good condition.
An MOT focuses on safety-critical items such as the brakes, tyres, lights and emissions. A service includes maintenance tasks like changing the engine oil and filters, topping up fluids, and checking the condition of the car.
What does MOT stand for?
MOT stands for the Ministry of Transport, who introduced it in 1960. Although the Ministry of Transport no longer exists, the name MOT has remained. MOT testing is now overseen by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which sets the standards for MOT tests and approves testing centres across the UK.
Is an MOT necessary in the UK?
Yes, an MOT is a legal requirement for most cars over three years old. New cars under three years old don’t usually need an MOT because they’re not expected to have developed faults that could make them unsafe or unroadworthy.
After that, the MOT must be updated every year to ensure your car is safe to be on the road. There are some exceptions. For example, classic cars that are over 40 years old may be exempt from needing an MOT, provided they haven’t had any substantial changes.
You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving without a valid MOT, and driving without one can also make your car insurance invalid, so it’s really important to remember to book it in.
When is your MOT due?
If your vehicle is more than three years old, you'll need an MOT every year to make sure it meets the minimum legal safety and environmental standards (unless you have an exempt classic car).
You can have your MOT carried out up to one month minus a day before it expires and still keep the same renewal date on your current certificate.
Don’t leave your MOT until the last minute, as appointments get booked up. Booking a bit early also gives you time to fix any issues before your MOT runs out and helps you avoid accidentally driving without a valid certificate.
Checking your MOT status online
If you’re not sure when your MOT is due, you can check for free using the GOV.UK MOT status checker. This is handy if you’ve misplaced your MOT certificate. It’s quick and easy to use; all you need to do is enter the registration number and check the details are correct.
To check a vehicle's MOT status, simply:
Open the GOV.UK MOT checker.
Click Start now.
Enter the vehicle's registration number.
Confirm it's the correct vehicle.
View whether it has a valid MOT and when it’s next due.
You can also check other information about your car while you’re in the portal, like your previous MOT results and the vehicle tax details.
How long does an MOT take? What is checked?
An MOT can take up to 60 minutes. You can often wait at the garage, or come back after an hour. During this time, a qualified MOT tester will inspect different parts of your vehicle to make sure it meets the required safety and environmental standards.
But what do they check on an MOT exactly? Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of everything that will typically be assessed:
Interiors
Seat belts: All compulsory seat belts must be in place and are checked for security, operation and condition.
Seats: Seats should be in an acceptable condition and securely attached to the steering shaft.
Steering wheel: The steering wheel must be secure and operate correctly.
Warning lights: Dashboard warning lights must work as expected.
Horn: The horn must operate correctly.
Dashboard warning lights: All dashboard lights must illuminate and function as expected.
Speedometer: The speedometer must be working correctly and clearly visible.
Exteriors
Registration plates: Plates must be secure, clearly visible and meet legal requirements.
Doors: Doors must open and close securely from both inside and outside where applicable.
Mirrors: Mirrors must be secure and provide a clear view of the road behind.
Windscreen: The windscreen must not have damage that affects the driver’s view.
Windscreen wipers and washers: Windscreen washers and wipers must work effectively and clear water from the windscreen properly.
Car body: The body of the car will be checked for erosion and any sharp edges that could cause damage.
Tyres and Wheels
Tyre size and structure: Tyres on the same axle must be the correct size and have the same structure.
Tyre condition: Tyres are checked for their tread depth, general condition and any damage such as cuts, bulges or exposed cords. Tyres with a tread depth below 1.6mm will cause a fail.
Wheels: Wheels must be in good condition, with no cracks, damage or distortion. All wheel nuts and bolts must also be present and secure.
Engine and Parts
Suspension: The suspension system is checked for signs of damage, corrosion, wear or other issues that could affect how the vehicle handles.
Battery: The battery must be securely fitted, in good condition and free from leaks.
Brakes: The braking system is tested to make sure the brakes work safely and effectively. Components such as brake pads, discs and warning systems may also be checked where applicable.
Exhaust: The exhaust system is inspected for damage, corrosion, leaks and excessive noise.
Emissions: The vehicle’s emissions are tested to make sure they meet the required legal standards for its age and fuel type.
What happens if your car fails an MOT test?
After every MOT, you’ll be given a pass or fail certificate. If your car fails its MOT, you’ll get an MOT failure certificate showing the issues that caused it to fail. What happens next depends on the severity of your vehicle’s issues.
MOT results are split into categories:
Dangerous: This is an automatic MOT fail. A dangerous fault means the vehicle poses an immediate risk to your safety or other road users. You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points if you drive a car that’s failed with a dangerous issue. It must be fixed at that garage or towed away.
Major: This is also an MOT fail. A major fault is serious and could affect the safety of your vehicle, so it should be repaired before driving. In some cases, you may be able to drive the vehicle away if it’s still considered roadworthy.
Minor: Your car can still pass its MOT with a minor fault. These issues don’t pose an immediate safety risk, but you should get them repaired before they become more serious.
Advisory: An advisory doesn’t cause an MOT failure, but it’s a warning that something may need attention in the future. Keep an eye on the issue and arrange repairs if needed.
Pass: Your vehicle has met the legal requirements for roadworthiness and can be driven. But, regular maintenance is still important to keep it safe and reliable.
You'll receive your MOT result as soon as the test is complete. If your vehicle fails, the tester will explain why, outline any faults that need repairing. They’ll advise you on the next steps you need to take, including whether the car is safe to drive and what you'll need to do before a retest.
Can you still drive without MOT?
If your MOT is out of date, you can only drive the car if you’re going directly to a pre-booked MOT test or to a garage for repairs after a failure. Driving without a valid MOT can result in a hefty fine and may invalidate your insurance if you're involved in an accident.
If your existing MOT certificate is still valid, you can usually technically continue driving even if your car fails a new MOT, provided the vehicle has no dangerous faults and is roadworthy.
/
Where can you get an MOT done?
You can get an MOT test done at an approved MOT test centre. These are garages, repair shops and specialist MOT centres that have been authorised by the DVSA to carry out MOTs. There are around 20,000 MOT test centres in the UK. They can be franchised manufacturer dealerships, independent garages and even council run test stations.
Before booking your MOT, it’s worth comparing prices and checking customer reviews to find a reputable centre. Some garages also offer MOT and service packages, allowing you to get routine service checks done at the same time.
You can use the GOV.UK MOT test station finder to find approved testing centres near you.
H3: How much does an MOT cost? How much you pay for an MOT depends on your vehicle. The maximum MOT fee for a car is £54.85 and £29.65 for a motorcycle. No test centre can charge more than that. But, some garages offer cheaper MOTs. The hope from their perspective is that if your car fails, you’ll have the work done with them. If yours is a relatively new car and unlikely to fail, these may be a good option.
An alternative is to take your car to a council run MOT test centre. These do the MOTs on council vehicles but they have to accept the general public’s vehicles too. However, they can’t do any remedial work on cars belonging to members of the public so have no incentive to fail them. It might be worth looking into if your car is in decent condition and you’re confident it’s unlikely to fail the test.
Does an MOT affect car tax and insurance?
Yes, it can affect both car tax and insurance. Keeping your MOT up to date is important because it can affect whether you’re able to legally use it. If your MOT expires, you could face fines, be unable to tax your vehicle, and potentially have issues with your insurance if you need to make a claim.
Can you tax a car without MOT?
No, you can’t tax a car without a valid MOT. When you try to tax your vehicle, the DVLA checks its MOT status automatically. If your car needs an MOT but doesn’t have a valid certificate, your tax application won’t go through. The only exceptions are if your car is under three years old, or if you own a classic car over 40 years old.
As soon as you pass your MOT, you can pay for your vehicle tax online fairly quickly, or do it via the Post Office.
Can I get car insurance without MOT?
You may be able to insure a car without an MOT, but it depends on the insurer and your circumstances. Standard insurance usually needs you to have a valid MOT for everyday driving. It’s unlikely you will get insured without a valid MOT, unless your vehicle is exempt. New cars under three years old and some classic cars over 40 years old may not need an MOT for insurance.
It’s important to note that it is illegal to drive without insurance and most insurance policies become void if the car lacks a valid MOT.
The takeaway
Whether it's your first MOT or you've been through the process before, knowing what's involved can make the test a little less stressful. From understanding when your MOT is due to knowing what gets checked and what happens if your car fails, a bit of preparation could help you avoid any surprises!
Remember, an MOT is more than just a yearly check. It’s a way to make sure your vehicle meets the minimum legal safety and environmental standards needed to be driven on UK roads. It’s also a good idea getting your car regularly serviced to help prevent problems before they occur.
It’s really important to check online if you’re not sure when yours is due to prevent a fine and ensure you and other drivers are safe on the roads.
Check out some of our other guides for more helpful advice on car finance options and ownership, including car finance on benefits, how to cancel your car finance agreement, and what a V5C log book is and why it matters.