An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a mandatory annual inspection for vehicles over three years old in the UK. It ensures cars meet road safety and environmental standards.
Which Cars Need an MOT?
- Check your MOT expiry date on the DVLA website using your registration number.
- Cars must undergo their first MOT three years after registration.
- In Northern Ireland, MOT tests start after four years.
- Classic cars over 40 years old are exempt unless significantly modified.
Where to Get an MOT Test
- There are 21,000+ approved MOT centres across the UK.
- Not all garages offer MOT tests—use the government website to find an authorized centre.
- Book early, as most garages also handle repairs.
How Long Does an MOT Take?
- Around 1 hour per test.
- You can wait at the garage or drop off your vehicle.
- If your car passes, collect your certificate.
- If it fails, the garage will inform you of necessary repairs.
MOT Test Costs
- Maximum fees set by the government:
- Cars: £54.85
- Motorbikes: £29.65
- Some garages charge less to attract customers.
- Council-run MOT centres offer impartial tests but do not perform repairs.
Failing an MOT: What Happens Next?
- Dangerous Faults 🚨 – Car cannot be driven until fixed (e.g., missing brake lights, leaking hydraulic fluid).
- Major Faults ⚠️ – Car fails but may be drivable (e.g., faulty catalytic converter, noisy exhaust).
- MOT Pass with Faults
- Minor Faults – No immediate repair needed but should be fixed.
- Advisories – Minor issues that may worsen over time.
Driving Without an MOT
- Illegal and invalidates your insurance.
- Sign up for MOT reminders via the government website.