MOT Check

What is MOT?

MOT is an abbreviation for Ministry of Transport. It is a government department responsible for transport in the United Kingdom. The MOT test is an annual safety inspection carried out on vehicles over three years old to ensure they meet minimum standards of road safety. The test covers a range of safety aspects including brakes, tyres, Suspension, lights and mirrors.

The MOT test can be carried out at any authorised MOT testing station. To find your nearest testing station, you can use the postcode search on the GOV.UK website. You will need to make an appointment for your vehicle to be tested and you will need to bring your vehicle’s registration document (V5C) with you on the day of the test.

How do I check MOT?

If you want to check the MOT status of a vehicle, you can do so online on the GOV.UK website. You will need the vehicle’s registration number and make and model. You can also find out if a vehicle has been involved in any MOT test failures or recalls.

Why is my MOT important?

Your MOT is important because it helps to keep your vehicle safe and roadworthy. It is a legal requirement in the UK for all vehicles over 3 years old to have a valid MOT certificate. An MOT test checks that your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards required by law.

If you’re found to be driving without a valid MOT, you could be fined up to £1,000 and your vehicle could be seized by the police. You may also find it difficult to insure your vehicle if it does not have a valid MOT certificate.

How often do I need an MOT?

You will need an MOT once a year. The date of your MOT will depend on when your vehicle was first registered. For example, if your vehicle was registered on 1 January, you will need an MOT on or before 1 January the following year.

You can renew your MOT up to 28 days before it expires. This means that you won’t have to renew your MOT on the anniversary of your vehicle’s registration.

If you renew your MOT early, the expiry date will be updated to one year from the date of the new test. For example, if you renew your MOT on 31 December and it expires on 1 January, the expiry date will become 31 December the following year.

When will a new car need its first MOT test?

A new car will need its first MOT test after 3 years. For example, if your car was registered on 1 January 2015, it will need an MOT test on or before 1 January 2018.

If you buy a used car that is more than 3 years old, it will need an MOT test straight away.

What do I need to do to renew my MOT?

You can renew your MOT online, by post or in person at a garage that offers this service. You will need the following information to renew your MOT:

• The registration number of your vehicle
• The 11-digit reference number from your previous certificate
• Your vehicle’s current mileage

When does my MOT run out?

The date on which your MOT runs out is printed on your vehicle’s MOT certificate. It is advisable to renew your MOT before it runs out to avoid being fined. You can renew your MOT up to one month before it expires.

How much does an MOT cost?

The cost of an MOT depends on the type of vehicle you have and the garage you use. The price is capped at £54.85 for cars and motorbikes, but there is no upper limit for other vehicles. The general range is between £35 and £55. You can find a list of registered MOT garages on the GOV.UK website.

How long does an MOT take?

The MOT test takes around 45 minutes to complete. However, this can vary depending on the vehicle and the testing station.

What is checked during an MOT?

There are over 150 safety and emission checks that are carried out during an MOT. These include:

• checking the brakes
• checking the tyres and wheels
• checking the steering and suspension
• checking the lights and signalling equipment
• checking the windscreen, wipers and washers

Preparing your vehicle for its MOT test

There are a few things you can do to help ensure your vehicle passes its MOT test. These include:

• checking the tyre tread and pressure
• checking the lights and signalling equipment
• checking the windscreen, wipers and washers
• clearing any snow or ice from the windows and mirrors
• ensuring there is enough fuel in the tank for the test.

What is an MOT certificate?

An MOT certificate is a document that is issued by an authorised testing station after a vehicle has passed its MOT test. The certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of the test. It is important to note that the certificate does not guarantee that the vehicle will remain in good condition for the duration of the 12 months.

What if my car fails its MOT?

If your car fails its MOT, you will be given a ‘refusal of an MOT test certificate’. This means that you will need to have the repairs carried out before you can take your vehicle for another MOT test. You should get the repairs done as soon as possible so that you can keep your car on the road.

MOT failures and what they mean

There are a few different reasons why your car might fail its MOT. Here are some of the most common failures:

• Lights and signalling: This includes all of the lights on your car, such as the headlights, brake lights, fog lights and indicators.
• Tyres and wheels: This covers things like tyre tread depth, tyre pressure and wheel alignment.
• Mirrors: Your car must have both a rear-view mirror and an interior mirror.
• Windscreen wipers and washers: These need to be in good condition so that you can see clearly in all weather conditions.
• Brakes: The brakes must be in good working order so that you can stop safely.
• Exhaust and emissions: The exhaust must not be leaking and the car must not be emitting too much smoke.
• Steering and suspension: This includes checking the condition of things like the steering wheel, steering column and suspension.
• Bodywork: This covers things like rust, damage to the bodywork and Mirrors.
• Doors: The doors must open and close properly.
• Seat belts: All seat belts must be in good working order.

These are just some of the most common failures that can occur during an MOT test. If any of these fail, your car will not pass its MOT. Make sure to get your car checked regularly to avoid any issues.

Why do MOT tests include an exhaust emission test?

The exhaust emission test is there to make sure that your car’s engine is running correctly and not emitting too much smoke. If your car emits too much smoke, it can be a sign that the engine is not running correctly and could be causing damage to the environment.

Appealing against an MOT failure

If you think your car has been unfairly failed, you can appeal the decision. You will need to fill out a form and send it back to the DVSA within 28 days. They will then review your case and decide if your car should be re-tested.

If you are still not happy with the result, you can take your case to a traffic tribunal. This is a court that deals specifically with motoring offences. You will need to prove that the DVSA made a mistake in order to win your case.

When is it legal to drive without an MOT certificate?

There are a few circumstances in which you are allowed to drive without an MOT certificate. If you are taking your car to be repaired, for example, you may be able to drive it without an MOT. You will need to get a letter from the garage stating that the car is being repaired and will have an MOT as soon as it is finished.

If your car is more than 40 years old, you do not need an MOT. This is because the DVSA does not test cars that are this old. You will still need to make sure that your car is roadworthy, however.

What if I am caught driving without an MOT?

If you are caught driving without an MOT, you could be fined up to £1,000. You may also have your car seized by the police. If you are caught driving without an MOT more than once, you could be banned from driving.

Why is my MOT not showing online?

There are a few reasons why your MOT might not be showing online. One reason could be that it has not been updated yet. Another reason could be that your car is not registered with the DVSA. If you think there is an error, you can contact the DVSA to find out more.

Can I Insure a Car without MOT?

No, you cannot insure a car without MOT. In order to get insurance for your car, it must have a valid MOT certificate.

What other vehicles require an MOT?

Other vehicles that require an MOT include:

• vans
• motorbikes
• scooters
• lorries
• buses
• coaches
• cars with more than 8 passenger seats.

If you have any questions about the MOT, or if you need help finding a local garage that can carry out the test, you can contact the DVSA.

What does our free MOT check include?

Our free MOT check includes:

• The date of the test
• The expiry date of the current MOT
• The mileage at the time of the current MOT
• Whether or not the car has passed its MOT
• Any advisories or faults that were found during the MOT.