An MOT (Ministry of Transport test) is an annual safety check that ensures your vehicle meets the minimum road safety standards, including regulated exhaust emissions levels.

During an MOT, various components of your vehicle will be checked to ensure that they meet the legal standards and that your vehicle is safe to drive. 

If your car passes its MOT, it may still have minor faults (which should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent it getting worse). It could also be passed with advisories, which means you should keep an eye on the issue and repair it if it gets worse.

Without a valid MOT, your car is not considered roadworthy; you won’t be able to renew your vehicle tax or insurance, and in short, you won’t be able to drive your car.

If your car is over three years old, you are legally obliged to have an MOT. If you struggle to remember your MOT due date, you can sign up for government reminders by email or text message.

What’s checked during the MOT?

During an MOT test many aspects of your car are inspected, including the following:

• Body Structure
• Brakes
• Tyres & Wheels
• Exaust System & Emmissions
• Suspension & Steering
• Fuel System
• Seat Belts
• Mirrors
• Lights
• Horn
• Windscreen, Wipers & Washers
• Seats
• Doors
• Number Plates
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

 

When should I book the MOT?

MOTs must be carried out every 12 months for vehicles three years old or over. If your car was brand new when you bought it, it will need its first MOT on its third anniversary.

You can put your vehicle in for its MOT test up to 28 days in advance of the expiry date without losing any days on the certificate. So, for example, if the MOT is due on 30 April and you have your car tested on the 15 April, your MOT will run up until 30th April of the following year.

If your car MOT is due why not use our online booking system to book your MOT. Book here