MOT Frequently Asked Questions

Q) What is the MOT?

A) The purpose of the MOT is to ensure vehicles over a prescribed age are checked at least once a year to see that they comply with key roadworthiness & environmental requiremants

Q) When do I need an MOT?

A) You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:

*The third anniversary of its registration

*The anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old

*(Some vehicles need to be tested at one year old - check the MOT fees table to see which.)

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

Q) Can I bring my vehicle in before the MOT has expired?

A) Yes you can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date. (An MOT lasts for a year. The date it runs out is printed on the last pass certificate.)

Example

If your MOT runs out on 15 May, the earliest you can get an MOT to keep the same renewal date for next year is 16 April.

OR

You can get an MOT more than a month earlier, but the MOT renewal date for the following year will be different.

Q) What if the MOT has run out?

A) You can’t drive your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught.

The only exceptions are to drive it:

To or from somewhere where it is booked in repairs

To a pre-booked MOT Test

In both cases, your vehicle still needs to meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times or you can be fined. You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition

Q) What do the check on the MOT?

A) During the MOT, important parts on your vehicle will be checked to make sure they meet the legal standards. (The test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.)

You can read more about what’s tested at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mot-inspection-manual-for-class-3-4-5-and-7-vehicle

Q) Can I still drive a vehicle that’s failed?A) You can take your vehicle away if your MOT certificate is still valid.

A) If your MOT has run out you can take your vehicle to:

Have the failed defects fixed

A pre-arranged MOT (re)test appointment

In both cases, your vehicle still needs to meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times or you can be fined. You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition

Q) What if I think my car should of Passed/Failed?

A) We will always try and explain why your car has failed and show you defects if applicable.

If you feel your car shouldn’t have passed the MOT again we will take you through the defect(s) and the process of decision making set out within the guidelines of the MOT test

If you still feel the situation is not satisfactory you can appeal an MOT test result to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)

Contact DVSA if you’re not happy with your MOT service.

DVSA

Telephone: 0300 123 9000

Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6pm or to see the full process and your rights:

https://www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot/problems-with-your-test-result