Book an MOT
When to get an MOT
An MOT test ensures your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. A car needs an MOT every year once it’s three years old (four years in Northern Ireland. Cars under 3 years old don’t need an MOT).
How early can you get an MOT?
An MOT lasts for a year. The date it runs out is shown on your most recent MOT pass certificate.
You can MOT your vehicle up to one month (minus a day) before the due date and still keep the same renewal date.
For example: If your MOT runs out on 16 September, the earliest you can MOT your car and keep the same renewal date next year is 17 August.
You can get an MOT earlier than this. But if you do, the renewal date will change to one year (minus a day) from the date your vehicle passed this MOT.
What to bring to an MOT
You don’t need to bring any documents with you to an RAC Approved Garage. We can access the information we need online. Just bring the vehicle that’s being tested and we’ll take it from there.
You should also bring the locking wheel nut key, just in case our technicians need to remove the wheels. And don’t forget to remove your personal items from the boot and back seat.
What’s checked in an MOT?
An MOT involves dozens of checks, including your fuel and exhaust systems, brakes, tyres, lights, mirrors, seatbelts and windscreen wipers. Just so you know, it’s doesn’t check the condition of the engine, clutch and gearbox.
To give your car the best chance of passing its MOT, have a look at our handy MOT checklist. Passing your MOT first time can save you the cost of a re-test.