The MOT is an annual test that checks whether your car meets essential safety and environmental standards set out by the Government.
You are required to get an MOT for your car by either:
- The third anniversary of its registration (fourth anniversary in Northern Ireland)
- The anniversary of its last MOT
Your car may be MOT exempt if it was built or first registered more than 40 years ago and no substantial changes have been made to it.
Only garages or MOT test centres that display the blue sign with three white triangles can carry out an MOT test on your car and issue a pass certificate.
You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a car without a valid MOT.
To help you understand how the MOT test works, we’ve created this car maintenance guide covering the essentials.
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What does MOT stand for?
MOT stands for Ministry of Transport. The MOT test was first introduced in 1960 and is administered by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
What is included in an MOT test?
An MOT checks that your vehicle meets minimum safety and environmental standards.
This includes:
- Brakes
- Tyres
- Wheels
- Lights
- Steering
- Suspension
- Windscreen and wipers
- Fluids
- Bodywork
- Structure
- Exhaust and emissions
- Registration plates and VIN
- Doors
- Bonnet and boot
- Fuel system
- Dashboard warning lights
- Mirrors
- Horn
Regularly servicing your vehicle can help pass your MOT, as well as keeping the vehicle in the best condition possible.
What cars are MOT exempt?
In the UK, most cars need an MOT once they are three years old, but there are some exemptions.
MOT exempt vehicles include:
- Cars more than 40 years old – these vehicles are generally exempt if they have not had substantial changes to their construction or design
- Vehicles manufactured before 1960 – historically many of these vehicles have been exempt, but rules have changed. Always check with the DVSA for exemption status
- Vehicles used for specific purposes – including specialist and historic vehicles
- Types of vehicles not used on public roads – any vehicle that is always kept off the road
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What happens after the MOT test?
After the MOT test, you will be told whether your car has passed or failed the test.
If your car has passed the MOT
- The pass will be recorded in the MOT database and be viewable online
- You can request a printed MOT certificate
- You may be given a list of ‘minor’ or ‘advisory’ problems that should be fixed or monitored
If your car has failed the MOT
- The failure will be recorded in the MOT database and be viewable online
- You will be informed on the severity of the failure with a list of ‘dangerous’ or ‘major’ problems
- You may not be allowed to drive the car until the problems have been fixed
Can I drive my car away if it has failed the MOT?
You can only drive your car if the existing MOT is still valid and no ‘dangerous’ problems have been discovered and listed.
You can be banned from driving and fined up to £2,500 for driving a vehicle that has failed its MOT because of a ‘dangerous’ problem.
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