It is crucial to ensure that your vehicle has a valid MOT.
What is checked in an MOT Test?
Every MOT checks the same eight groups of safety, environmental and legal factors. These include:
- Electrics, reflectors and lamps.
- Suspension and steering.
- Brakes.
- Wheels and tyres.
- Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (SRS).
- Structure, body and other general elements.
- Emissions, fuel and exhaust.
- The road view of the driver.
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A vehicle can fail an MOT test for a number of reasons, a wide range of tests are carried out across all areas of the vehicle and it only has to fail in one of these areas to fail the whole MOT.
An MOT test is an annual inspection that is required by law on all vehicles in the UK that are older than 3 years (and some vehicles that are older than 1 year). The test follows strict criteria set by the DVSA to determine whether your car is safely roadworthy. A broad range of vehicle safety checks must be completed by an MOT test centre with DVSA approved examiners, including lights, tyres, seatbelts and emissions.
During the MOT test, the nominated tester, a person accredited by the DVSA to assess your vehicle, will conduct a comprehensive inspection to ensure the vehicle is in roadworthy condition. However, it is not the same as having your vehicle serviced and the MOT test does not check the general mechanical condition of the vehicle. Also, the assessment is based on the condition of the vehicle on the day… Passing an MOT does not guarantee the condition of the tyres 6 months later, for example.
If the vehicle passes, the nominated tester will provide you with a pass certificate. They will also separately list and inform you of any 'minor' (formerly 'advisory') items that will require attention in the near future so you can keep an eye on them. If the vehicle fails, you will receive a list of the 'major' or 'dangerous' faults present.
What is an MOT?
A Ministry of Transport (MOT) test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. Cars over three years old (four years in Northern Ireland) need to pass an MOT every year. It’s illegal to drive a car without an up to date MOT certificate.
An MOT test involves multiple checks on your car, including the brakes and fuel system, seatbelts, windscreen wipers and mirrors.
When do I need an MOT test?
A car needs an MOT every year once it's three years old (four years in Northern Ireland). Then it needs to be re tested every year on the anniversary of its last MOT. Cars under three years old don't need an MOT.
Once you've passed, you'll get an MOT test certificate showing the date of the test and the expiry date. You can get your car retested up to a month (minus a day) before it expires and keep the original renewal date.
Can I drive without an MOT?
A car needs an MOT every year once it's three years old (four years in Northern Ireland). Then it needs to be re tested every year on the anniversary of its last MOT. Cars under three years old don't need an MOT.
Once you've passed, you'll get an MOT test certificate showing the date of the test and the expiry date. You can get your car retested up to a month (minus a day) before it expires and keep the original renewal date.