MOT Tests Explained

MOT stands for Ministry of Transport and is a test of the vehicle’s safety and roadworthiness, as well as exhaust emissions, and is required for most vehicles used on roads in the UK. Dating back to the 1960’s the first MoT only covered a few basic tests on the vehicle, whereas nowadays the MoT test covers at least twenty different parts or systems on, or in the vehicle.

If you are buying a brand-new vehicle, you have 3 years from the day it was registered to get a MoT on your vehicle. After that you are required to do one every year on or before the date of the first test. You will not be reminded of when your vehicle is due a MoT it is your responsibility to ensure the vehicle is examined every 12 months.

Finding out whether your vehicle has a valid MoT and how long the MoT on your vehicle is valid until is simple, you can find out online here.  You will just need to enter your registration number and select the correct make/model. It will present you with the TAX and MOT due date as well as vehicle details.

It is illegal to drive your vehicle without a MoT, there is no grace period if your MoT has expired. Some motorists are under the impression that there is a short grace time, however this isn’t true. The only time that you can drive without a MoT is when you are driving to your MoT test.

Preparation for the test:

There shouldn’t be any need for you to bring any documents with you to the test as most MoT centers will be able to access the relevant information online. However, it might be helpful to bring your current MoT certificate and your V5C vehicle registration documents with you when you go.

If you are looking to prepare your vehicle before going in for an MoT there are a few steps you can take, click here to find out what you can do.

How are the issues that are picked up during the MoT test rated?

There are three main categories that MoT issues are put into: dangerous, major, and minor. If a problem is deemed dangerous or major, that is an immediate failure. Those issues will need to be addressed and fixed before reapplying for another test.

You can get your MoT renewed up to a month minus one day before the due date of your current certificate.

Four in ten vehicles fail the first time they are tested so try and have all the necessary aspects of your vehicle checked and ready before you go get it tested.

If you would like any more information about MoT tests specifically as van drive visit here for the government website.