In the UK, every car over three years old must undergo an annual MOT test and possess an MOT certificate to legally operate on roads. Despite its mystique, understanding the MOT test process is crucial for vehicle owners, impacting aspects like buying, selling, ownership transfer, and safe driving.

Without a valid certificate, you risk fines, license points, driving bans, and effecting vehicle prices. This guide aims to demystify the MOT process, covering its purpose, test procedures, and handling issues like certificate loss.

Additionally, it provides tips for identifying simple MOT failures and selecting the right test center, serving as the best MOT guide to ensure compliance and save money.

What is MOT?

The acronym MOT originates from the Ministry of Transport, the government body overseeing roads when the MOT was established in 1960. Initially, an MOT was mandated for cars ten years or older, but regulations have since changed, with expanded checks. 

The MOT’s primary aim is to ensure the safety, roadworthiness, and emissions compliance of vehicles across all sizes, from motorcycles to large lorries, preventing potential hazards. In May 2018, the government introduced stricter measures, resulting in over a million cars being deemed ‘dangerous’ by year-end.

The MOT encompasses various inspections, ensuring compliance with minimum standards set by the Driving and Vehicle Standards Authority. These inspections cover areas such as lights, steering, wipers, emissions, brakes, among others. Many of these checks can be performed by vehicle owners beforehand, minimising the risk of failed tests or unnecessary repairs.

MOT-exempt vehicles

Certain cars are exempt from undergoing MOT tests, sparing them from the annual inspections. This exemption applies to vehicles that are either very new or very old : 

• Cars less than 3 years old from the date of manufacture or registration, typically new cars under warranty
• Classic cars manufactured or registered 40 years ago or more, provided they haven’t undergone significant modifications.

For owners of historic vehicles uncertain about the need for an MOT, consulting the Department for Transport guidance is recommended, with additional insight available from the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs. To claim an exemption, owners must complete an MOT exemption form (form V112) when purchasing car tax or applying for an exemption.

Government MOT checker

The Government MOT checker service provides comprehensive information on both MOT and Vehicle status stored by the DVLA/DVSA. By entering the registration details and confirming the vehicle type, users can access a comprehensive overview of the vehicle, including its description, MOT and tax due rates, as well as the year of manufacture and registration. Simply inputting a registration a registration number allows users to check the MOT and tax status for any car effortlessly.

MOT history checker

Finding the MOT history of a vehicle is straightforward, with various services offering this information. HPI and AA are examples, although the latter requires signing up for their email service. Alternatively, CarGuide provides both MOT history and future dates for free.

Another option is accessing DVSA details directly or using the gov.uk MOT history checker. By entering the vehicle’s registration number, you can access test results dating back to 2005, including passes and failures. This allows you to identify any lingering minor defects or past issues leading to failed MOT tests. Additionally, if you have the V5C number from the logbook, you can access the location of each MOT test.

When is my MOT due?

Driving on the UK roads without a valid MOT can result in a fine of up to £2500, three penalty points, and a driving ban, underscoring the importance of staying current with MOT requirements. This in addition to potential implications for insurance coverage and other complications. To avoid missing the MOT deadline, check the due date on your VT20 MOT Pass Certificate or use online services such as the Gov MOT checker, which also offers reminder services.

For example, gov.uk can send text or email reminders one month and two weeks before the MOT date. Alternatively, if you prefer not to share personal contact information, simply mark the MOT date on your calendar to ensure timely compliance.

Is MOT required to tax my car?

Having a valid MOT is necessary for taxing your car online or at the post office. If your car is not in use or being taxed because it’s off the road, you should declare a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). The main issue arises when both your road tax and MOT are due simultaneously, and the tax expires before your MOT pass. To prevent this clash, consider either taxing your car a bit earlier or scheduling an MOT up to 30 days before the due date.

Alternatively, you may legally drive without an MOT to the nearest test center, but you risk not having valid road tax.

Is MOT required to insure my car?

If you’re driving and insuring your car for road use, having a valid MOT is essential for legal compliance. However, it may not always be a requirement to obtain car insurance or receive compensation in case of theft or accidents. Insurance might be necessary for a declared SORN and kept off public roads or for traveling to the MOT test.

Driving without a valid MOT could lead your insurer to declare your policy invalid, though this varies based on the insurer and their policies. In some cases, the Financial Ombudsman has challenged insurers who refuse payments due to lack of an MOT if the vehicle’s condition didn’t contribute to the accident. However, if you make an insurance claim on a car without a valid MOT, the payout might be reduced to the value of a non-MOT’d car, which is significantly lower.

MOT costs

There is no minimum cost for an MOT test, but the DVSA has set the maximum fee for a car at £53.85, with a minimum test duration of 45 minutes. While this standard fee applies, you may find cheaper deals by shopping around, as garages often aim to attract repeat business with competitive MOT offers. If you anticipate significant repairs, it may be wiser to choose a trusted garage over the cheapest option. 

Since the introduction of new MOT rules in May 2018, failing on a dangerous fault may prevent you from driving away until the issue is resolved, potentially leading to higher repair costs if you opt for a garage solely based on a cheap MOT offer. Council MOT test centers, though primarily for council vehicles, are open to the public and typically do not perform repairs.

Consequently, they have no incentive to exaggerate faults, often resulting in lower costs. In case of an MOT test failure, fees can vary. No fee is charged if the vehicle is left at the test center for repair and retested within 10 working days or if it returns for a partial retest before the end of the next working day. However, a partial retest fee is applicable if the vehicle returns after 10 working days.

Finding MOT test centers

Locating your local MOT garage or center is straightforward with a quick Google Search. In addition to smaller local garages, you’ll find the latest offers from national brands such as KwikFit and Halfords. Council MOT centers can also be found using Google.

Additionally, consider asking friends, family, or social media contacts for recommendations of reputable local garages for your local MOT needs.

Selling a car without MOT

Yes, you can sell a car without a valid MOT certificate, but there are drawbacks to consider. Without a valid MOT, the car cannot legally be driven or tested on the road by potential buyers. It will needs to be transported away on a trailer or lorry, which can delay the sale and removal process. Selling a car without an MOT reduces the pool of potential buyers and may result in a lower sale price compared to having a valid test certificate.

However, if you simply need to clear space in your garage or driveway, selling without an MOT is an option. It’s important to be cautious of sellers offering cars without an MOT, as they are more likely to have Cat D status and could potentially be unsafe.

Scrapping a car without MOT

If your car fails the MOT test, one option is to sell it for scrap. However, you won’t be able to legally drive it there, Unless you own a trailer, the best financial options is to sell it to a car scrapping service that offers collection. While you may potentially get slightly less than if you delivered it yourself, hiring a trailer could end up costing you more. 

Common reasons for MOT failure

Millions of cars fail the MOT test every year in the UK, often for reason that are relatively quick and easy to check. Many common MOT failures can be prevented by inspecting components under the car bonnet. The most frequent MOT failures, as reported by the DVSA, include issues with lights (18%), suspension (12%), brakes (10%), tyres (7%), windscreen (7%), steering (3%), and fluids.

Checking these components before your MOT can save you potential repair costs. It’s essential to ensure all lights are functioning, suspension is responsive, brakes are secure, tyres meet legal requirements, windscreen components are operational, exhaust emissions are within acceptable limits, steering is smooth, and fluids are at appropriate level without any leaks.

Additionally, inspect other items such as the fuel cap, mirrors, horn, seatbelts, and ensure no warning lights are illuminated. Checking for rust and structural integrity is also crucial, as holes near structural areas can lead to a test failure.

Tips for a successful MOT test

To prepare for your MOT, it’s advisable to plan ahead and allocate ample time. This involves conducting a thorough inspection of your car, selecting the appropriate garage, and scheduling the appointment with sufficient time to address any potential failures and subsequent repairs.

Performing a comprehensive clean and inspection of your vehicle can be beneficial. While a clean car won’t directly affect its performance during the test, it can help you identify potential issues beforehand. Additionally, addressing minor issues such as replacing a blown bulb yourself can be more cost-effective than having a garage handle it.

Routine checks of essential fluids like oil, water, and brake fluid are crucial for both passing the MOT and ensuring safe driving beyond the test. Additionally, replacing worn-out wiper blades contributes to improved visibility and safety on the road.

Furthermore, some potential MOT failures may be covered by your insurance policy, such as windscreen repairs. Taking advantage of such coverage can help address issues at no extra cost before the MOT.