Getting an MOT in 2025 – the MOT test explained

The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is the mandatory annual safety and roadworthiness check for most vehicles over three years old in the UK. This rigorous inspection puts your car through dozens of checks, from the brakes and fuel systems to the lights and mirrors, ensuring it meets current safety and environmental standards.

With new regulations being implemented to combat MOT fraud and ensure stricter compliance, you must prepare for your 2025 MOT. If you’re unsure about your MOT status or what the test involves, this up-to-date guide covers everything you need to know about completing your MOT test this year.

Most cars need an MOT after three years from their first registration. Once a car passes, you must repeat the test annually before the anniversary of the last test date.

The quickest way to check your MOT expiry is to look at your last MOT pass certificate. If you’ve lost this paper slip, simply use the official gov.uk online tool to check your vehicle’s MOT and tax status by entering your registration number and vehicle make. You can also request a replacement certificate through this service.

Important for 2025: There is no grace period for an expired MOT. Once it expires, you are driving illegally – the only exception is driving directly to a pre-booked MOT appointment. You also can’t tax your vehicle without a valid MOT certificate, so set a reminder now.

Vehicles often fail the MOT for minor, easily fixable issues. A few weeks before your inspection, create a pre-MOT checklist to identify and fix these small problems yourself, saving you time and money on a retest.

Here’s a helpful pre-MOT checklist to ensure your car is ready:

We’ve also put together a handy guide for how you can keep your car running smoothly through proper maintenance.

With the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles, the DVSA has introduced specific checks to ensure these vehicles meet safety standards. If you drive a plug-in vehicle, here’s what to expect for your 2025 MOT:

Key Differences in EV/Hybrid MOTs

Preparing Your EV/Hybrid

Common Failure Points: Damaged high-voltage cables, non-functioning LEDs, incorrect tyre rating, faulty regenerative braking, or damaged charging systems.

Once you’ve completed your checks, you’re ready to book the test.

It’s generally recommended to choose a reputable garage that can carry out any necessary repairs if your car fails. Alternatively, some drivers prefer council MOT centres. These centres provide inspections but do not carry out repairs, eliminating any potential concern about a vested interest in finding faults.

The maximum charge a test centre can charge for a Class 4 MOT (cars, up to 8 passenger seats) remains £54.85. However, many garages offer lower rates or bundles, so shop around. You should always check the full list of maximum fees for other vehicle classes on the official gov.uk website.

The MOT test typically takes around 45 to 60 minutes. This can take longer if the vehicle is in poor condition or the testing centre is busy.

Crucial update for 2025 – Photographic Evidence:
A significant change the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) introduced in 2025 is the requirement for MOT testers to take live photographic evidence of the vehicle during the test. This new measure is designed to combat ‘ghost MOTs’ and fraud, ensuring that the car is physically present and tested.

The following key areas are inspected during your MOT:

If your vehicle fails, the test centre will issue a refusal of an MOT certificate, called a VT30 form, which outlines the defects. Defects are categorised as Dangerous, Major, or Minor.

Dangerous or Major Faults: Your car fails. You cannot drive it until a mechanic repairs the fault. Driving a car with a “Dangerous” fault is illegal and can result in a fine and points on your licence.

Minor Faults: Your car may still pass the MOT, but the minor faults are noted as advisory points and you must repair these as soon as possible.

Can I drive a car that failed its MOT? Only if your previous MOT certificate is still in date and valid, and the failure did not include any ‘Dangerous’ faults. Even so, we highly recommend you get all faults fixed immediately. If the previous MOT has expired, your only legal journeys are driving to a pre-booked repair appointment or retest.

If you fail, the repair process is straightforward:

Repairs at the Test Centre: You can leave the vehicle with the garage to carry out the repairs. If these are done and the vehicle is re-tested within one working day, a free partial retest is usually offered.

Repairs Elsewhere (Within 10 Days): You can take the vehicle away for repairs elsewhere. If you return it to the original test centre within ten working days of the original test, you qualify for a partial retest, which costs a partial fee.

Full Retest: If the car is brought back to the original centre after ten working days, or taken to a completely different centre, you will be charged the full MOT test fee again.

If you pass but receive an advisory note, the examiners have outlined minor faults that aren’t severe enough for an immediate fail but will need attention soon. Ignoring minor faults and advisories means you are likely to fail your next MOT. Getting these smaller issues resolved quickly is a smart move that ensures your safety and helps maintain your car’s resale value.

Arranging and carrying out your UK MOT Test 2025 should be a transparent and straightforward annual task. By understanding the process, the new photographic evidence rules, and preparing with a pre-test check, you can ensure your vehicle is safe, road legal, and compliant with all the latest regulations.