Getting an MOT – the MOT Test Explained

After three years, your car needs to undergo an MOT test. Once it passes the first time, this process will need to be revisited annually on the anniversary of its last test date. The quickest way to check the last test date is to look at the certificate that you received when passing the first time. It contains the date of expiry on it, so you know when your vehicle needs to go back in for a new MOT.

It’s easy to lose track of these slips of paper, so if you’ve lost your MOT certificate, don’t worry. A simple solution is to use the gov.uk tool to enter your registration number and vehicle make. This allows you to check both your MOT status and tax status in a user-friendly way. They’ll also send you a fresh MOT certificate to replace the lost one. It’s important to remember that there isn’t a grace period with your MOT status. As soon as it expires, it’s illegal to drive your car on the road. You also can’t tax a vehicle without an up-to-date MOT certificate, so be diligent when checking.

It’s quite common for vehicles to fail an MOT for very minor issues, most of which could’ve easily been fixed before the test. Preparing a checklist a few weeks before the inspection date can help ensure that these minor issues won’t cause you to fail. If small problems arise from your check, you have time to proactively fix the issues and avoid further frustrations later on. Here’s a helpful pre-MOT checklist:

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

Once you’ve breezed through your pre-MOT checklist, you’re ready for the real thing. One of the best places for the test is a reputable garage that can also carry out any necessary repairs afterwards. Alternatively, council MOT centres provide inspections but won’t fix any issues that arise from it. Some would say these are a better place to get an MOT done, as there’s no suspicion of a vested interest in charging for subsequent repairs – but others will say that’s just cynical.

In general, it’s recommended to carry out the test with a trusted garage as they’re better equipped to deal with any problems arising from the inspection. The amount you’re required to pay for an MOT test changes depending on the type of vehicle you’re driving, but there’s a maximum charge that you should be aware of. These fees can fluctuate, so check the full list on the gov.uk website beforehand.

Thankfully, the MOT test doesn’t take that long, and is usually completed in approximately 45 minutes to one hour. This can vary depending on the condition your car is in and how many repairs are required afterwards. The following areas are inspected during your MOT test:

If your vehicle has passed its inspection, then you can breathe easy and take your car and certificate back out onto the road. However, it’s possible that you’ll face a situation where you’ve failed the test. The three most common reasons for this are faults with lights, the suspension and brakes.

Recently, MOTs have categorised defects and failures into categories: dangerous, major or minor. If your vehicle has a dangerous or major fault it will fail its MOT and you’ll receive a ‘refusal’ of an MOT certificate, called a VT30 form. This means the car can’t be driven until that fault has been repaired. Occasionally, you can pass an MOT with minor faults – but these will still need to be repaired.

A common question is whether or not you’re allowed to drive with a failed MOT. If it’s not a major fault, then technically, yes – but only if your existing MOT certificate is still in date and valid. You’ll still need to get all outlined faults fixed by the date of expiry or you won’t receive a new MOT certificate. However, the risks of driving a car that failed its MOT are quite high, so it’s not recommended.

Failing the MOT test can feel frustrating, but there’s a series of steps you can take to get back on the road in no time at all. Firstly, the garage or test centre will inform you of any repairs needed and why, and they’ll advise you on the best course of action. You then have a range of options according to the MOT failure rules:

If your car is retested more than ten days after the original test, then you’ll be charged a full fee. You could also get an MOT retest at a different garage, but you are likely to have to pay for that second test in full as they’ll be testing your vehicle for the first time.

It can happen that you pass your MOT but with less than flying colours. In this case, the examiners have outlined a series of minor faults that you’re advised to take care of soon. These smaller problems usually indicate issues with the vehicle that haven’t been deemed serious enough for it to fail, but will need addressing. Think of them as being similar to the petrol warning light flashing on your dashboard – you can keep going for now, but soon you won’t be going anywhere at all.

Typical minor faults might include tyres that are getting close to having the minimum tread depth, or brake pads showing signs of wear. If minor faults are ignored, there’s a good chance your car may fail its next MOT. It may also have an effect on resale value, as any buyer will be aware of the need to make repairs. So, with this in mind, it’s recommended to take care of any minor faults as soon as possible.

Arranging and carrying out an MOT test should be a straightforward annual task, ensuring your safety on the road. Now that you know the ins and outs, get yours booked and stay safe and road legal.

Thinking of buying a new car? Find out how you can check a car’s MOT history and what are the best cars for passing the MOT. If you’re looking for more handy guides on taking care of your car, visit the Gumtree advice hub.