MOT Check & MOT History

MOT Check

In the UK, an MOT check is a mandatory annual inspection for vehicles over three years old (four years old in Northern Ireland) to ensure they meet road safety and environmental standards. The term 'MOT' stands for Ministry of Transport, which originally governed the test, though it's now overseen by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Key Points About an MOT Check

Safety and Emissions: The test checks various parts of your vehicle, including lights, brakes, tyres, seatbelts, exhaust systems, and emissions levels, to ensure they meet the legal standards.

Certificate: If your vehicle passes, you'll receive an MOT certificate, which is valid for one year. It confirms the vehicle is roadworthy at the time of the test, but it does not guarantee the condition of the vehicle for the full year.

Legal Requirement: It's illegal to drive a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate, except when driving to a pre-arranged MOT test or repair center. If caught driving without a valid MOT, you can be fined up to £1,000.

Failure and Retest: If your vehicle fails the MOT, you'll receive a list of reasons for failure and will need to repair the faults. After repairs, you'll need a retest to obtain a valid certificate.

Cost: The maximum MOT test fee for cars is capped by the government at £54.85, though many garages charge less.

When to Get It: You can take your vehicle for an MOT test up to one month (minus one day) before the current certificate expires, keeping the renewal date the same for the following year.

MOT Car Checks

MOT Bike Checks

It's important for ensuring that vehicles are safe for the driver and others on the road, as well as meeting environmental standards.