MOT Testing
Any vehicle more than three years old is legally required to undergo an annual MOT test to ensure it is roadworthy. This is an important emissions check and safety inspection designed to stop dangerous vehicles from driving on the road.
What is checked during an MOT test
An MOT test primarily focuses on safety related items and emission control. The MOT tester will check your vehicles brakes, steering, suspension, general structural integrity, lights, tyres, seatbelts, windscreen, horn, seats, doors, boot, mirrors, wiper blades, registration plates, exhaust and exhaust emissions.
MOT advisories
The MOT tester is required to accurately record what they see during an MOT test. If an MOT related item shows signs of wear, then they will note their observations - even if they pass the required standards for the MOT test. These will be recorded as advisories. Advisories are not legally required to be repaired immediately. Depending on the nature of the comment, you may decide to carry out a repair before it becomes worse. However, some items advised on an MOT could continue to function safely for years before they require maintenance.
MOT failure
If your car fails an MOT test then you will need to carry out repairs before it can legally be driven on the road. You are allowed to drive a car with no MOT to a garage to be repaired or to an MOT test centre for a re-test, so long as it is booked in.
When is my MOT due?
MOT certificates last for up to 13-months from the date of testing. You can check when your MOT is due online using the .gov website. Why not ask us to set up a text or email reminder for you so you don't forget.
MOT expired
If your vehicles has an expired MOT then you will need to get an MOT test completed before you can drive it on the road. You are allowed to legally drive your vehicle to an MOT test centre with a booked appointment. Why not ask as to set up an MOT text/email reminder to make sure that you don't ever forget your MOT test again?