What is the MOT?

• Minor – no significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment. A minor defect should result in a pass, but repairs should be carried out as soon as possible.
• Advisory – a minor problem that could become worse in the future. Your vehicle will pass but you should monitor and repair the problem if necessary.
• Pass – it meets the minimum legal standard resulting in a pass. You should make sure it continues to meet the standard.

2. Diesel cars with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) will undergo more rigorous controls. If there’s evidence that the DPF has been tampered with, or coloured smoke is emitted from the exhaust, your vehicle will get a major fault resulting in a fail.

3. Further controls have been added to the MOT inspection including more thorough checks of tyres, brake fluid, fluid leaks that could pose a threat to the environment, brake pad warning lights, reversing lights and headlight washers on vehicles first used from 1 September 2009.

4. The design of the MOT certificate has changed. It now lists any defects under the new categories, so they are clearer and easier to understand.

5. Vehicles over 40 years old that haven’t been substantially modified will no longer need their MOT inspection.

• Exhaust system – to ensure the exhaust is secure, complete, silences effectively, and there are no signs of serious leaks.
• Seat belts – all belts both front and rear are checked for condition, operation and security. All compulsory seat belts must be in place.

What else is checked during the MOT?

• Seats – must be secure and able to be secured in the upright position.
• Doors – all doors must close securely. Front doors should open from inside and outside the vehicle.
• Mirrors – the minimum numbers should be on the vehicle, and should be in good condition and securely fixed in position.
• Brakes – operation and performance will be tested.
• Tyres – condition and security will be checked including their size, type and thread.

• Number plates – condition, security and checks that characters have the correct form and spacing.
• Lights – condition, operation and security. Headlamps are also tested for their aim.
• Washers and wipers – condition, operation and a check that they leave a clear view of the road.
• Horn – operates correctly and is of a suitable type.
• Suspension and steering – condition and operation.
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) – checked against the registration for vehicles first registered on or after 1 August 1980.

When do I need to book the MOT?

MOTs must be carried out every 12 months for vehicles three years old or over. If your car was brand new when you bought it, it will need its first MOT on its third anniversary.

If you buy a second-hand car, check that it has a valid MOT, and when the next one is due. It’s your responsibility to ensure it has its MOT inspection once a year.  

You can put your vehicle in for its MOT test up to 28 days in advance of the expiry date without losing any days on the certificate. So, for example, if the MOT is due on 30 April and you have your car tested on the 15 April, your MOT will run up until 30th April of the following year.

If your MOT has expired, you can still take your vehicle to a pre-arranged MOT test appointment.

Driving without a valid MOT in any other circumstances is illegal and will also invalidate your car insurance.