MOT, service and repair

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What is an MOT?

An MOT is a test to check whether your vehicle is safe to drive, roadworthy and meets environmental standards. It covers key parts of your vehicle, including the body and structure, fuel system and exhaust emissions.

Any major faults that are identified will need to be fixed, such as replacing brakes or tyres.

A brand new car doesn't need its first MOT until it's three years old. After that, it needs an MOT every year. Ambulances and taxis need their first MOT after one year.

You can find more details on GOV.UK.

Did you know?

Driving without a valid MOT can result in a fine of up to £1,000. You’ll usually need a valid MOT to tax your vehicle.

You can sometimes insure a car without an MOT, but this doesn’t mean you can legally drive it. In most cases, you’ll only be allowed to drive to a pre-booked MOT test or for repairs, and the vehicle must still be roadworthy

Driving without a valid MOT could also affect your insurance cover or any claim, especially if the car isn’t roadworthy.

How much does an MOT cost?

The maximum MOT fee set by the government for cars with up to eight passenger seats is £54.85.

According to our data, 83% of people paid less than this when booking their MOT through us between 16 January and 11 December 2025.

Many garages also offer a discount if you book your MOT and service together. In fact, when you compare deals with our partner BookMyGarage, you could pay as little as...

£19²

for an MOT when booked with a major service.

²Correct as of January 2026.

Common MOT problems

Your car will fail its MOT if it’s found to have ‘dangerous’ or ‘major’ problems.

Common MOT fails include issues with:

Steering

Problems with the steering system, such as excessive play, damage or loose components, can affect your ability to control the vehicle safely.

Brakes

Worn brake pads, damaged discs, leaks or reduced braking performance can all cause issues as brakes are critical for safe stopping.

Tyres

If tyres are worn below the legal tread depth, damaged, incorrectly fitted or not suitable for the vehicle.

Fuel and exhaust

Leaks, excessive emissions or problems with the exhaust system, such as excessive noise or a damaged catalytic converter.

Lights or signalling

If any lights, indicators, brake lights or reflectors are not working properly, damaged or incorrectly positioned.

Suspension

If suspension components such as springs, shock absorbers or linkages are worn, damaged or loose.

Did you know?

Your car can fail its MOT if your screenwash reservoir is empty. It might sound minor, but having no screenwash could lead to a safety hazard if you can’t see through your windscreen properly while driving.

What happens if my car fails its MOT?

If your car fails its MOT, it means there are issues affecting its safety or emissions.

'Major' or 'dangerous' faults will cause a fail
'Minor' issues or advisories may also be flagged for you to fix

Your result is recorded in the MOT database, and you'll be given a refusal certificate.

Can I still drive it?

This depends on two things: whether your current MOT is still valid, and whether a dangerous fault was found.

If your current MOT is still valid and no dangerous faults were found, you can usually drive the car away, for example to a different garage to get it repaired.

If your MOT has expired, or a dangerous fault was identified, you shouldn't drive the car except where legally allowed. In all cases, the car must be roadworthy.

Driving with a dangerous fault is illegal and could lead to a fine of up to £2,500, penalty points, or even a driving ban. You can see the different categories and charges on GOV.UK.

Do I need to service my car?

Servicing your car, which is when a mechanic checks it and carries out routine maintenance, isn’t a legal requirement. However, if you have a warranty on your car, it may become invalid if you don’t have it serviced at the recommended times.

If you have a car on PCP car finance, you may need to have the car serviced under the terms of the contract.

A service will also keep your car running smoothly and could avoid breakdowns and costly garage repairs. It will also help your car retain its value.

That’s because potential buyers want to see the vehicle’s service history to check it’s been looked after properly and won’t result in big garage bills.

What does a service cover?

Interim, full and manufacturer are the three different types of service. Here’s what they typically include:

Interim

Usually needed every six months or 6,000 miles (whichever comes first)
Engine oil and filter change
Fluid check and top-up (brake, engine, screenwash, coolant)
Safety checks on lights, tyres, battery and wipers
Basic steering and suspension check.

Full

Usually needed every 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first)
Includes everything in an interim service, plus:
Air and fuel filter check
Spark plug check (and replacement, if needed)
Comprehensive inspection of all major systems and parts
Safety and mechanical system check.

Manufacturer

Schedule and requirements are set by the manufacturer/dealer
Engine oil and filter change (where needed)
Key parts replacement at set intervals (air and fuel filters, spark plugs)
Comprehensive inspection of all major systems and parts
Fluid check and top-up (brake, engine, screenwash, coolant)
Diagnostic check
Software updates.

What our expert says...

“An MOT may seem like an inconvenience but it plays an important role in keeping your car safe and roadworthy.

“A few things can make the process smoother. You can book your MOT up to a month (minus one day) before it’s due without losing your original renewal date, so there’s no need to leave it to the last minute. Before you go, it’s worth doing a quick check of your own – lights, tyres (including tread depth), wipers and screenwash can all catch drivers out.

“GOV.UK also offers a free reminder service, so you’re never caught out by an expiry date creeping up on you.”

Amy Rootham, Insurance expert

About BookMyGarage

You could potentially save on your MOT, service and repairs by comparing prices and garages. BookMyGarage makes this quick and easy. You can also add extras, such as a re-gas for your air conditioning or a winter health check on your car.

More MOT tips and guides

Learn more about servicing your car and what happens if you forget to book an MOT

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Driving tips

MOT inspection checklist & guide

MOT basics, key checks and how to prepare your car

Cost & savings

Can you insure a car without an MOT?

Driving without an MOT could invalidate your insurance – here's why

Cost & savings

What happens if I forget to tax my car?

Driving without tax, insurance or an MOT is illegal

Car ownership

A guide to servicing your car

Discover the different types of service and typical costs

MOT and servicing guides

FAQs

Why should I compare MOT services?

By comparing MOT services you’ll be able to compare prices and see whether the garage has a convenient slot to book you in. You may find bigger discounts if you have your car serviced at the same time.

You can also discover which garages offer services such as Saturday and Sunday MOTs, and pick-up/drop-off services too.

Can I get an MOT and service at the same time?

Yes, many drivers do this as it can help make sure your vehicle passes first time, but it is optional.

Some garages will offer you a discount on the cost of the MOT if you have a service at the same time.

Why might my car fail an MOT?

Your car can fail an MOT for all sorts of reasons – from a lightbulb not working to tyres having insufficient tread.

Windscreen issues, such as a large chip in the driver’s view, can also cause failures.

It can be a good idea to check for any obvious issues and get them fixed before your MOT.

How often do I need to get an MOT?

You need to get an MOT test every year, but if your car is brand new, you don't need one for the first three years.

What do I need to take to an MOT?

You usually don’t need to bring much with you to an MOT test, besides your car.

Most garages can access your vehicle details and MOT history through the DVSA database.

You typically don’t need to bring documents like your V5C log book or previous MOT certificate, as these can usually be checked online.

However, if it’s your car’s first MOT or you've changed your number plate, then you’ll need to bring your log book.

Do electric vehicles and hybrids need an MOT?

Yes, electric, hybrid and hydrogen vehicles over three years old need an MOT every year, to ensure they’re safe to drive on UK roads.

But the following types of vehicles don’t need an emissions test as part of the MOT:

Vehicles with fewer than four wheels
Vehicles with 2-stroke engines
Hybrid vehicles
Quadricycles
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
Electric vehicles.

What vehicles don’t need an MOT?

Some vehicles don’t need an MOT. These include certain electric goods vehicles registered before 1 March 2015, tractors and some historic or ‘classic’ vehicles.

Cars over 40 years old don’t need an MOT if they haven’t been materially changed – for example, a replacement of the chassis or body.

A full list of exempt vehicles is available on the MOT exemption form (V112). If your vehicle is listed, you’ll need to complete the form to tax the vehicle or apply for a tax exemption.

Lorries, buses and trailers don’t require an MOT. Instead, they must pass a yearly inspection called the annual vehicle test.

Can I drive without an MOT?

No, it’s against the law to drive on UK roads without a valid MOT unless:

You’re on your way to a pre-booked MOT inspection
You’re taking your vehicle to or from somewhere to be repaired.

Is my insurance valid without an MOT?

In most cases, your insurance policy won’t automatically become invalid if your MOT expires. However, insurers usually require your car to be safe and roadworthy. Driving without a valid MOT, especially if the vehicle has faults, could affect your cover or any claim.

Insurance providers usually require your car to be safe and roadworthy as part of your policy conditions, which typically includes having a current MOT certificate.

If your MOT has expired and you keep driving, you could be breaking the law by driving without a valid MOT. It may also affect your insurance cover or any claim, particularly if the vehicle is not roadworthy.

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Reviewed 29 Sept 2026 bySam WilsonInsurance expert

Sam Wilson is Head of Commercial Finance at Compare the Market and one of our core insurance experts on motor, home, van, motorbike and pet insurance products.

With over seven years at Compare the Market, Sam has a detailed understanding of how customers shop for insurance, what drives differences in premiums, and how small changes — such as shopping around at renewal or reviewing cover — can make a meaningful difference to what people pay.

Sam regularly comments in national and trade media on insurance costs, value for money and consumer savings, helping people understand how to get a good deal without focusing on price alone.

Methodology

¹Correct as of March 2026.