When do I need to get an MOT test?

If you purchase a brand new car that has never been driven before, you will not have to get an MOT test until the car is three years old. When a car is three years old, you need to re-test the car annually and ensure you have a valid certificate. Once your car has passed its MOT you will receive an MOT certificate which will be signed and dated from the garage which performed the test. You must ensure you have a valid MOT certificate when driving a car as it is illegal to drive a car without one.

How can I find out when my MOT is due?

Your MOT Certificate should show an expiry date however, if you cannot find the ceritifcate you can use the GOV.uk tool. Simply enter your registration number and vehicle make and it will show when your MOT and Road Tax needs renewing. The tool will also allow you to apply for a new MOT certificate to be sent to you for free if you have misplaced your current certificate.

Can I drive without an MOT?

It is illegal in the Uk to drive a car without a valid MOT certification. There is one exception however, which is if you are driving your car to its pre-booked MOT appointment. Alongside not being able to drive, you also cannot tax a vehicle that does not have a valid MOT certificate.

Is there a grace period for an MOT?

There is no grace period, when your MOT has expired it is illegal to drive your car on the road. If you are caught driving without an MOT you can face prosecution and fines. You also cannot tax a vehicle as road tax renewal without a up to date MOT certification.

How can I prepare for an MOT test?

In cases where vehicles fail their MOT, it is usually due to small or minor issues which are easy to resolve before the test. A few examples of common issues are, lights, brakes, corrosion to bodywork and a quiet horn. We recommend using an MOT checklist a couple of weeks before your MOT inspection to ensure your vehicle is in the best possible condition, and you are able to resolve any issues beforehand.

MOT Test Guide | What is checked in an MOT?

Q: What is checked during an MOT test?

Within an MOT, your car will go under a deep inspection to ensure it is safe to drive on the road and there are no issues that could arise and result in your breaking down. There are five major aspects of your car that will be checked within an MOT. An inspection of the car interior will be undertook which involves seats, horn and speedometer. When checking the car exterior, a mechanic will look at the registration plates, car body, doors and lights. They will also check the tyres and wheels to ensure they are the right size with no damage which such as low tread depth and punctures. View of the road is the fourth part of the inspection which involves checking the windscreens, washer, wipers and mirrors. Finally the last hurdle is checking the mechanics of the car which involves looking at the engine, steering, battery, brakes, exhaust and emissions.

What is checked during an MOT test?

Learn more what is checked in an MOT test, as well as common MOT failure reasons you can try and avoid in your next test from this MOT guide:

Car Interior

Seats

The driver’s seat must be fully adjustable, while all seats in the vehicle need to be fully secure and able to remain in an upright position. All seats must have working seatbelts which are in good condition and operate correctly. The full length of the seatbelt will be checked for damage.

Horn

The horn must emit a continuous and uniform sound which is loud enough to be heard clearly by other road users.

Speedometer

It is mandatory that the speedometer is working correctly and gives an accurate reading. Your view of the speedometer must not be impaired, so if the glass has been cracked and distorts your view, your vehicle will fail its MOT test.

Car Exterior

Registration Plates

Registration plates must be securely fitted to the vehicle and they must be in good condition, meaning that they are fully readable and not obscured. The spacing and lettering must meet current legal regulation, so if you have a personalised registration, you should research current government legislation to ensure yours is legal.

Car Body

The body of your vehicle will be checked for any signs of damage and corrosion. All components must be free from jagged and/ or sharp edges that could potentially cause damage or harm to other vehicles or pedestrians.

Doors

The front doors of your vehicle must be easily opened from both inside and outside the vehicle. Your doors will need to latch securely when closed and door hinges will be checked for security and condition. Your bonnet must also open and securely close.

Lights

The condition, operation and security of your vehicle’s lights will be checked, and they will be inspected to ensure that they emit the correct colour. From 20th May 2018, reverse lights, headlight washers and daytime running lights are now tested on vehicles first used from September 2009 if they have them.

Tyres and Wheels

Tyre Size and Structure

Tyres fitted on your vehicle must be of the same size across an axle and of the same structure.

Tyre Condition

Tyres with a tyre tread depth lower than 1.6mm are illegal and will cause your vehicle to fail its MOT test. Check your tyre tread before the MOT test. Damaged tyres can also cause a fail, look out for any cuts, lumps, bulges or exposed cords. From 20th May 2018, all vehicles registered from 1st January 2012 are now subject to a TPMS (Tyre pressure monitoring system) check.

Wheels

Wheels must be in good condition and not contain damage such as cracks, damage or distortion. All nuts/bolts must be present.

View of the Road

Windscreen

The driver’s view of the road must not be obstructed, so extensive damage to the windscreen will cause your vehicle to fail its MOT test. The rule states that cracks or chips larger than 40mm on the windscreen and any damage larger than 10mm in the swept area (labelled ‘Zone A’ in image) will cause a fail.

Washer/Wipers

Windscreen wipers and washers must work effectively to give the driver a clear view of the road. If your wipers do not clear water from your windscreen, leave smears or display visible signs of damage, you should have them replaced prior to the test. You should also ensure that your wiper fluid container is not empty.

Mirrors

All mirrors must be securely fitted to the car and provide adequate views. Any damage in the reflective area of any of the mirrors must not obscure the driver’s view. You must have the following obligatory mirrors fitted to your vehicle: an exterior mirror fitted to the offside (right side of driver), an exterior mirror fitted to the nearside (left side of driver) and an interior mirror.

Engine

Steering

The steering on your vehicle will be checked as part of the MOT Test. Your MOT tester will check that the steering wheel is in good condition, that it is securely attached to the steering shaft and steering pipes/hoses will be checked for any signs of corrosion. In addition, electronic power steering and the operation of your steering lock will be checked.

Suspension

Your suspension system will be tested for distortion, damage, corrosion and wear.

Battery

The car battery will be tested to ensure that it operates correctly and is in good condition. All wires must be securely fitted. Your car battery must be secure and not leaking.

Brakes

The condition, performance and safety of your brakes will be rigorously tested to ensure that your brakes are working effectively. Where relevant, Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems will be tested as will the dashboard functions, including the MIL for ABS, ESC, brake fluid warning and electronic park brake. From 20th May 2018, brake pad warning lights are now checked and the condition of your brake pads and discs are also inspected.

Exhaust

Exhaust systems will be checked for signs of damage or corrosion and any serious leaks. Noise levels will also be examined. From 20th May 2018, cars with a diesel particulate filter are now checked to ensure that smoke of any colour is not emitted. If your DPF has been removed or tampered with, your vehicle will be given a major fault unless you can prove that this was for a legitimate reason, such as cleaning.

Emissions

Your vehicle will be checked to ensure it meets the correct requirements for exhaust emissions (dependent on age and fuel type).

For more information on what is checked in an MOT, head over to our MOT section. Alternatively, locate your nearest Merityre centre to book in your MOT today.