20th September 2024
Every year, our vehicles undergo an annual MOT test. Equipped with a paper certificate, we drive our cars out of the testing centre for another 12 months. What should we do with the paper MOT certificate? Do we need to keep it and can you drive without one? Merityre’s guide covers all you need to know about MOT certificates.
An MOT certificate is a document which is presented to you upon completion of a successful MOT test. It confirms your vehicle has met the environmental and road safety standards required by law. Typically, MOT tests are required once a year (as long as your car is older than 3 years).
Yes – you can still receive a paper copy of your MOT certificate. You can also view your vehicle’s MOT information online via GOV.UK and enter your registration number into the system. It will inform you about your vehicle’s previous MOT tests, and your car’s history. Once you’ve entered your V5C number, you can access old certificates.
Historically, MOT certificates were available in paper form for HGV and passenger vehicles. In April 2024, paper copies of HGV MOT certificates were no longer issued but are still available online. If you own a passenger vehicle, you will still obtain a paper copy of your MOT certificate. You can also check your car’s MOT status online.
However, you must keep your paper MOT certificate safe – as this is required when selling your vehicle to prospective buyers. It is also needed when taking out an insurance claim on your car.
An MOT certificate is valid for up to 12 months, minus one day, from when the test was taken. You can check when your MOT is due by entering your vehicle’s registration plate number into our MOT test checker.
Technically, it is illegal to drive without a valid MOT certificate. However, there are some exceptions:
However, outside these circumstances, you cannot drive without a valid MOT certificate – as not only is this extremely dangerous, but it will likely also result in a fine.
Do you need to book your MOT test? Locate your nearest Merityre branch, or contact our experts for more information about our MOT service.