MOT Test Guide

An MOT test consists of various checks to ensure that every vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards, required by law.

By understanding the MOT test process and its key components, you can be well prepared to ensure your car meets the required safety and environmental standards.

When is the first MOT due?

Vehicles typically require their first MOT test at three years old and annually thereafter. However, there are exceptions, such as many classic cars over 40 years old, which are exempt from MOT testing.

What does the MOT test cover?

Under the Drivers and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) (formerly VOSA) requirements, an MOT will test all of the following parts to check that they meet the legal requirements:

• Exhaust and emissions - the exhaust should be secure without any serious leaks, and vehicle emissions should meet the requirements, which are dependent on the age and fuel type of the vehicle.
• Seat belts - all compulsory seat belts must be in place and are checked for security, operation and condition.
• Steering - the steering wheel should be in an acceptable condition and securely attached to the steering shaft.
• Windscreen - this will be checked for all aspects affecting the driver’s view of the road. The overall condition of the windscreen, wipers and washers will also be checked.
• Bonnet catch - this will be tested to ensure that it securely latches in the closed position.
• Horn - the horn should be operational and must be loud enough to be heard by pedestrians and other vehicles.
• Number plate - the registration plate should be present and secure, not faded, dirty or obscured. All letters must conform to the approved font design with the correct spacing between them.
• Lights - all required lights are checked to ensure that they conform to the correct design and safety standards, and are operational, in good condition and secure.
• Brakes - their condition, efficiency, operation and performance will be tested to ensure that they meet the legal requirements.
• Tyres and wheels - tyres must be the correct size, condition, and type and must have the correct tread depth. In the UK and Europe, the legal minimum depth of tread for car tyres is 1.6mm.
• Mirrors - these will be checked to make sure that they are secure and visible from the driver’s seat and that they are not distorted or damaged to impair the driver’s view to the rear.
• Doors - both front doors must be operational and have the facility to be opened from inside and outside the vehicle.
• Seats - the driver and passenger seats must be secure and all seat backs must be in a stable upright position.
• Suspension - suspension is checked and must be in satisfactory operational condition.
• Fuel system - this should have no leaks, and the fuel filler cap must be fastened securely.
• Body and structure - bodywork must not have any sharp edges that could cause injury and must be free from excessive corrosion.

What should I take with me?

It can be useful to take your last MOT certificate and current registration document or the ‘V5’ document as it is commonly known, but as your previous MOT history is online it is not normally a requirement to provide documentation.

What if my car fails its MOT test?

A fail means that your vehicle no longer meets the legal requirements that allow it to be driven on the road. The necessary repairs must be carried out, and the vehicle must be retested to ensure it is roadworthy.

If, in the unlikely event you disagree with your MOT test results you can appeal the decision. For more information visit Direct.gov.uk.

For more information about the MOT test scheme, visit the Direct.gov.uk website.

How do I know if my MOT has expired?

You can check the current status of any vehicle using our free MOT check. Simply enter your vehicle registration number, and we’ll let you know when you’re due for your next MOT test.

How can I be reminded when my MOT test is due?

Did you know that around a quarter of drivers forget to renew their MOT each year, with nearly a third of those forgetting to renew for more than a month after the expiry date.

Formula One Autocentre’s free MOT reminder service tells you by email and/or SMS when your next MOT is due, so register today. Remember that you can have an MOT test completed up to one month (minus a day) before the expiry of your current certificate.