What Is An Mot, And When Do You Need One For Your Car?

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Government laws state that you must receive an MOT for your vehicle before:

It's been three years since the vehicle was registered new.
The car's last MOT expires on this date (if the car is over three years old).
Some cars, however, require an MOT test once they reach the age of one year. The vehicles to which this applies may be found in the UK government's MOT fees guide. The maximum rate for an MOT is 54.85 for a vehicle with up to eight passenger seats, and the lowest fee is 29.65 for a regular motorbike as of August 2021.

To find out when your car requires an MOT, as well as the dates and results of past MOTs, go to this government portal to check MOT history. This will allow you to schedule when you need to return to the garage for this inspection, as well as identify any past concerns that may be important if you are considering purchasing a vehicle.

You'll obtain a certificate with the date of the test if your vehicle passes its MOT. Keep this certificate as a reminder to have your vehicle tested again on or before the anniversary of your previous MOT. You may even have your MOT renewed ...
... up to a month before it expires and maintain the original MOT expiration date if you like.

This post will cover the following topics to assist you in navigating this important component of vehicle ownership:

What is an MOT in the UK?
If you own a car or want to buy one, you're presumably aware that you'll need an annual MOT. However, you may not be aware of what this acronym means or what is evaluated when your vehicle undergoes the test.

What is the meaning of MOT?
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) was established by the British government to monitor the safety and environmental efficacy of road vehicles. The Department for Transport, which is responsible for the upkeep of Britain's whole transportation network, including roads, has taken its position. However, we continue to utilise the MOT label.

What is inspected in an MOT?
The elements of your vehicle that are crucial to its overall safety and environmental effect will be checked during the MOT status . To be roadworthy, these parts must fulfil the legal criteria (i.e., they must be in excellent working order). The engine, clutch, and gearbox are not examined during the test.

In an MOT test, the following components are examined:

1. Items of the body, the vehicle, and the structure
These should be clear of corrosion or deterioration, as well as any sharp edges that may injure someone. These will be examined for safety, condition, and repairs or adjustments that aren't necessary.

2. The speedometer, to be precise
The engine mountings, speedometer, and 13-point electrical socket should all be secure and functional.

3. Fuel system
There should be no leaks, and the pipes and hoses should be secure. The fuel tank lids should be tightly sealed, and the key should be on hand in case it is needed to access them.

4. Emissions from the exhaust system
There are several regulations for the exhaust emissions that a vehicle must fulfil depending on its age and the type of fuel it uses. A smoke test will be one of the emissions tests if you have a diesel vehicle. If your car is not properly maintained, this might cause harm, therefore make sure you change the camshaft belt at the required intervals. If you're still concerned about the smoke test, let your MOT examiner know ahead of time.

5. Exhaust system
The exhaust system on your vehicle should be secure and complete. The catalytic converter should be present and free of major flaws or leaks (where one has been given as usual procedure). It's also important that the exhaust system isn't overly loud.

6. Working seat belts
The required seat belts are in place and should be in excellent working order. Airbags, malfunction indication lights (MILs), and seat belt load limiters (a mechanism that releases a tiny bit of belt when it is excessively tight) will also be examined.

7. Seats
All of the seats must be properly fastened, and the driver's seat must be adjusted correctly.

8. Doors
The front doors must be able to be opened from both inside and outside the vehicle, and the latch must be secure when the doors are closed. At the very least, the back doors should be able to be opened from the exterior of the car. All of the door locks, seals, and knobs should be functional and in excellent shape.

9. Mirrors
The minimal number of mirrors, as well as their quality and security, will be checked on the vehicle. Indirect vision gadgets will be examined as well.

10. Load safety
The MOT examiner will see if the boot or tailgate can be properly closed.

11. Brakes
The brakes will be inspected for any improper repairs or changes, and their condition will be assessed. Their operation and performance, as well as the anti-lock braking system (if equipped), electronic stability control, and MILs (dashboard warning lights), will also be scrutinised.

12. Tyres and wheels
All wheels and tyres will be examined for condition, security, size and type, and tread depth. Spare wheels and tyres, on the other hand, are not examined. The MOT has incorporated both the MILs and the tyre pressure monitoring system since 2012. (If present).

13. Registration plates
The plates will be examined to ensure that they are in good shape, are the correct colour, and are securely connected to the vehicle. The characters must be spaced and created in a consistent manner.

14. Lights
The tester will make sure the lights operate and are clean enough. They'll also double-check that any self-levelling features are operational and that all pieces are secure. The main beam warning light should be operational, and the headlamp should have an adequate aim.

15. Bonnet
The bonnet will be examined to ensure that it closes securely.

16. Windscreen, washers, and wipers

The wipers must be in good functioning order and provide a clear view of the road. The windscreen should be clean and free of potentially harmful cracks.

17. Horn
This should function properly and be appropriate for the vehicle.

18. Steering and suspension
Both the steering and suspension will be examined to ensure that they are in good working order. The steering oil level will be examined, and the steering and suspension systems should be free of any repairs or changes that aren't necessary. The steering mechanism should also be able to lock in a secure position. The MILs, or dashboard warning lights, for electronic power steering and steering lock, will also be examined.

19. Vehicle identification number (VIN)
On vehicles manufactured after August 1, 1980, a VIN should be present. With the exception of multistage builds, your vehicle will be examined to ensure that it has a single VIN.

Once again, you can complete an online search of check MOT to establish the current expiration date of your vehicle. If you do end up misplacing your MOT certificate, do not worry. You can go online and search for the MOT history check which will give you the current status and expiry date.