When do I need to get an MOT test?

When your car is three years old from the date of its registration it will need its first MOT test - and then it needs to be retested every year on the anniversary of its last MOT test.

Once passed, you'll get an MOT test certificate with the date of test on it, and the date of expiry so you know when the vehicle requires a new MOT. If you choose, you can get the vehicle retested up to a month (minus a day) before it expires and keep the original renewal date.

If your car fails its MOT, then you can only take your vehicle away if your current MOT certificate is still valid and no 'dangerous' problems were listed in the new report from the failed MOT. Otherwise, you must get it repaired before you're allowed to drive.

If you decide to take it to another garage to have the failed defects addressed then your car will still need to meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times or you can be fined.

How can I find out when my MOT is due?

If you've lost your MOT certificate you can simply use the GOV.uk tool to enter your registration number and vehicle make.

This will check both your MOT status and tax status in a matter of seconds. You'll also be able to have a fresh MOT certificate sent to you for free to replace the lost one.

Is there a grace period for an MOT?

No. As soon as your MOT has expired it becomes illegal to drive your car on the road. Doing so risks prosecution. You also cannot tax a vehicle without a current MOT certificate.

Can I drive without an MOT?

No. You can't drive a vehicle without it having a valid MOT certificate. The only exception is that you're able to drive your vehicle to its MOT test, so long as the test has been booked.

If you own a vehicle and are not planning on driving it you must keep it off the road and will have to declare it SORN. Find out the risks of driving without an MOT in our full guide.

My car has been recalled. Will it fail its MOT?

There are an estimated 2.3 million vehicles in the UK currently subject to outstanding recall notices, but while it's illegal to sell on a car with a recall notice, there's no legal requirement for owners to fix their own recalled cars.

To address this, authorities are considering plans to better integrate the MOT and vehicle recall systems, which could lead to vehicles failing the test if a recall fault hasn't been fixed in the 12 months after its previous test.

There has been no word from authorities as to if and when this scheme will be introduced, but if you're concerned your vehicle is subject to a recall, you can check the gov.uk recall database to find out.

How can I prepare for an MOT test?

Many vehicles fail an MOT for small issues which could easily been prevented before the test. You might be surprised at what can fail an MOT - some problems are relatively minor.

It's a good idea to prepare an MOT checklist a couple of weeks before the date of inspection to make sure your vehicle is in the best possible condition it can be, this will allow you to proactively fix the issues and avoid any inconvenient circumstances if the vehicle fails the test.

It is worth clarifying, however, if your car fails its MOT, then you cannot keep your renewal date.

Complete MOT checklist

Pre-MOT checks

There are some quick things you can do as a driver to give your vehicle the best chance of passing its MOT. We go into more detail below.

1. Keep your car clean, inside and out. A boot full of clutter and an excessively dirty car could lead to an examiner refusing to carry out the MOT.
2. Give number plates a clean as they need to be readable to pass the MOT.
3. Check the windscreen wipers are in good condition, with no tears.
4. Check all lights are in working order. Ask a friend or family member to stand outside the car and confirm lights function properly.
5. Check tyre tread using the 20p test, and tyre pressure too
6. Top up all fluid levels - screenwash, brake fluid, and oil.
7. Check that the horn works - give it a quick honk!
8. All of your mirrors should be intact and secure to ensure you can use them safely.
9. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in your car's V5C logbook should match that marked on your car's bodywork.

Brakes

Along with your tyres, your brakes are the most safety-critical components of all, and they must work properly to pass the MOT. Testers usually put the car on rollers to check the brakes decelerate it effectively, and that they're correctly balanced - i.e. that it stops in a straight line. The pedal rubber must not be worn to excess and the ABS warning light must work if anti-lock brakes are fitted. The handbrake/parking brake must work and hold the car firmly, even on a steep incline.

Brake condition is also assessed by examining the discs, pads, and calipers, plus the relevant pipes and cables. Under the bonnet, the brake servo and master cylinder will be examined, too.

Bodywork

Sharp edges on the bodywork caused by corrosion or accident damage are not permitted, as they could injure pedestrians.

Rust is an MOT issue more generally, particularly for older cars. Excessive corrosion on safety-related parts, such as the steering and brakes, is a no-no, while rust within 30cm of these components may also result in a fail.

Doors and openings

Testers will check that the doors can be opened from inside and outside the car, and that all openings - including the bonnet and tailgate - can be shut securely.

Exhaust and emissions

For fuel-powered vehicles, emissions are tested using specialist equipment connected to your car's exhaust. The legal limit varies depending on the age of the vehicle, with much stricter standards for newer cars. Visible smoke from the tailpipe may mean an MOT fail - as can excessive noise so boy racers should beware.

The tester will also check both the exhaust system and fuel filler cap are fixed securely to prevent possible leaks.

Horn

A simple one: the horn must work, and be loud enough to be audible to other vehicles. Also, 'novelty' car horns that play multiple notes or tunes are not allowed.

Lights

All lamps must be working correctly, including headlights, tail lights, indicators (inc. hazard lights), sidelights, brake lights, and rear fog lights. The latter are only required on cars built post-1986 and must activate a tell-tale symbol on the dashboard to alert the driver when they're switched on.

The alignment of the headlights is also checked - and adjusted if necessary - to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. All cars built after 1 April 1980 must have two red rear reflectors.

Find out how to check your lights.

Seats and seatbelts

Seats should be securely fixed, with seatbelts a legal requirement for all post-1965 cars (and strongly advisable on those built earlier). Belts need to be securely fixed - including the clip/locking mechanism - and in good condition. Inertia-reel belts should also retract properly to fit around the driver.

Steering

Steering faults are not easy to check or fix yourself. The tester will ensure the steering wheel and column are in good condition and fixed properly, and that there isn't excessive 'free play' in the system.

The steering bearings are inspected for wear, while all bolts, clamps, gaiters and universal joints should also be checked. The operation of power steering (fitted to virtually all modern cars) is tested with the engine running. The wheels must not foul the bodywork on full lock.

Tow bar

If your car has a tow bar fitted (for pulling a trailer or caravan, for example), it must be secure and not damaged or corroded.

Vehicle identification

Your car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) - also known as the chassis number and found on the V5 registration document - must also be displayed and legible. It's often found at the base of the windscreen, or on a stamped metal panel under the bonnet.

Wheels and tyres

It goes without saying that all four wheels need to be securely attached to the car, with no bolts missing. Rims will also be examined for damage, including distortion or cracks, and the condition of the wheel bearings is assessed.

With regard to tyres, the law states that tread-depth must be: "At least 1.6mm throughout a continuous band comprising the central three-quarters of the breadth of tread around the entire outer circumference of the tyre". If your tyres are close to this limit, you may be given an advisory warning that new rubber is required soon.

Testers will also check the tyres for cuts or bulges, and ensure that the same-size tyres are fitted on each axle. The spare wheel is not part of the MOT test, but it must be mounted securely if outside the car.

Windows and mirrors

Windscreen damage is a common cause of MOT failure. Chips or cracks must measure less than 10mm across if within the area swept by the windscreen wipers. Outside this area, up to 40mm is allowed. The wipers must operate correctly and the rubber blades must be in good condition. Likewise, rear-view mirrors must be secure and not damaged to an extent that could impair the driver's vision.

Where should I get my MOT done?

There are the obvious places to look online and in directories, however, the best place to go is a place you trust, a reputable garage that has been recommended to you - you can find many using our RAC-approved garage network.

How much does an MOT cost?

The amount you pay for an MOT test fluctuates depending on the type of vehicle - but there is a maximum charge. Those fees are listed in full on the GOV.UK website. In summary, however, the maximum MOT fee for a car with up to eight passenger seats is £54.85. For a motorcycle, it's £29.65. Generally, the larger the vehicle the higher the maximum fee.

Do council MOT test centers have better pass rates than normal garages?

Council MOT centers are council run test centers that do not carry out repairs. For this reason, many people believe they are a better place to get an MOT done as they do not have a vested interest in failing and charging for repairs.

However, the data to support this is purely qualitative. By which we meant here are only written testimonials expressing that people, from experience, have had better luck getting their car to pass its MOT at a council test centre than at other garages.

That's not to say this is incorrect, it's just to say there has never been a definitive study on pass rates at council test centres versus normal garages.

Moneysavingexpert.com recommends using a council test centre if your car is in good condition but you suspect it might fail based on minor repairs needed - but for anything major, a reputable garage which repairs on site might be a more economical option.

How long does an MOT take and what gets covered?

An MOT test doesn't take very long. The test takes around 45 minutes to an hour, and some owners choose to wait while the vehicle is being inspected.

If repairs are required following the test the process will take longer. During the test, the following areas are inspected:

• Electrical equipment - including headlights, brake lights, indicators and fog lights.
• Steering - including the strength and condition of the steering wheel.
• Tyres - including tread depth and condition of the tyres.
• Suspension - including shock absorbers and any corrosion and wear.
• Brakes - including overall condition of pedals and brake efficiency.
• Seat belts and seats
• Exhaust and emissions - including checking for any leaks in the exhaust and fuel system
• Mirrors, wipers and windscreen - including any damage to the windscreen and condition of the wiper blades
• Vehicle Identification Number (VPN) - ensuring the vehicle displays its VPN is important.

MOT exemptions

Cars that are 40 years old or more are exempt unless the vehicle has had substantial changes.

MOT fails and defects