Like it or not, if your car is over three years old, UK law requires it to undergo an MOT test at an authorised MOT centre every year! The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a mandatory inspection designed to ensure that vehicles meet road safety and environmental standards. Without a valid MOT certificate, your vehicle is illegal to drive on public roads (except when traveling to a pre-booked MOT test), and you could face fines or penalties up to £1,000.
What Does an MOT Test Cover?
During the MOT test, a certified examiner inspects various parts of your vehicle to check for safety, functionality, and emissions compliance. Some of the key areas tested include:
- Lights & Electricals – Headlights, brake lights, indicators, and general electrical systems must be working correctly.
- Brakes – The brake system, including pads, discs, and efficiency, is tested to ensure safe stopping distances.
- Tyres & Wheels – Tyres must have at least 1.6mm tread depth, be in good condition, and correctly fitted.
- Suspension & Steering – The tester checks for excessive wear and any issues affecting the car's handling.
- Exhaust & Emissions – The exhaust system must be intact, and emissions must meet legal limits to reduce environmental impact.
- Seatbelts & Safety Features – All seatbelts must be in good condition, along with other essential safety features.
- Windscreen, Wipers & Mirrors – Visibility is crucial; any damage to the windscreen or faulty wipers can result in an MOT failure.
- Horn & Number Plates – A working horn and legally formatted number plates are required.
Find out more about what's tested in an MOT
What Are The Most Common Reasons For MOT Failures?
The most common reasons for MOT test failure are:
- Lighting and signalling (30%)
- Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (27%)
- Suspension (20%)
- Brakes (17%)
- Tyres (13%)
- Visibility (9%)
- Body, chassis, structure (6%)
- Fuel and exhaust (5%)
- Noise, emissions and leaks (5%)
Where Can You Get an MOT Test?
MOT tests must be carried out at a DVSA-approved MOT test centre. These centres display the official blue triangle MOT sign, indicating they are authorised to conduct the test. You can choose from independent garages, national chains, council-run MOT stations, or dealerships. Some centres also offer combined MOT and servicing packages, which can save you time and money.
All the MOT centres listed on the site are DVSA-approved MOT test centre.
What Happens If Your Car Fails Its MOT?
If your vehicle fails, you’ll receive a VT30 failure document outlining the reasons. Failures can be classified as:
- Major faults – These must be repaired before the vehicle can be driven.
- Dangerous faults – The vehicle cannot leave the test centre until the issue is fixed.
- Advisories – Minor issues that don’t cause an MOT failure but should be addressed soon.
If your MOT has expired, driving the vehicle (except to a pre-booked test) is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
What Different MOT Classes Are There?
- Class 1 & Class 2: Motorcycles (Class 1: up to 200cc, Class 2: over 200cc)
- Class 3: Three-wheeled vehicles over 450kg unladen weight
- Class 4: Cars (up to 8 passenger seats), motor caravans, ambulances, taxis, and private hire vehicles
- Class 4a: Dual-purpose vehicles (e.g., 4x4s and SUVs used for both on-road and off-road travel)
- Class 5: Private passenger vehicles with 13 or more seats
- Class 5a: Playbuses (converted buses used for play activities)
- Class 7: Goods vehicles weighing between 3,000kg and 3,500kg
How Much Does an MOT Cost?
The maximum fee for an MOT test is set by the government:
- Cars (Class 4) – £54.85
- Motorcycles (Class 1 & 2) – £29.65
- Large vehicles (Class 7) – £58.60
Many garages offer discounts when booking an MOT with a service, so it's worth checking.
How to Prepare for an MOT?
Simple checks before your MOT can prevent failures and retest costs. A lot of these things you can do yourself!:
- Ensure all lights work - this is one of the most common reasons for failure and often relatively simple to fix yourself.
- Top up oil, brake fluid, and screenwash.
- Check tyre tread depth and pressure.
- Ensure the horn, wipers, and seatbelts function correctly.
- Optional: Keep your car clean and tidy to give the impression it's a well cared for vehicle.
By keeping your car in good condition year-round, you can pass your MOT smoothly and stay road-legal without hassle!