MOT Test
Frequency and validity
Every vehicle in the UK needs to be tested each year to ensure that it complies with at least the minimum road safety and environmental standards. If you have a vehicle that is more than three years old, it will need an MOT test.
If the vehicle is registered with no prior use on the road, the first MOT will be required three years after the date of registration. There are different rules if you use it as a taxi.
An MOT certificate confirms that at the time of the test your vehicle met, as far as can be reasonably determined without dismantling, the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards required by law. It does not mean that the vehicle is roadworthy for the life of the certificate and is not a substitute for regular maintenance.
MOT requirements for number plates tightened
From 1 October 2007 more stringent rules for number plates will be applied by MOT testers.
Registration plates must be present, secure and show the correct registration. They must also be the right colour, use the right character font and size and display only acceptable international flags or symbols.
Features which have the effect of changing the appearance or legibility of any of the characters so that the vehicle's true identity is less easily established will also be unacceptable.
Plates fitted to vehicles first used on or after 1 September 2001 (51 reg onwards) are also required to display the British standard reference BS AU145d and the name and postcode of the plate supplier.
Test fees
Note: the fees shown are the maximum fees. They are not subject to VAT.
| Car | Solo motorcycle | Three-wheeler |
| £50.35 | £27.15 | £34.65 |
Visit the government's "Directgov" website for details of fees that apply to other categories of vehicle.
The certificate
Records of MOT test results are now held on a secure central database to which all MOT testing stations are connected. When your vehicle is tested at one of these 'computerised' testing stations your test record will be entered onto this new database and you will receive a new style (A4 in size) certificate.
The new MOT certificate is your receipt and shows the information that is held on the MOT database. The certificate is no longer proof of an MOT and should not be relied on as such.
Only the computer record can prove a vehicle has a valid MOT. Under the new system any recommended advisory work will normally be shown on a new Advisory Notice which will be given to you at the time of the test.
Checking your MOT certificate
Since the MOT system was computerised it has been possible to check online the MOT status of a vehicle in which you have a legitimate interest e.g. you are the owner, registered keeper or are considering buying the vehicle.
To check the MOT status of a vehicle visit the MOT Computerisation website operated by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency.
Validity and renewal
The certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, except when a vehicle is taken for test in the month before the expiry date of its current certificate. In this case, if it passes the test, and if the current certificate is produced, the new certificate will be dated 12 months from the expiry date of the current certificate.
Exemptions
A valid MOT certificate is not required if the vehicle is being taken by prior appointment to or from a test.
Penalty
- using a vehicle without a test certificate being in force carries a maximum fine of £1,000
- if the vehicle is adapted to carry more than eight passengers the maximum fine increases to £2,500
- failing to produce a test certificate to a police officer also carries a fine of up to £1,000
Conviction for any of these offences will not result in penalty points being placed on a driving licence.
Not satisfied with your MOT?
If you are not satisfied with the way your test was conducted, you should let your local Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) office know.
This helps VOSA to maintain good service and consistent standards.
The address of your local VOSA office is shown on the fees and appeals poster at your MOT test station or you can VOSA's MOT enquiry line on 0845 600 5977.
If you disagree with the test result you should firstly discuss it with the test station if possible. It's important not to let anyone else carry out repairs to your vehicle.
For more information about the MOT appeals process visit the Directgov website.
Renewing your tax disc online
The computerisation of the MOT and the introduction of the new style MOT certificate mean that it is now possible to buy your tax disc online.
You can apply for a new tax disc or, if you intend to take the vehicle off the road, declare Statutory Off Road Notification, known as SORN, directly over the internet.
You can also use the Vehicle Enquiry service to check what information DVLA holds on its database about a vehicle.
To find out more visit www.direct.gov.uk/taxdisc