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How do I book an EV MOT?
Booking your EV mot with Blackcircles has never been simpler. In just four easy steps, you can arrange a service that suits your needs — with expert care and support provided at every stage.
- Enter your details and select a service
Start by entering your vehicle registration number and postcode — we’ll take it from there. Not sure what work might be needed? Your MOT history can help us identify any areas where you may need assistance.
- Compare garages and service offerings
Thanks to our network of pre-approved garages, you can trust us to help you find the right one. Blackcircles.com partners with the UK’s largest network of independently owned garages, ensuring you can choose a garage that meets your needs and expectations.
- Choose a time and date that works for you
We understand that visiting the garage isn’t always convenient. That’s why we offer flexible booking options — allowing you to select a time and date that suits your schedule. Our dedicated customer care team is also on hand to assist with any queries you may have.
- Secure online payment
We prioritise your data security. Our system adheres to the latest retail security standards, protecting your banking and personal information at every step.
EV MOT: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, electric cars need to go through the MOT test in the UK, once they are three years old. This is the same as it is for petrol and diesel vehicles.
After an EV has had its first MOT at three years, they will need to go through the MOT test on an annual basis. This is to ensure they remain safe and roadworthy.
Many of the checks that are carried out during an EV MOT are the same as those on the standard MOT.
These include checks on the brake system, the condition of the tyres, the suspension, lights, steering, seatbelts, and windscreen wipers.
All of these parts of the car are very important for the safe operation of the vehicle. They must therefore meet minimum safety standards to pass the MOT.
Where the EV MOT differs, is on things such as the emissions test, since EVs don’t produce exhaust gases. Similarly, engine-related checks like oil levels and spark plugs are irrelevant.
It is worth noting that at the time of writing, the high-voltage battery that powers the electric motor is not part of the MOT inspection.
By law, the cost of an MOT for an electric car is the same as for a conventional car. Garages are only allowed to charge a maximum of £54.85.
Depending on the pricing structure of the garage, they may charge less. But they are not allowed to exceed £54.85.
Despite their mechanical simplicity, when compared to petrol or diesel vehicles, electric cars must still prove they are safe to drive through this annual inspection.
The main parts of a vehicle tested during an EV MOT test include:
- Steering (including suspension)
- Lighting Equipment
- Brakes
- Doors
- Bonnet
- Tyres and wheels
- Seatbelts
- Driver’s view of the road
- Electrics
- Windscreen
- Windscreen wipers and washers
- Horn
- All the mirrors
- Registration plates and Vehicle Identification Number
An EV MOT will typically take between 45 minutes to 1 hour. This is around the same amount of time it takes for a petrol or diesel vehicle.
The actual length of time may vary slightly depending on the garage, the condition of your EV and whether there are any minor issues which need attention or retesting.
Electric vehicles have fewer mechanical components compared to an internal combustion engine car. For example, there's no engine oil, spark plugs or exhaust system.
This means there are slightly fewer things to inspect or diagnose. EVs also don’t require emissions testing, which saves time.
You can get your EV MOT done at any MOT-authorised testing centre in the UK.
At Blackcircles.com we work with the largest network of independently owned garages in the UK. When searching for your MOT booking in our system, you will only be shown VOSA approved garages for an MOT. So, you can rest assured that the MOT is being carried out correctly and within the UK's regulations.
All VOSA approved garages are able to test both EVs and petrol and diesel vehicles.
At the time of writing, there’s no requirement for a garage to be EV-specialist in order to carry out an MOT. The test does not include diagnostics or inspection of the high-voltage battery system.
As long as the garage and the technician has been VOSA approved to carry out MOT inspections, then you can have an EV MOT carried out at any garage. You are not bound by a dealership for the MOT test.
New vehicles are exempt from the MOT test until they are 3 years old. Once a vehicle reaches the third anniversary from the date of its initial registration, it is required to take and pass the MOT test every year.
If a vehicle is over 40 years old – and has not been substantially modified (i.e. alterations to the chassis, engine or brakes) – it is also exempt from the MOT regulations. This includes cars, motorbikes and 4x4s.
Even if a vehicle is exempt from the MOT test, it is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to ensure that it is roadworthy and safe to drive.
Regular servicing and maintenance to keep the vehicle in top condition is highly recommended.
In addition to EV MOT testing, Blackcircles offers a full selection of MOT and servicing solutions, including:
- • MOT
- • Hybrid MOT
- • Major Service
- • Full Service
- • Interim Service
- • EV Service
- • Hybrid Service ( Full & Interim)
- • Oil & Filter Change
- • Combined MOT & Service packages (coming soon)