Book Hybrid Car MOT

Yes, hybrid cars need an MOT just like petrol, diesel, and fully electric vehicles. Once your hybrid is three years old, it is required to pass an MOT test each year to remain road legal.

The MOT ensures that your hybrid is safe to drive and meets the DVSA’s roadworthiness standards. Without a valid MOT certificate, you cannot legally drive your hybrid on public roads.

The MOT process for a hybrid car is very similar to that of a standard MOT. Testers check the same safety systems, including tyres, brakes, steering, suspension, lights, and seatbelts.

The main differences are that hybrids are still subject to emissions tests (unlike EVs), and garages may carry out additional safety checks on electrical components such as high-voltage cables and battery mountings.

A hybrid MOT includes all the standard checks for brakes, tyres, mirrors, wipers, lights, and safety systems, along with an emissions test when the engine is running.

Since hybrids also use electric motors, the tester will visually inspect hybrid system components – including the traction battery, high-voltage wiring, and charging points. The 12V auxiliary battery is also checked to ensure it can power the car’s electronics correctly.

A hybrid MOT will typically take around 45 minutes to 1 hour. However, testing may take slightly longer if the emissions check requires the engine to run in a specific mode – as hybrids may default to electric drive.

If any repairs are needed, this will likely extend the time. It’s best to allow extra time when booking, especially if you want an MOT and service done together.

Yes. Unlike fully electric vehicles, hybrids still use petrol or diesel engines, so they must undergo emissions tests. The tester measures the exhaust output while the combustion engine is running.

Hybrids generally perform well in emissions tests, but a poorly maintained engine or exhaust system can still lead to a failure.

The MOT does not test the health or performance of your hybrid’s traction battery. Instead, it checks that the battery is securely mounted and that visible high-voltage cables are intact.

The 12V battery that powers lights, electronics, and starting systems is also checked. For a detailed hybrid battery health report, a separate diagnostic service is usually required.

The MOT fee for hybrids is the same as for any other car. It is capped by the government at £54.85. However, maintenance can sometimes be more expensive if hybrid-specific components need repair.

While items like tyres, brakes, and lights cost the same, hybrid battery systems or electrical faults may require specialist work.

Yes. While the MOT doesn’t test the hybrid battery’s performance, it can fail a car if electrical components are unsafe. This could be the case for damaged high-voltage cables, insecure battery mountings, or faulty charging sockets.

The 12V battery is also included in the MOT, so if it cannot power lights or safety systems, the car may not pass.

Yes. Fully electric vehicles are exempt from emissions testing, but hybrids must pass both emissions and safety checks. Hybrids are also subject to visual inspections of both their electrical and combustion systems, making the MOT slightly more complex than an EV test.

However, the process is still straightforward and follows DVSA standards for road safety and environmental performance.

Not all garages have the training or equipment to handle hybrid systems safely. Hybrid cars contain high-voltage components that require extra care during inspection.

When searching on Blackcircles, you will only see DVSA-approved partner garages capable of testing hybrids safely.

Most DVSA-approved MOT centres can test hybrid cars, but not all have the training to inspect high-voltage systems confidently. Smaller garages may focus only on petrol and diesel cars.

Booking through Blackcircles ensures you’re connected to a centre with the right expertise and facilities to MOT your hybrid correctly.

The MOT exemption rules are the same for hybrids as for other vehicles. Cars less than three years old do not need an MOT. Some classic vehicles over 40 years old may also be exempt, provided they are not used commercially.

Exemptions apply based on vehicle type and age, not whether the vehicle is hybrid, petrol, diesel, or electric.

A new hybrid car needs its first MOT three years after the date of registration. After this, it must pass an MOT every 12 months to remain road legal.

For example, if your hybrid was registered in May 2023, its first MOT will be due in May 2026. You can check your due date online using the DVSA MOT history checker.

Yes. Many hybrid drivers choose to combine their MOT with a service for convenience. This allows the garage to carry out all essential checks in one visit, covering both legal MOT requirements and additional hybrid system maintenance.

Blackcircles makes it simple to book an MOT and service together online, often at a discounted rate compared to booking separately.

As well as Hybrid MOT checks, Blackcircles provides a variety of other MOT and vehicle servicing options, including:

• • MOT
• • EV MOT
• • Major Service
• • Full Service
• • Interim Service
• • EV Service
• • Hybrid Service ( Full & Interim)
• • Oil & Filter Change
• • Combined MOT & Service packages (coming soon)