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The MOT test – more commonly known as the MOT - is an annual inspection of vehicle safety, roadworthiness, and exhaust emissions.

In the United Kingdom, most vehicles require the test once they are over three years old. While in Northern Ireland the requirement begins after four years. Although there are exemptions for certain types and ages of vehicles.

The name originates from the former Ministry of Transport. A government department that no longer exists. Yet the title has remained.

Today, MOT certificates are issued in England, Scotland and Wales by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), part of the Department for Transport.

In Northern Ireland, responsibility lies with the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA). In practice, both the test and the certificate are simply referred to as the “MOT.”

Within England, Scotland and Wales any individual can apply to operate an MOT station. Though both the applicant and the premises must meet specific criteria outlined by the DVSA. These requirements are set out in the VT01 form.

It is different in Northern Ireland – where the testing is carried out at official DVA centres. Run by the government.

Historical background

The MOT was first introduced on 12 September 1960, by the Minister of Transport Ernest Marples.

It was initially a voluntary scheme. The first tests were limited to brakes, lights, and steering and applied once a car was ten years old. This led to the nickname the “ten-year test.”

A fee has always been charged for the MOT. With the initial fee being fourteen shillings for the test, plus one shilling for the certificate. A notable cost at the time.

The voluntary phase ended in February 1961, largely because of a high failure rate.

Soon afterwards, the age threshold for testing was lowered - first to seven years, then eventually to three.

Certain vehicles such as taxis and ambulances became subject to annual testing after only one year from new. A rule first introduced in 1983.

Expansion of the test

The MOT has steadily evolved to cover more aspects of modern vehicles.

Key additions over the decades have included the following:

• 1968 - tyres
• 1977 - windscreen wipers, indicators, brake lights, exhaust systems, and body condition
• 1991 - emissions for petrol engines, along with ABS, wheel bearings, and rear seat belts
• 1994 - emissions for diesel engines
• 2005 - a computerised administration system and the introduction of Automated Test Bays
• 2012 - checks of electronic stability control, wiring, secondary restraint systems, and speedometers

This gradual expansion reflects both advances in automotive technology and the growing emphasis on road safety. As well as environmental standards.

Recent Discussions

There have been several attempts to alter the frequency of the MOT.

Proposals have included extending the interval from one year to two. Or delaying the first test until the vehicle is four years old.

These ideas are often linked to reducing costs for motorists. Particularly during times of economic pressure.

However, such changes have consistently been abandoned following consultation. Safety organisations argue that annual testing plays a crucial role in keeping unroadworthy vehicles off the roads.

Most recently, the possibility of moving to biennial checks was suggested by former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps. However this was not advanced to a formal consultation stage.

For now, the annual MOT remains a firmly established part of vehicle ownership in the UK.

During an MOT, the tester inspects a wide range of components to confirm your vehicle is roadworthy. This takes the form of some essential safety components such as brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, seatbelts, lights, mirrors, and windscreen wipers.

Here is a full list of the checks carried out during an MOT test:

Tip: An MOT is a legal requirement every 12 months for vehicles over 3 years old. It ensures your car meets minimum road safety and environmental standards.

In most cases, you won’t need to take any paperwork with you, as the test centre can access your MOT history online. However, if your car is going through its first MOT at a new garage, it may be useful to bring your V5C logbook.

If you’ve had repairs carried out, or advisory notes from a previous MOT, bringing receipts or evidence of work can also help – but it is not essential.

Always make sure you take the car keys, locking wheel nut key, and ensure that the vehicle has enough fuel or battery charge so that it can complete the test.

The first MOT for a car is due three years from the date the vehicle was first registered. After that, your car must pass an MOT test annually to remain road legal.

For example, if your car was first registered in March 2024, its first MOT will be due in March 2027.

If you have a van, taxi, or other vehicle types, they may need testing sooner. It is important to always check with the DVSA guidelines or use an MOT status checker online.

The maximum fee set by the government for an MOT test on a car is £54.85, but many garages charge less.

Blackcircles partner garages will set their pricing for an MOT test – which you can see when you carry out a registration look up search for an MOT.

It is important to note that the cost of an MOT does not include any repairs. If your car fails, you’ll need to pay for those separately.

This means shopping around can save you money, but always make sure you use a DVSA-approved MOT test centre.

An MOT test normally takes between 45 minutes and one hour. However, the total time you’re without your car can be longer if repairs are needed or if the garage is busy.

For straightforward passes, you may be able to wait while the test is carried out, but if your car requires new parts, it could take a few hours or even a day.

It’s a good idea to book your MOT in advance and allow extra time around your appointment.

Booking an MOT online with Blackcircles is quick and convenient. Simply enter your vehicle registration on the website to find local partner MOT test centres.

You can choose the date and time that suits you best, and even add on additional services such as car servicing, wheel alignment, or tyre replacement at the same time.

This saves time by combining multiple services into one visit. Once booked, you’ll receive confirmation and reminders, so you don’t miss your appointment.

If your car fails its MOT, you will receive a VT30 MOT failure certificate. This document explains which items were the cause of the failure.

If the issue is classed as a major defect, you’ll need to repair it before the car can pass. If the defect is dangerous, you cannot drive the car until it is fixed.

You’ll also get advisory notes which highlight parts that may need attention soon.

You can have repairs done at the same garage or elsewhere, but you must pass a retest before legally driving the car again.

If your car fails its MOT and you leave it at the same garage for repairs, the retest is often free.

If you take the car away and return it within 10 working days, most test centres charge a reduced retest fee.

However, if you delay beyond this period, you’ll likely have to pay for a full MOT test.

The DVSA sets guidelines for retests, but garages can apply their own policies, so always ask about retest charges when booking your MOT.

Yes. Dashboard warning lights are now a common reason for MOT failures. If lights for airbags, ABS, power steering, or engine management remain on, your car may not pass the test.

Emissions are also closely monitored – if your petrol or diesel vehicle produces levels above the legal limit, it will fail.

Diesel cars with missing or faulty diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are especially at risk of failing.

Keeping your car serviced and dealing with dashboard lights quickly can reduce the risk of an MOT failure.

You can only drive a car that has failed an MOT if the defect is not marked as “dangerous” and you are taking it to or from a garage for repairs.

Driving a car with a dangerous defect, such as serious brake issues or steering faults, is illegal and unsafe.

If stopped by the police, you could be fined, get penalty points, or even have the vehicle seized.

Always arrange repairs immediately after a failed test to avoid these risks.

No, driving with an expired MOT certificate is illegal. The only exception to this is if you are driving to a pre-booked MOT appointment.

If you are caught without a valid MOT, you could face a fine and your insurance may be invalidated.

Police and ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras can easily detect cars without an MOT. Always renew before your due date.

The penalty for driving without a valid MOT can be up to £1,000.

If your vehicle is found to be in a dangerous condition, you could be fined more and receive penalty points on your licence.

In serious cases, you could also be banned from driving. Fines can also affect your insurance premiums.

This is why it’s important to keep a track of your MOT due date, making sure to arrange the test early to avoid your car being labelled with an expired MOT status.

There is no official grace period once your MOT expires. Many drivers mistakenly believe they have extra time after the expiry date, but this is not true.

The only time you can legally drive without an MOT is when travelling to a pre-booked test appointment.

To avoid fines and insurance issues, always check your MOT expiry date in advance.

You can do this online using the DVSA MOT history checker and book a test up to one month (minus a day) before your current certificate runs out without losing time on your renewal.

Blackcircles doesn’t just provide a standalone MOT service – we also offer a wide range of additional MOT and servicing options, including:

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