MOT tests explained

You’ll need to get an MOT: 

• in the third year after your car was first registered, or 
• if you’re in Northern Ireland, in the fourth year after your car was registered. 

It’ll then need to be tested again every year. You can find out when your car will next need an MOT by checking the MOT status on GOV.UKOpens in a new window

If you’re buying a car, it’s best to check it has a valid MOT on GOV.UKOpens in a new window. All you’ll need is the car’s number plate. 

It means the car is safe on the day your car passed its MOT. 

You’re responsible for making sure your car is always safe to drive. Your car can become unsafe, even if you have a valid MOT. 

There’s guidance about checking your car is safe to drive on GOV.UKOpens in a new window 

You can get an MOT test at any authorised test centre. 

• The Motor Ombudsman has an MOT garage finderOpens in a new window with information and reviews for each centre. 
• MOT Centre has a mapOpens in a new window of all test centres.

View a list of all test centres on NIDirectOpens in a new window

Some local councils also run MOT test centres. They have no financial interest in finding problems with your car, so this can be a good option.

You can view a list of council test centres on MoneySavingExpertOpens in a new window

An average MOT test takes around 45-60 minutes – but that doesn’t mean you’ll have your car back within an hour.

Most test centres will ask for you to drop the car off in the morning and collect it when it’s ready.

If your car fails its test and needs repairs, it’ll take longer and your car might need to stay at the garage overnight.

The test centre will usually call you, confirm what’s needed and how much it will cost. They should make sure you agree to any work before going ahead.

An MOT involves lots of checks on your car, including: 

• brakes 
• fuel system
• lights 
• mirrors
• seatbelts 
• windscreen wipers 
• exhaust system 
• suspension 
• tyres 
• fluids, and 
• steering. 

It doesn’t cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox. 

The maximum a test centre can charge for a car is £54.85, but some places might be cheaper than this. It’s worth searching to see if you can cut this cost. 

You might also be able to include an MOT as part of a full service for your car. This will be more expensive overall, but servicing your car can help you avoid needing repairs further down the line. 

There’s further information about servicing and MOT costs in our guide Costs of buying and running a car. 

Other vehicles have different MOT costs. You can view MOT costs for all vehicles on GOV.UKOpens in a new window

The test centre will explain why the car has failed, and if it’s a garage they’ll give you a quote for the repairs needed. 

If the car doesn’t have a ‘dangerous’ fault or ‘major’ problems, you can still drive it to have any issues fixed and to another pre-booked MOT. 

Otherwise, you can’t drive the car. If you do, you risk: 

• a fine of up to £2,500 
• three penalty points 
• invalidating your insurance and tax.

You can still drive the car until your current MOT expires. But if you drive the car away from the test centre, you’ll have to pay for it to be re-tested at a later date. 

If your car has a ‘dangerous’ fault, you won’t be able to drive the car away even if your previous MOT hasn’t expired. 

The test centre might tell you your car has a dangerous fault. If so, you won’t be able to drive your car away until it’s fixed.  

You could get another garage to tow your car away for repairs if this works out cheaper.

The cost of a retest depends on whether you’re getting repairs done at the test centre. 

If you leave your car at the test centre for repairs, a retest will be free as long as it’s done within 10 days. 

If you take your vehicle away, but return it to the same test centre within 10 days, you’ll get a discount on a retest. 

Otherwise, you’ll pay full price to get another MOT test. 

There’s more guidance about retests on GOV.UKOpens in a new window

There are a few easy steps you can take to give your car the best chance of passing its MOT: 

It’s very common for cars to fail their MOT because of a broken bulb. Check all of your lights, including indicators, dipped beams and brake lights, and replace any bulbs that aren’t working. 

Some test centres might refuse to test your car if it’s too dirty, or if they can’t reach parts of the car because of clutter. You can also fail the MOT if your number plate is too dirty to read.

Your car can fail its MOT if you’re running low on windscreen washer, which is an easy fix. A test centre might also turn you away if fuel or oil levels are too low, as they’ll need to test these.

Your car can fail its MOT if your tyres are worn down. Check your tyre tread with a 20p coin – if you’re able to insert the 20p all the way into the tyre’s grooves, the tread should be enough to pass. 

There’s a helpful video showing you how to check tyre tread on TyreSafeOpens in a new window 

Once your car has passed its MOT, you’ll be able to pick it up and drive it legally for another year.  

The result will be recorded in the MOT database, and you can ask the test centre for an MOT certificate. The certificate can be useful if you need to sell the car, as some buyers will want to see this. 

The test centre will usually report any ‘minor’ or ‘advisory’ problems. These are small issues that aren’t enough for a car to fail, but that you might want to look at fixing. 

Yes, and it’s free. You can request a replacement MOT certificate on GOV.UKOpens in a new window. You’ll need the 11-digit number from your vehicle logbook (V5C). 

If your MOT has expired, it’s illegal to drive your car for any reason except to take it to a booked MOT test. 

You could be prosecuted for driving without an MOT. This could be a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points on your licence.  

It’ll also invalidate your insurance, so you won’t be covered if you have an accident. Driving without insurance can also lead to a fine, penalty points, and even having your car taken away. 

You can sign up for MOT reminders on GOV.UKOpens in a new window, so that you won’t forget when your next MOT is due.