All vehicle owners in the UK must have MOT (Ministry of Transport Test) clearance for any motorised vehicle they intend to use on the road. As soon as the vehicle completes three years an annual MOT test must be booked. While the cost is capped at £54.85, some garages do offer discounts with the vehicle service, if you look around.

Understanding an MOT

In the UK the law requires every vehicle over three years old to undergo annual maintenance. A comprehensive inspection of the vehicle is done to determine if it is roadworthy and safe for use on the roads. The MOT clearance was introduced in the 1960s with cars becoming more popular on UK roads. Consequently, the Department of Transport (formerly Ministry of Transport) instituted guidelines to ensure the safety of drivers and commuters. The most recent guidelines were introduced in 2018. Every vehicle on the road is mandated by law to have MOT certification. The exceptions are for vehicles over 40 years old, less than three years old and those with SORN notification.

When is the first MOT needed?

When a vehicle completes 3 years the first MOT is needed. An MOT may be booked within the first 3 years but is not legally necessary. E.g., A car registered in December 2021 will need its first MOT certification in December 2024.

However, for private passenger vehicles, taxis and ambulances (9-16 seats) a first test is due on completion of 1 year of registration. 

MOT Validity

The MOT is valid for 12 months before the next annual certification is needed.

Check the MOT Expiration Date

To avoid a hefty fine, you must be aware of the expiration date of your vehicle MOT. It is mentioned in the MOT certificate of the vehicle. In case you are not able to locate the date or have lost the MOT certificate, you can check online using the vehicle registration number.

When To Book An MOT?

It is recommended to book an MOT one month and one day before the expiry date. It will help to maintain the same expiration date. E.g., for the expiry of 30 November 2022, the test can be booked from 30 October – 30 November to retain the same expiration date in 2023. Making a booking more than 1 month in advance will change the expiry date. It is ideal to book a minimum of 14 days in advance just in case the vehicle does not clear the MOT and a retest after repairs is needed.

What is the cost of an MOT?

The cost of the MOT is subject to the class of the vehicle and the garage chosen for service. For cars (Class 4) the price is capped at £54.85, set by the DVLA with VAT not applicable. However, some garages offer a lower MOT price depending on the service charges at the garage. Booking a service with the MOT test is always a good idea to ensure MOT clearance in the first attempt.

Does an MOT Take a Lot of Time?

The MOT clearance test takes approximately 45 – 60 minutes.