---
title: The MOT Test
---

# The MOT Test

## MOT Test Requirements

The **MOT test** applies to most motor vehicles that are **three years old or more**.

If your vehicle is over three years old and **not exempt**, you must hold a **valid MOT certificate** — you cannot tax your vehicle without one.

## Exempt Vehicles

Cars, motorcycles, vans, and other light passenger vehicles **manufactured or first registered over 40 years ago** are exempt from the MOT test, **unless** they have been **substantially modified** within the last 30 years.

For details on what qualifies as a substantial change, visit **[www.gov.uk/historic-vehicles](http://www.gov.uk/historic-vehicles)**[.](http://www.gov.uk/historic-vehicles)

If a vehicle that is currently MOT exempt is substantially altered, the keeper **can no longer claim the exemption**.

Even if exempt, owners are still legally responsible for ensuring their vehicle is **safe and roadworthy**, and may choose to **have it tested voluntarily**.

## Vehicles Requiring Annual MOT Tests

The following vehicles must be tested **one year after registration** and **every year thereafter**:

- Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 3.5 tonnes gross weight
- Passenger-carrying vehicles (PCVs) with more than 8 seats
- Ambulances
- Taxis

## Purpose of the MOT Test

The MOT test checks that your vehicle’s **safety, roadworthiness, and environmental standards** meet the legal minimum requirements.

It must be carried out annually by an **approved testing station** authorised by the **Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)**.

For details of the **DVSA MOT text reminder service**, visit **[www.gov.uk](http://www.gov.uk/)**[.](http://www.gov.uk/)<http://www.gov.uk/>

**Tip:** You can have your MOT test up to **one month before your current certificate expires**. The new certificate will be valid for **12 months from the expiry date** of the old one.

## MOT Certificate

An MOT certificate confirms that your vehicle met the required safety and environmental standards **at the time of the test**.  
It is **not a guarantee** that the vehicle will remain roadworthy, nor does it cover components such as the **engine or transmission**, which are not part of the test.

## Fees

Testing fees vary by vehicle type but are **capped by the government**.

For current MOT and retest fees, visit **[www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot/mot-test-fees](http://www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot/mot-test-fees)** or ask at your local MOT testing station.

## Failures and Retesting

If your vehicle fails its MOT test, it must be **repaired and retested** before being driven on the road — except when:

- Driving away from the test centre after failing the test
- Travelling to or from a garage for repairs
- Driving to a pre-booked MOT test appointment

However, even in these cases, you can still be **prosecuted** if the vehicle is **not roadworthy**, and you should check that your **insurance remains valid**.

You can check your vehicle’s **MOT status and history** online at **[www.gov.uk](http://www.gov.uk/)**

## Appeals

If you believe your vehicle was **incorrectly failed**, you have the right to **appeal**.

Information on how to appeal is available at **[www.gov.uk](http://www.gov.uk/)**.

## Exhaust Emissions

The MOT test includes a **strict emissions check**.

Engines must be correctly tuned and adjusted to comply with legal emission limits, which apply to vehicles **registered after 1975**.

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