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.
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:
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Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 3.5 tonnes gross weight
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Passenger-carrying vehicles (PCVs) with more than 8 seats
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Ambulances
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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.
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 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:
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Driving away from the test centre after failing the test
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Travelling to or from a garage for repairs
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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
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.
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.