MOT testing is one of the most effective and essential ways of looking after your vehicle, but how much do you actually know about MOTs?
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What Is an MOT?
MOT testing was introduced several decades ago to test vehicle safety, roadworthiness and exhaust emissions.
An MOT test is issued by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
It is a mandatory annual inspection designed to ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and meets certain environmental and safety standards.
Certain vehicles may be MOT exempt, for instance if they were registered more than 40 years ago with no substantial changes made in the last 30 years.
What Does MOT Stand For?
MOT stands for Ministry of Transport, which was the government department which first introduced the MOT test back in 1960.
How Much Does an MOT Cost?
In the UK, there is a set maximum amount of £54.85 that a mechanic can charge you for your car's MOT - the maximum MOT fee varies depending on the type of vehicle you drive.
Be aware of garages that seem to charge very little for an MOT – you may not get as thorough checks for a cheaper price.
Your car’s safety is not something you should skimp on!
With BookMyGarage you can compare prices of MOTs near you by using our online booking tool.
Just enter your registration plate and postcode and start saving money today.
You can choose from a variety of garages in your local area based on their locations, ratings, prices, and availability.
What's the Difference Between an MOT Test and a Car Service?
An MOT test ensures that your vehicle meets the minimum safety requirements laid out by the DVSA, whilst a car service is designed to keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly for longer.
A car service is an incredibly effective means of furthering the lifespan of your vehicle, but is not compulsory in the same way an MOT test is.
That being said, booking an MOT and a car service together is one of the best ways of taking care of your vehicle.
What Is an MOT Certificate?
An MOT certificate is a document which confirms that your vehicle has met certain appropriate legal road safety and environmental standards.
Once your car has passed, you will receive a paper copy of your MOT certificate and you will not have to have the vehicle tested again for another year.
If you lose your MOT certificate, you can get a replacement online.
When Is the Earliest You Can Get an MOT?
Once your vehicle is 3 years old from the date of its registration, it will need its first MOT test.
The vehicle will then need to be retested each year on the anniversary of the last MOT test.
You can have your vehicle MOT tested up to a month - minus a day - before it runs out if you wish to keep the same renewal date.
You can find the date of expiry on the MOT test certificate, provided the vehicle passed the test.
When Is My MOT Due?
You can find out when your MOT runs out by checking the gov.uk website.
Checking the MOT history of your car can tell you other details about previous tests, such as:
- If the vehicle passed or failed
- The mileage when it was tested
- The date of the test
- Any failures or minor issues reported
- When your next MOT is due
Alternatively, if you want to easily check when your next MOT is due, you can use our handy free MOT checker.
On BookMyGarage, you can compare prices in your local area by entering your reg plate and postcode into the booking tool below.
Browse local garages and compare them by price, distance, availability and ratings to find the best garage to perform your MOT.
