When is my MOT due?

Everything you always wanted to know about the MOT* (*but were too afraid to ask)

Ok, so we’re not Woody Allen, and it’s highly unlikely that this is going to turn into a ‘cult’ blog post. However, there are plenty of questions involving motoring basics that our customers get a little flushed or embarrassed about asking.

We’re here to put that straight.

One of the popular phrases (or clichés, if you like) in assemblies, brainstorms, consultancies or development meetings, is…

There’s no such thing as a stupid question

When it comes to the health of your car, which let’s face it, is paramount in the safety and well-being of your passengers (family and friends alike), so if there’s even the smallest detail that you’re unsure of, and need to know more about—you must ask.

To get ahead of the curve, we’ve decided to help out the shyest among you with all the MOT basics we think you need to know.

We hope they help—and spare those blushes when dealing with your mechanic or Fixter garage.

What does MOT stand for?

MOT stands for Ministry of Transport test. The Ministry of Transport was one of the government departments to precede the current Department for Transport. The test was introduced in 1960 under the Road Traffic Act 1956.

The MOT (test) is an annual test of vehicle safety, roadworthiness and a check of vehicle emissions. Your certificate lasts one year from the time of testing.

When is my car MOT due?

Your MOT certificate will show the date that your MOT runs out. You are entitled to have your car tested within a month of the expiry date, so there should be no last-minute panic.

Booking the test in plenty of time is always a good idea. If your car needs work to get it up to scratch, there may be parts to order or an additional appointment required to carry out the necessary repairs or replacements.

Does my car need an MOT?

Every car over 3-years-old needs a valid MOT certificate by law.

Don’t panic, though—there are around 20,000 garages in Great Britain that are licensed to carry out the test and award the certificate.

Drivers in Northern Ireland will need to find a DVA test centre (Driver and Vehicle Agency) to carry out the inspection. The DVA is the equivalent of the GB DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).

When do new cars need an MOT?

New cars are all expected to perform to the correct level of roadworthiness as they leave the showroom, and expected to maintain t