Inchcape Retail

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Car MOT Testing

MOT Testing - Frequency and Validity

Every vehicle in the UK needs to be tested each year to ensure that it complies with at least the minimum road safety and environmental standards. If you have a vehicle that is more than three years old, it will need an MOT test. If the vehicle is registered with no prior use on the road, the first MOT will be required three years after the date of registration. There are different rules if you use it as a taxi. An MOT certificate confirms that at the time of the test your vehicle met, as far as can be reasonably determined without dismantling, the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards required by law. It does not mean that the vehicle is roadworthy for the life of the certificate and is not a substitute for regular maintenance.

MOT Test fees

Note: the fees shown are the maximum fees. They are not subject to VAT.

The MOT Certificate

Records of MOT test results are now held on a secure central database to which all MOT testing stations are connected. When your vehicle is tested at one of these 'computerised' testing stations your test record will be entered onto this new database and you will receive a new style (A4 in size) certificate. The new MOT certificate is your receipt and shows the information that is held on the MOT database. The certificate is no longer proof of an MOT and should not be relied on as such. Only the computer record can prove a vehicle has a valid MOT. Under the new system any recommended advisory work will normally be shown on a new Advisory Notice which will be given to you at the time of the test.

Checking Your MOT Certificate

Since the MOT system was computerised it has been possible to check online the MOT status of a vehicle in which you have a legitimate interest e.g. you are the owner, registered keeper or are considering buying the vehicle. To check the MOT status of a vehicle visit the MOT Computerisation website operated by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency.

MOT Exemptions

A valid MOT certificate is not required if the vehicle is being taken by prior appointment to or from a test. MOT Penalty: Using a vehicle without a test certificate being in force carries a maximum fine of £1,000. If the vehicle is adapted to carry more than eight passengers the maximum fine increases to £2,500. Failing to produce a test certificate to a police officer also carries a fine of up to £1,000. Conviction for any of these offences will not result in penalty points being placed on a driving licence.