Understanding MOT Requirements in the UK - Complete 2025 Guide

The MOT test is a legal requirement for most vehicles in the UK over three years old. Driving without a valid MOT (when required) can result in fines up to £1,000 and invalidate your insurance. Yet many drivers are unclear about exactly when they need an MOT and what the test involves.

This guide explains everything you need to know about MOT requirements, what's tested, common failures, and how to prepare your car.

When Does Your Car Need an MOT?

The Basic Rule

Your car needs its first MOT when it's three years old, then annually after that.

The three-year rule:

• Measured from the date of first registration (on your V5C)
• NOT from when you bought it
• First MOT due on the third anniversary of registration

Example:

• Car registered: 15th March 2022
• First MOT due: By 15th March 2025
• Then annually every March

Vehicles That Need an MOT

• Cars
• Motorcycles
• Vans and goods vehicles
• Motorhomes
• Minibuses
• Most three-wheeled vehicles

Vehicles Exempt from MOT

• Vehicles less than 3 years old
• Electric goods vehicles (registered before 1 March 2015)
• Tractors
• Historic vehicles (40+ years old, no substantial changes) - exempt since 2018
• Some military vehicles

Important: Even if MOT exempt, your vehicle must still be roadworthy. You can still be prosecuted for driving an unsafe vehicle.

When to Book Your MOT

You can get your MOT up to one month (minus a day) before it expires without losing any days.

Example:

• Current MOT expires: 15th June 2025
• Earliest you can test: 16th May 2025
• New MOT will still expire: 15th June 2026

Pro tip: Book early in the allowed window to give time for any repairs before expiry.

Driving Without an MOT

Is it legal?

• Driving without valid MOT = illegal (up to £1,000 fine)
• Exception: Driving to a pre-booked MOT appointment
• Your insurance may be invalid without MOT

If your MOT expires:

1. Don't drive the car (except to pre-booked MOT)
2. Book MOT immediately
3. SORN the vehicle if it will be off-road for a while

What Does the MOT Test Cover?

The MOT is a safety and environmental inspection covering these areas:

1. Lights and Signals

Checked:

• Headlights (aim, operation, condition)
• Sidelights and rear lights
• Brake lights
• Indicators and hazard lights
• Fog lights (if fitted)
• Number plate lights
• Warning lights on dashboard

Common failures:

• Blown bulbs
• Cracked lenses
• Incorrect headlight aim
• Faulty indicators

2. Steering and Suspension

Checked:

• Steering wheel play
• Power steering operation
• Suspension components
• Shock absorbers
• Springs
• Wheel bearings
• Steering rack and joints

Common failures:

• Worn shock absorbers
• Damaged springs
• Worn bushes
• Excessive steering play

3. Brakes

Checked:

• Brake pads/shoes thickness
• Brake discs condition
• Brake fluid level
• Handbrake operation
• Brake performance (rolling road test)
• Brake pipes and hoses
• ABS warning light

Common failures:

• Worn brake pads/discs
• Corroded brake pipes
• Seized handbrake
• Uneven braking

4. Tyres and Wheels

Checked:

• Tread depth (minimum 1.6mm across central 3/4)
• Tyre condition (cuts, bulges, damage)
• Tyre size and type matching
• Wheel security
• Wheel condition

Common failures:

• Insufficient tread depth
• Damaged tyres
• Mismatched tyres on same axle

5. Seatbelts and Seats

Checked:

• All seatbelts present and working
• Seatbelt condition
• Buckles and mounting points
• Seat security
• Seat adjustment mechanism

Common failures:

• Frayed seatbelts
• Faulty buckles
• Loose seat mountings

6. Windscreen and Wipers

Checked:

• Windscreen condition (chips, cracks)
• Wipers and washers
• Mirrors (interior and exterior)
• Horn operation

Common failures:

• Windscreen damage in driver's view (Zone A)
• Worn wiper blades
• Faulty washers

Zone A: Area directly in front of driver, 290mm wide. Damage over 10mm = failure. Swept area: Rest of wiped area. Damage over 40mm = failure.

7. Exhaust and Emissions

Checked:

• Exhaust system security and leaks
• Catalytic converter
• Emissions levels
• Diesel particulate filter (DPF) if fitted

Common failures:

• High emissions (especially diesels)
• Exhaust leaks
• Missing or removed DPF
• Faulty catalytic converter

Emissions standards:

• Petrol (1992+): CO below 0.3%, HC below 200ppm
• Diesel: Smoke density limits vary by age

8. Body and Structure

Checked:

• Structural integrity
• Corrosion (especially load-bearing areas)
• Doors, bonnet, boot operation
• Sharp edges that could cause injury
• Fuel system security

Common failures:

• Structural corrosion
• Corroded sills or subframe
• Sharp edges from damage

9. Registration Plates

Checked:

• Correct format and spacing
• Legibility
• Security
• Condition

Common failures:

• Incorrect spacing
• Faded/unreadable plates
• Non-standard fonts

10. Vehicle Identification

Checked:

• VIN plate present and legible
• Registration matches V5C

What's NOT Tested in an MOT

The MOT doesn't check everything. NOT included:

• Engine condition or performance
• Clutch operation
• Gearbox
• Air conditioning
• Sat nav or infotainment
• Central locking
• Interior trim
• Paintwork
• Service history

Important: Passing an MOT doesn't mean the car is mechanically sound - just that it meets minimum safety and environmental standards on the day of test.

MOT Test Results Explained

Since May 2018, there are three result categories:

Pass

Vehicle meets all standards. Advisory notes may be included.

Fail

Vehicle doesn't meet required standards. Must be repaired before driving (except direct route to repair/home).

Dangerous (Fail)

Serious defects that make the vehicle dangerous to drive. Cannot be driven at all until repaired.

Advisory Notes

Issues that aren't failures but may become problems:

• "Brake pads wearing thin" - Pass but replace soon
• "Slight corrosion on subframe" - Monitor it
• "Tyre close to legal limit" - Replace soon

Take advisories seriously - they often become failures next year.

Most Common MOT Failures

According to DVSA data, the most common failure reasons are:

1. Lights and Signalling (18%)

• Blown bulbs
• Faulty indicators
• Headlight aim

DIY fix: Check all bulbs before MOT, replace any that are dim or blown.

2. Suspension (13%)

• Worn shock absorbers
• Damaged springs
• Worn bushes

Fix cost: £100-£400 depending on parts needed

3. Brakes (10%)

• Worn pads/discs
• Binding brakes
• Corroded pipes

Fix cost: £80-£300 for pads and discs

4. Tyres (8%)

• Insufficient tread
• Damage
• Wrong size

DIY fix: Check tread depth (20p test), inspect for damage, replace if needed.

5. Driver's View (8%)

• Windscreen chips/cracks
• Worn wipers
• Faulty washers

DIY fix: Check wipers, top up washer fluid, assess windscreen damage.

6. Emissions (7%)

• High CO/HC readings
• Diesel smoke
• DPF issues

Fix: Service the car, use fuel additives, ensure DPF is regenerated.

How to Prepare Your Car for MOT

A little preparation can prevent unnecessary failures:

One Week Before

Check lights:

• Turn on each light, walk around car
• Check brake lights (use reflection or helper)
• Replace any blown bulbs

Check tyres:

• Tread depth minimum 1.6mm (20p test - if you see the outer band, replace)
• Check for damage, bulges, cuts
• Correct tyre pressure

Check wipers:

• Streaking or juddering = replace
• Top up washer fluid

Check windscreen:

• Chips in Zone A (driver's direct view) may need repair
• Assess if within limits (10mm Zone A, 40mm elsewhere)

Day Before

Fluid levels:

• Engine oil
• Brake fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Coolant
• Washer fluid

Warning lights:

• Start the car, check dashboard
• All warning lights should go out after startup
• ABS, airbag, and engine lights will cause failure if illuminated

Number plates:

• Clean and legible
• Properly secured
• Correct format

Clean the car:

• Dirty cars can obscure issues
• Clean headlights and lights
• Clean number plates

Pre-MOT Checklist

• All exterior bulbs working
• Brake lights working
• Indicators working all round
• Tyres above 1.6mm tread
• Tyres free from damage
• Windscreen wipers effective
• Washer fluid topped up
• Windscreen chips assessed
• Warning lights not illuminated
• Horn working
• Mirrors secure and clear
• Seatbelts working
• Number plates clean and secure
• Fuel (at least 1/4 tank for emissions test)

What Happens If You Fail

During the Test

The tester will note all failures and advisories. You'll receive a certificate listing:

• Dangerous defects - Cannot drive until fixed
• Major defects - Failures requiring repair
• Minor defects - Pass with advisory
• Advisories - Future concerns

Your Options After Failing

Option 1: Repair and retest at same garage

• Usually cheapest option
• Partial retest may be cheaper if done within 10 working days
• Leave the car for repair

Option 2: Take it elsewhere

• You CAN drive to another garage/home (unless dangerous)
• Take direct route only
• Full retest fee will apply

Option 3: Reject the car (if buying)

• If recently purchased, you may have rights
• Consumer Rights Act may apply

Retest Fees

• Same day, same garage: Often free or reduced
• Within 10 working days, same garage: Partial retest (cheaper)
• Different garage or over 10 days: Full retest fee

Driving on a Failed MOT

Can you drive?

• If failure is NOT dangerous: Yes, but only to repair garage or home
• If dangerous defect: NO - must be trailered or repaired on-site

Insurance implications:

• Some insurers won't cover you without valid MOT
• Check your policy wording

MOT History Check

You can check any vehicle's MOT history online:

How to check:

1. Visit gov.uk/check-mot-history
2. Enter registration number
3. View complete history

What you'll see:

• All MOT tests (pass and fail)
• Mileage at each test
• Failure reasons
• Advisory notes
• Test dates and locations

This is invaluable when buying a used car - it reveals how the car has been maintained and if mileage is genuine.

→ Learn more: How to Check MOT History and What It Reveals

MOT Costs

Test Fee

The maximum fee is set by law:

• Car: £54.85
• Motorcycle: £29.65
• Van/goods vehicle: £58.60

In practice, most garages charge less:

• Average car MOT: £35-£50
• Discounted MOTs: £20-£30 (often loss-leaders)

Repair Costs

If your car fails, repair costs vary widely:

• Bulb replacement: £5-£20
• Wiper blades: £15-£40
• Brake pads: £80-£200
• Tyres: £50-£150 each
• Suspension: £100-£400
• Exhaust: £100-£500

Budget £100-£200 for unexpected repairs when planning for MOT.

Finding a Good MOT Centre

What to Look For

• DVSA authorised (all legal MOT centres are)
• Good reviews (Google, Trustpilot)
• Transparent pricing
• Doesn't push unnecessary work

Red Flags

• Pressure to do repairs immediately
• Finding lots of issues other garages didn't
• Very cheap MOT + expensive repairs
• Won't let you take car elsewhere for repairs

Types of MOT Centre

Dealerships:

• Usually more expensive
• May push manufacturer parts/services
• Good for newer cars

National chains (Halfords, Kwik Fit):

• Standardised service
• Often competitive prices
• Can be busy

Independent garages:

• Often cheapest
• Build relationship over time
• Quality varies

Council test centres:

• Test only (no repairs)
• Unbiased results
• Good for second opinion

Conclusion

The MOT is a legal requirement that ensures minimum safety standards for vehicles on UK roads. Understanding when you need one, what's tested, and how to prepare can save you money and hassle.

Key takeaways:

• First MOT at 3 years old, then annually
• Test up to a month early without losing days
• Prepare with simple checks to avoid basic failures
• Advisories today become failures tomorrow
• Check MOT history when buying used cars

Before your next MOT:

1. Check all lights and bulbs
2. Verify tyre tread and condition
3. Test wipers and washers
4. Ensure no warning lights are on
5. Clean the car and number plates

A little preparation goes a long way toward a stress-free MOT pass.

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Related Guides

• How to Check MOT History
• Common MOT Failures and How to Fix Them
• Car Maintenance Schedule
• Complete UK Car Ownership Guide
• Complete UK Car Check Guide