FAQs
When is my MOT and Vehicle Tax due?
Check https://www.vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk
When to get a MOT?
3rd anniversary of registration
The anniversary of its last MOT, if it is over 3 years old
You can get a MOT up to 1 month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date
How long does a MOT test take?
45 minutes
Can I drive my car to an MOT station without a current MOT and Tax?
Yes, if the vehicle is pre-booked at the testing station and the vehicle is currently insured.
If the MOT fails prior to existing MOT expiry date, is the existing MOT still valid?
From https://www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot/after-the-test
If your vehicle fails the MOT:
- You’ll get a ‘refusal of an MOT test certificate’ from the test centre. It will be recorded in the MOT database. You can appeal the result if you think it’s wrong.
Driving a vehicle that’s failed
- You can take your vehicle away if your MOT certificate is still valid.
If your MOT has run out you can take your vehicle to:
- have the failed defects fixed
- a pre-arranged MOT test appointment
In both cases, your vehicle still needs to meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times or you can be fined.
You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
Is the MOT the same as a service?
The MOT test only confirms that at the time of the test, the vehicle has met the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards. Services maintain the vehicle.