When you buy a used car, one of the things that you’ll need to check is when its next MOT test is due. If you are unsure about what an MOT is, when it is needed and what it actually involves, this guide should tell you all you need to know.
MOT (Ministry of Transport) tests are legally required inspections which assess the safety and roadworthiness of vehicles. If your car is brand new, its first MOT test will be due three years after its registration date, and every year thereafter. If your car is more than three years old, its MOT will be due one year after the date of its last test.
Why are MOT tests necessary?
The purpose of MOT tests is to keep you, your passengers and other road users safe by identifying issues with your vehicle which could be potentially dangerous and lead to an accident. Another reason why the tests are important is because they check the impact of cars on the environment. It is no secret that vehicles are big contributors to air pollution and this can be harmful for our health and wellbeing. MOTs make sure that vehicles meet certain environmental standards to keep their impact at a minimum.
What does an MOT test involve?
The standardised test is regulated by the DVLA and includes a long list of internal and external checks including the following:
Brakes
Emissions
Lights
Steering
Suspension
Fuel system
Mirrors
Tyres
Wheels
Seat belts
Body structure
Registration plates
Electrical equipment
Exhaust system
Who performs MOT tests?
MOTs must be performed by a qualified and certified Nominated Tester, and approved MOT testers can be found in local independent garages and auto repair chains. You can find your nearest MOT testing locations by conducting a quick Google search.
When do you need to take your car for an MOT test?
As previously mentioned, MOT tests are due annually for the majority of cars, or after the first three years of a brand new vehicle’s life. MOT certificates must be renewed before their expiration date but no more than a month prior. If you have not been provided with the vehicle’s latest certificate, or you have lost it, you can look up a vehicle’s MOT history on the Government website. All you will need is the vehicle’s registration number and this will show you the date of the last MOT test. If your MOT has expired, you will not be allowed to drive or park your vehicle on the road. If you are caught driving without a valid MOT, you could be fined up to £1,000, so make sure you book it in advance.
How much does an MOT test cost?
The cost of MOT tests will vary between providers, but the government has capped the maximum price that they are allowed to charge at £54.85 excluding VAT for a car. If you shop around a bit, you will generally be able to find garages offering deals and special offers on MOTs so you often won’t need to pay this much.
Booking an MOT
A quick web search will reveal testing centres near you, and you will generally be able to book over the phone or online. Make sure you book your test well in advance so that you can get a better deal, choose a convenient date and avoid the stress of having your MOT certificate expire.
At RIX Motors, we are transparent about the MOT expiration dates for all of the vehicles at our used car supermarket. If you would like to enquire about one of our used cars in Warrington, contact our team via phone call or email!