Can You Just Turn Up for an MOT? Or Do You Need to Book?

You will need to book in advance rather than just turning up especially if your vehicle doesn’t have an MOT. As you can only drive it to a prearranged MOT appointment. It is also important to remember that is it illegal to drive without a valid MOT, therefore booking your vehicle in for an MOT every year is very important.

How early can you book an MOT?

If your MOT is nearing its expiration date, you’ll need to book yourself for a new MOT. This can be done one month minus one day before your vehicle’s existing certificate expires if you just want to get it out of the way as soon as possible.

For example, if your MOT due date is the 20th of November, you can book an MOT for the 21st of October and the expiration date would be the 20th of November the following year as you are in the one month minus one day period.

It is possible to book an MOT early but this will change the date for renewal. This is because for example if you are getting your car fixed after having issues in between MOTs, its MOT might run out. But as it isn’t being driven anywhere this is ok. But then you might have to take it for an MOT earlier than initially expected. Therefore it is ok to book an earlier MOT but the renewal date will change.

How often does an MOT need renewed?

Your current MOT certificate is valid for up to one year after the last test it had. You can check when your current MOT expires online or on the MOT certificate itself. If you have lost your MOT certificate you can get a replacement one on the government website for free. This saves you the hassle of having to go to the garage to get a duplicate one.

If your car is brand new you don’t need to take it for an MOT for the first three years, but after this point, it is like all other cars it needs an MOT every year. Additionally, if your car is 40 years old (or older!) it is not legally required to have an MOT test, this does require the vehicle to be registered as historic with the DVLA. This is because most cars that fall into the 40 years or older category are treasured classics that are well-maintained and hardly driven.

How can you be prepared for an MOT?

Book an Appointment

Contact a reputable, MOT-approved garage or testing centre at least one month before your current MOT expires.

Prepare your car

Make sure that your car is clean inside and out, and make sure that the number plates are readable. Another check you should do prior to the MOT is checking the lights work, your windscreen wipers are in good condition and that the horn works.

Check your fluids

Another simple check is to make sure that the engine oil, brake fluid and screenwash are all topped up.

Top up your fuel

It is important to make sure there is enough fuel as the test centre might not do the exhaust emissions test if there isn’t enough fuel.

Bring required documents

When it comes to attending for your MOT test you need to make sure that you’ve got your MOT appointment letter, your vehicle insurance certificate, your V5C vehicle registration document and the existing MOT certificate.

What will we be looking at?

Our experienced car mechanics will ensure your vehicle is safe to be on the road, it normally takes them between 45 minutes and one hour for an MOT test, where they will inspect your vehicles:

• Electrical Equipment
• Tyres
• Steering
• Brakes
• Suspension
• Exhaust and Emissions
• Mirrors, Windscreen and Wipers
• Seats and Seat Belts
• Bodywork

For more information on what exactly happens during an MOT test click here.

If you have any further questions about booking your MOT feel free to get in touch:

Call us at 01733 788887
Email us at: info@vitalvehiclecare.co.uk