How Often Do You Need an MOT Test?

How Often Do You Need an MOT Test?

Every vehicle that is 3 years or older needs to have an MOT test every year. The responsibility is with you to make sure that your car has one every 12 months. To find out when you are next due to have an MOT you can check online or on the previous MOT certificate.

Once you have the date on which your current MOT runs out, you can see when you’ll need to next book one. This can be done out a month (minus one day) before your current MOT expires. This means that if it expires on the 18th of July you can book it at the earliest on the 19th of June. This ensures that you keep the same renewal date.

If it is more convenient for you, you can book to have your MOT before the one-month minus one-day period. However, this will change your renewal date to the new date on which you’ve had your new MOT done.

When is my MOT due?

You can check when your MOT is due by looking online on the government website or looking at the actual certificate from its last MOT. Both will provide the date that the last MOT took place and therefore the same date this year is when your car is next due to have its MOT.

Why Get Your MOT test done?

Not only does an MOT test ensure that your car is safe and roadworthy, it is a legal requirement. You can’t lawfully drive a car without an MOT and without an MOT you are unable to renew your road tax. This means you face the risk of being fined up to £1000 for driving a car that doesn’t have a valid certificate.

The DVSA has computerised the MOT test system, which means that mobile camera units and police patrols can check remotely to determine if there is a current MOT certificate associated with any vehicle. Meaning the chances of getting caught are higher than ever.

You can only drive a vehicle without an MOT if you are on the way to the garage or test centre for a pre-booked MOT test.

While it might seem like a hassle to sort out your car’s MOT, it makes the roads safer for you and other users and the penalties for an invalid MOT are not worth the risk. Especially when an MOT usually takes between 45 minutes and one hour once a year.

What can increase your chances of passing your MOT?

Before you go for an MOT test you can increase the chances your vehicle passes by giving your car a quick check yourself. There are several common minor issues with cars here is a list of some of the ones you should look out for:

Lights

Make sure that all the lights are working properly, including, headlights, indicators, brake lights and hazard lights. If any of these aren’t working as intended you can replace the faulty bulb.

Tyres

Give your tyres a check, do they have any punctures? Are the treads worn, and no longer the required depth? Or are they just in need of being pumped up?

Fluids

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

Number Plates

This is a really simple check, can you read your own number plate? The main issue with number plates is that they are dirty but another issue could be that they are cracked and therefore need to be replaced.

Seats and Seatbelts

Another relatively simple check is to make sure that your seatbelts are clicking in and out correctly. And that all of the seats are fixed in place.

The interior

When taking a car for an MOT its interior will be checked to see if it is safe and a non-distracting environment for the driver. This means the driver’s seat will be adjusted to several positions ensuring both comfort and safety for the driver. It also means that any blocking the driver’s field of view could make the car fail, this could be parking permits, sat-nav mounts and air fresheners.

Exemptions

There are a few cases where a vehicle is exempt from needing an MOT, these include as mentioned prior cars that are younger than 3 years old but it also includes cars that are 40 years old or older. For the latter, the car must be registered as historic with the DVLA to not be legally required to have an MOT. This is because most cars which are 40 or older are treasured classic cars that are well-maintained and rarely driven.

The only other exception is if you are driving your car to the garage for an MOT appointment, you are allowed to do this without a valid MOT. But it does mean that you need to have proof of the fact you are heading for an MOT test.

To find out more email us at info@vitalvehiclecare.co.uk or call us today: 01733 788887.