I own a 2017-registered VW Passat, whose MOT certificate and road tax both expire at the end of next week. I took it to be tested this morning, and it unfortunately failed due to a single "major" fault. To make matters worse, the garage at which it was tested isn't able to carry out the necessary repair work before the date of MOT expiry. Can I legally drive the car to another garage for immediate repair?

Your vehicle will fail if the test result lists ‘dangerous’ or ‘major’ problems with your vehicle. You might not be allowed to drive until you fix the problems.

Getting an MOT

When to get an MOT

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.

You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:

the third anniversary of its registration

the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old

Some vehicles need to be tested at one year old - check the MOT fees table to see which.

Find out how to check your MOT expiry date.

There are different rules and processes in Northern Ireland for MOTs for vehicles registered in Northern Ireland.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting an MOT

You need to get an MOT for your vehicle as usual.

Do not take your vehicle to an MOT centre in person if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms

you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with someone who has coronavirus

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

If you cannot take your vehicle in person

Some MOT centres will collect your vehicle for the MOT and then return it. Contact an MOT centre to see if this service is available.

You can also get someone else to take your vehicle into a test centre if you insure them on your vehicle.

If you cannot get your vehicle collected or taken in for you, you must wait until you’re no longer self-isolating to take it into a test centre.

If the MOT has run out

If your tax is due to run out, register your vehicle as ‘off the road’ - you cannot renew your vehicle tax if your MOT has expired.

Book an MOT test.

Tax your vehicle once it has passed its MOT.

You cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught.

The only exceptions are to drive it:

to or from somewhere to be repaired

to a pre-arranged MOT test

Earliest date you can get an MOT

An MOT lasts for a year. The date it runs out is printed on your current MOT pass certificate.

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.

You can get an MOT earlier, but the renewal date for the following year will change to one year (minus a day) from the date the vehicle last passed its MOT.

Booking an MOT

You must use an approved MOT test centre to get your MOT.

Only centres showing the blue sign with 3 white triangles can carry out your MOT.

How you can book

Contact an MOT centre to book an MOT.

There are maximum fees that the MOT centre can charge.

There’s a different process to book an MOT in Northern Ireland.

MOT costs

There’s a maximum amount MOT test stations can charge. This depends on the type of vehicle.

The maximum fee for a car is £54.85 and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle.

You do not pay VAT on the fee.

| Vehicle class | Age first MOT needed (years) | Maximum MOT fee

Motorcycle (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £37.80

Motorcycle (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (up to 450kg unladen weight) | 3 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (over 450kg unladen weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Motor caravans | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Quads (max unladen weight 400kg - for goods vehicles 550kg and max net power of 15kw) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Dual purpose vehicles | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Private hire and public service vehicles (up to 8 seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Ambulances and taxis | 4 | 1 | £54.85

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9 to 12 passenger seats) | 4 | 1 | £57.30

Goods vehicles (up to 3,000kg design gross weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Class 4 vehicles (9 to 12 passenger seats) with a seat belt installation check | 4a | n/a | £64

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (13 to 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £59.55

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (more than 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Playbuses | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Class 5 vehicles (13 to 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £80.50

Class 5 vehicles (more than 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £124.50

Goods vehicles (over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight) | 7 | 3 | £58.60

How the MOT test works

During the MOT, important parts on your vehicle will be checked to make sure they meet the legal standards.

You can watch the test from a viewing area but you’re not allowed to interrupt the tester.

Parts that are tested

You can read more about what’s tested for cars and motorcycles.

The test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.

The MOT guide and inspection manuals tell you everything that’s tested.

MOT test result

Your vehicle can either pass or fail the MOT.

Passing the MOT

If your vehicle passes the MOT:

you’ll get an MOT certificate from the test centre

it will be recorded in the MOT database

You might also get a list of ‘minor’ or ‘advisory’ problems to monitor or fix in the future.

Failing the MOT

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 current MOT certificate is still valid

no ‘dangerous’ problems were listed in the MOT

Otherwise, you’ll need to get it repaired before you can drive.

If you can take your vehicle away, it must still meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times.

You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle that has failed its MOT because of a ‘dangerous’ problem.

Retest after a repair

In some cases your vehicle can have a partial retest for free or a reduced MOT fee.

Leaving your vehicle for repair

You only need a partial retest if you leave the vehicle at the test centre for repair and it’s retested within 10 working days. There’s no fee for this.

Taking your vehicle away for repairs

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.

Taking it back for a retest the next working day

You will not have to pay again if you take it back to the same test centre before the end of the next working day for a partial retest on one or more of these items:

access panels

battery

bonnet

bootlid

brake pedal antislip

break glass hammer (class 5 vehicles only)

doors (including hinges, catches and pillars)

door open warning device (class 5 vehicles only)

dropsides

electrical wiring

emergency exits and signs (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance door remote control (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance/exit steps (class 5 vehicles only)

fuel filler cap

headlamp cleaning or levelling devices (that does not need a headlamp aim check)

horn

lamps (excluding headlamp aim)

loading door

main beam ‘tell-tale’

mirrors

rear reflectors

registration plates

seatbelts (but not anchorages), seatbelt load limiter and seatbelt pre-tensioner

seats

sharp edges or projections

stairs (class 5 vehicles only)

steering wheel

tailboard

tailgate

trailer electrical sockets

towbars (excluding body around anchorage points)

tyre pressure monitoring system

vehicle identification number (VIN)

windscreen glass, wipers and washers

wheels and tyres (excluding motorcycles and motorcycles with sidecar)

Taking it back for a retest within 10 working days

You’ll only need a partial retest if you take the vehicle from the test centre for repairs and take it back within 10 working days.  You can be charged a partial retest fee for this.

In all other cases, you’ll need to get a full retest and pay the full MOT test fee again.

Test result appeals and problems

You can appeal an MOT test failure or complain to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you think your vehicle should not have passed.

You can take your own action against an MOT test centre through Trading Standards, personal legal proceedings or reporting the centre to the police. DVSA cannot help you take action against a centre.

Appeal if your vehicle failed an MOT

You need to discuss your test results with the test centre before anyone starts repairs.

You can appeal against the failure if you think it’s wrong.  Fill in the complaint form and send it to DVSA within 14 working days of the test.

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your appeal.

If DVSA decides to recheck your vehicle, you’ll need to arrange a date and pay the full test fee again. They’ll send you an inspection report listing any vehicle defects.

You should not have any repairs made until the appeal process has finished.

If you think your car has passed when it should not have

You’ll need to complain to DVSA if you do not think your car should have passed its MOT. Fill in the complaint form and send it to DVSA within the time limits below.

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your complaint.

If DVSA decides to recheck your vehicle, you’ll need to arrange a date. You will not need to pay the test fee again. They’ll send you an inspection report listing any vehicle defects.

Time limits

If your vehicle passed, you need to complain within:

within 3 months of the MOT if it’s a corrosion-related problem

within 28 days has passed for other defects

If you think your MOT certificate is not genuine

You can check that your MOT certificate is genuine by checking its MOT status.

If you’re unhappy with your MOT service

Contact DVSA if you’re not happy with your MOT service.

Vehicles that do not need an MOT

You do not need to get an MOT for a vehicle until it reaches the age shown in the MOT fees table.

Exempt vehicles

Other vehicles that do not need an MOT include:

goods vehicles powered by electricity and registered before 1 March 2015

tractors

some historic (‘classic’) vehicles

A list of exempt types of vehicles is on the MOT exemption form (V112). You need to fill in the form if your vehicle is listed so that you can either tax it or apply for tax exemption.

Lorries, buses and trailers

You must get an annual test for lorries, buses and trailers instead of an MOT. It’s sometimes called the ‘annual vehicle test’.

Fix mistakes on your MOT certificate

You can get information corrected on your MOT certificate (such as the mileage or vehicle details) if it’s wrong.

Get the wrong mileage corrected

The way you get the mileage corrected depends on when your MOT was.

Your MOT was less than 28 days ago

Ask the MOT centre to check the mileage. They’ll give you a replacement certificate if the mileage is wrong.

Your MOT was more than 28 days ago

Report the mistake to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to get it corrected.

You also need to email proof of the mileage, such as a scan or photo of:

an invoice for the MOT

an emissions printout

a service receipt

a vehicle job card from the MOT centre

They need to show what the mileage should be, and show the same date as the MOT test.

If your scan or photo includes personal information, for example your payment details, you should blank it out or remove it.

If you do not send the right evidence, DVSA will not fix the mistakes.

Once DVSA has updated the mileage, you can check your vehicle’s MOT history and download or print a corrected MOT certificate.

Get vehicle details or the MOT centre corrected

Contact DVSA if your MOT certificate has the wrong:

vehicle make or model

vehicle colour

country where the vehicle was registered

MOT test centre

Add or remove test records

If there’s an MOT test missing from your vehicle’s MOT history, or a test that does not belong there, email or call DVSA to have it corrected.

You’ll need to give your:

name

telephone number

vehicle number plate

vehicle make and model

date of the MOT

MOT test number (if you know it)

MOT test centre name and address

You can take your vehicle away if:

Getting an MOT

When to get an MOT

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.

You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:

the third anniversary of its registration

the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old

Some vehicles need to be tested at one year old - check the MOT fees table to see which.

Find out how to check your MOT expiry date.

There are different rules and processes in Northern Ireland for MOTs for vehicles registered in Northern Ireland.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting an MOT

You need to get an MOT for your vehicle as usual.

Do not take your vehicle to an MOT centre in person if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms

you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with someone who has coronavirus

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

If you cannot take your vehicle in person

Some MOT centres will collect your vehicle for the MOT and then return it. Contact an MOT centre to see if this service is available.

You can also get someone else to take your vehicle into a test centre if you insure them on your vehicle.

If you cannot get your vehicle collected or taken in for you, you must wait until you’re no longer self-isolating to take it into a test centre.

If the MOT has run out

If your tax is due to run out, register your vehicle as ‘off the road’ - you cannot renew your vehicle tax if your MOT has expired.

Book an MOT test.

Tax your vehicle once it has passed its MOT.

You cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught.

The only exceptions are to drive it:

to or from somewhere to be repaired

to a pre-arranged MOT test

Earliest date you can get an MOT

An MOT lasts for a year. The date it runs out is printed on your current MOT pass certificate.

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.

Booking an MOT

You must use an approved MOT test centre to get your MOT.

Only centres showing the blue sign with 3 white triangles can carry out your MOT.

How you can book

Contact an MOT centre to book an MOT.

There are maximum fees that the MOT centre can charge.

There’s a different process to book an MOT in Northern Ireland.

MOT costs

There’s a maximum amount MOT test stations can charge. This depends on the type of vehicle.

The maximum fee for a car is £54.85 and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle.

You do not pay VAT on the fee.

| Vehicle class | Age first MOT needed (years) | Maximum MOT fee

Motorcycle (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £37.80

Motorcycle (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (up to 450kg unladen weight) | 3 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (over 450kg unladen weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Motor caravans | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Quads (max unladen weight 400kg - for goods vehicles 550kg and max net power of 15kw) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Dual purpose vehicles | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Private hire and public service vehicles (up to 8 seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Ambulances and taxis | 4 | 1 | £54.85

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9 to 12 passenger seats) | 4 | 1 | £57.30

Goods vehicles (up to 3,000kg design gross weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Class 4 vehicles (9 to 12 passenger seats) with a seat belt installation check | 4a | n/a | £64

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (13 to 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £59.55

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (more than 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Playbuses | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Class 5 vehicles (13 to 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £80.50

Class 5 vehicles (more than 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £124.50

Goods vehicles (over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight) | 7 | 3 | £58.60

How the MOT test works

During the MOT, important parts on your vehicle will be checked to make sure they meet the legal standards.

You can watch the test from a viewing area but you’re not allowed to interrupt the tester.

Parts that are tested

You can read more about what’s tested for cars and motorcycles.

The test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.

The MOT guide and inspection manuals tell you everything that’s tested.

MOT test result

Your vehicle can either pass or fail the MOT.

Passing the MOT

If your vehicle passes the MOT:

you’ll get an MOT certificate from the test centre

it will be recorded in the MOT database

You might also get a list of ‘minor’ or ‘advisory’ problems to monitor or fix in the future.

Failing the MOT

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 current MOT certificate is still valid

no ‘dangerous’ problems were listed in the MOT

Otherwise, you’ll need to get it repaired before you can drive.

If you can take your vehicle away, it must still meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times.

Retest after a repair

In some cases your vehicle can have a partial retest for free or a reduced MOT fee.

Leaving your vehicle for repair

Taking your vehicle away for repairs

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.

Taking it back for a retest the next working day

access panels

battery

bonnet

bootlid

brake pedal antislip

break glass hammer (class 5 vehicles only)

doors (including hinges, catches and pillars)

door open warning device (class 5 vehicles only)

dropsides

electrical wiring

emergency exits and signs (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance door remote control (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance/exit steps (class 5 vehicles only)

fuel filler cap

headlamp cleaning or levelling devices (that does not need a headlamp aim check)

horn

lamps (excluding headlamp aim)

loading door

main beam ‘tell-tale’

mirrors

rear reflectors

registration plates

seatbelts (but not anchorages), seatbelt load limiter and seatbelt pre-tensioner

seats

sharp edges or projections

stairs (class 5 vehicles only)

steering wheel

tailboard

tailgate

trailer electrical sockets

towbars (excluding body around anchorage points)

tyre pressure monitoring system

vehicle identification number (VIN)

windscreen glass, wipers and washers

wheels and tyres (excluding motorcycles and motorcycles with sidecar)

Taking it back for a retest within 10 working days

In all other cases, you’ll need to get a full retest and pay the full MOT test fee again.

Test result appeals and problems

You can appeal an MOT test failure or complain to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you think your vehicle should not have passed.

Appeal if your vehicle failed an MOT

You need to discuss your test results with the test centre before anyone starts repairs.

You can appeal against the failure if you think it’s wrong.  Fill in the complaint form and send it to DVSA within 14 working days of the test.

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your appeal.

You should not have any repairs made until the appeal process has finished.

If you think your car has passed when it should not have

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your complaint.

Time limits

If your vehicle passed, you need to complain within:

within 3 months of the MOT if it’s a corrosion-related problem

within 28 days has passed for other defects

If you think your MOT certificate is not genuine

You can check that your MOT certificate is genuine by checking its MOT status.

If you’re unhappy with your MOT service

Contact DVSA if you’re not happy with your MOT service.

Vehicles that do not need an MOT

You do not need to get an MOT for a vehicle until it reaches the age shown in the MOT fees table.

Exempt vehicles

Other vehicles that do not need an MOT include:

goods vehicles powered by electricity and registered before 1 March 2015

tractors

some historic (‘classic’) vehicles

Lorries, buses and trailers

You must get an annual test for lorries, buses and trailers instead of an MOT. It’s sometimes called the ‘annual vehicle test’.

Fix mistakes on your MOT certificate

You can get information corrected on your MOT certificate (such as the mileage or vehicle details) if it’s wrong.

Get the wrong mileage corrected

The way you get the mileage corrected depends on when your MOT was.

Your MOT was less than 28 days ago

Ask the MOT centre to check the mileage. They’ll give you a replacement certificate if the mileage is wrong.

Your MOT was more than 28 days ago

Report the mistake to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to get it corrected.

You also need to email proof of the mileage, such as a scan or photo of:

an invoice for the MOT

an emissions printout

a service receipt

a vehicle job card from the MOT centre

They need to show what the mileage should be, and show the same date as the MOT test.

If your scan or photo includes personal information, for example your payment details, you should blank it out or remove it.

If you do not send the right evidence, DVSA will not fix the mistakes.

Once DVSA has updated the mileage, you can check your vehicle’s MOT history and download or print a corrected MOT certificate.

Get vehicle details or the MOT centre corrected

Contact DVSA if your MOT certificate has the wrong:

vehicle make or model

vehicle colour

country where the vehicle was registered

MOT test centre

Add or remove test records

If there’s an MOT test missing from your vehicle’s MOT history, or a test that does not belong there, email or call DVSA to have it corrected.

You’ll need to give your:

name

telephone number

vehicle number plate

vehicle make and model

date of the MOT

MOT test number (if you know it)

MOT test centre name and address

your current MOT certificate is still valid

Getting an MOT

When to get an MOT

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.

You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:

the third anniversary of its registration

the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old

Some vehicles need to be tested at one year old - check the MOT fees table to see which.

Find out how to check your MOT expiry date.

There are different rules and processes in Northern Ireland for MOTs for vehicles registered in Northern Ireland.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting an MOT

You need to get an MOT for your vehicle as usual.

Do not take your vehicle to an MOT centre in person if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms

you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with someone who has coronavirus

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

If you cannot take your vehicle in person

Some MOT centres will collect your vehicle for the MOT and then return it. Contact an MOT centre to see if this service is available.

You can also get someone else to take your vehicle into a test centre if you insure them on your vehicle.

If you cannot get your vehicle collected or taken in for you, you must wait until you’re no longer self-isolating to take it into a test centre.

If the MOT has run out

If your tax is due to run out, register your vehicle as ‘off the road’ - you cannot renew your vehicle tax if your MOT has expired.

Book an MOT test.

Tax your vehicle once it has passed its MOT.

You cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught.

The only exceptions are to drive it:

to or from somewhere to be repaired

to a pre-arranged MOT test

Earliest date you can get an MOT

An MOT lasts for a year. The date it runs out is printed on your current MOT pass certificate.

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.

Booking an MOT

You must use an approved MOT test centre to get your MOT.

Only centres showing the blue sign with 3 white triangles can carry out your MOT.

How you can book

Contact an MOT centre to book an MOT.

There are maximum fees that the MOT centre can charge.

There’s a different process to book an MOT in Northern Ireland.

MOT costs

There’s a maximum amount MOT test stations can charge. This depends on the type of vehicle.

The maximum fee for a car is £54.85 and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle.

You do not pay VAT on the fee.

| Vehicle class | Age first MOT needed (years) | Maximum MOT fee

Motorcycle (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £37.80

Motorcycle (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (up to 450kg unladen weight) | 3 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (over 450kg unladen weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Motor caravans | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Quads (max unladen weight 400kg - for goods vehicles 550kg and max net power of 15kw) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Dual purpose vehicles | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Private hire and public service vehicles (up to 8 seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Ambulances and taxis | 4 | 1 | £54.85

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9 to 12 passenger seats) | 4 | 1 | £57.30

Goods vehicles (up to 3,000kg design gross weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Class 4 vehicles (9 to 12 passenger seats) with a seat belt installation check | 4a | n/a | £64

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (13 to 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £59.55

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (more than 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Playbuses | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Class 5 vehicles (13 to 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £80.50

Class 5 vehicles (more than 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £124.50

Goods vehicles (over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight) | 7 | 3 | £58.60

How the MOT test works

During the MOT, important parts on your vehicle will be checked to make sure they meet the legal standards.

You can watch the test from a viewing area but you’re not allowed to interrupt the tester.

Parts that are tested

You can read more about what’s tested for cars and motorcycles.

The test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.

The MOT guide and inspection manuals tell you everything that’s tested.

MOT test result

Your vehicle can either pass or fail the MOT.

Passing the MOT

If your vehicle passes the MOT:

you’ll get an MOT certificate from the test centre

it will be recorded in the MOT database

You might also get a list of ‘minor’ or ‘advisory’ problems to monitor or fix in the future.

Failing the MOT

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 current MOT certificate is still valid

no ‘dangerous’ problems were listed in the MOT

Otherwise, you’ll need to get it repaired before you can drive.

If you can take your vehicle away, it must still meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times.

Retest after a repair

In some cases your vehicle can have a partial retest for free or a reduced MOT fee.

Leaving your vehicle for repair

Taking your vehicle away for repairs

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.

Taking it back for a retest the next working day

access panels

battery

bonnet

bootlid

brake pedal antislip

break glass hammer (class 5 vehicles only)

doors (including hinges, catches and pillars)

door open warning device (class 5 vehicles only)

dropsides

electrical wiring

emergency exits and signs (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance door remote control (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance/exit steps (class 5 vehicles only)

fuel filler cap

headlamp cleaning or levelling devices (that does not need a headlamp aim check)

horn

lamps (excluding headlamp aim)

loading door

main beam ‘tell-tale’

mirrors

rear reflectors

registration plates

seatbelts (but not anchorages), seatbelt load limiter and seatbelt pre-tensioner

seats

sharp edges or projections

stairs (class 5 vehicles only)

steering wheel

tailboard

tailgate

trailer electrical sockets

towbars (excluding body around anchorage points)

tyre pressure monitoring system

vehicle identification number (VIN)

windscreen glass, wipers and washers

wheels and tyres (excluding motorcycles and motorcycles with sidecar)

Taking it back for a retest within 10 working days

In all other cases, you’ll need to get a full retest and pay the full MOT test fee again.

Test result appeals and problems

You can appeal an MOT test failure or complain to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you think your vehicle should not have passed.

Appeal if your vehicle failed an MOT

You need to discuss your test results with the test centre before anyone starts repairs.

You can appeal against the failure if you think it’s wrong.  Fill in the complaint form and send it to DVSA within 14 working days of the test.

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your appeal.

You should not have any repairs made until the appeal process has finished.

If you think your car has passed when it should not have

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your complaint.

Time limits

If your vehicle passed, you need to complain within:

within 3 months of the MOT if it’s a corrosion-related problem

within 28 days has passed for other defects

If you think your MOT certificate is not genuine

You can check that your MOT certificate is genuine by checking its MOT status.

If you’re unhappy with your MOT service

Contact DVSA if you’re not happy with your MOT service.

Vehicles that do not need an MOT

You do not need to get an MOT for a vehicle until it reaches the age shown in the MOT fees table.

Exempt vehicles

Other vehicles that do not need an MOT include:

goods vehicles powered by electricity and registered before 1 March 2015

tractors

some historic (‘classic’) vehicles

Lorries, buses and trailers

You must get an annual test for lorries, buses and trailers instead of an MOT. It’s sometimes called the ‘annual vehicle test’.

Fix mistakes on your MOT certificate

You can get information corrected on your MOT certificate (such as the mileage or vehicle details) if it’s wrong.

Get the wrong mileage corrected

The way you get the mileage corrected depends on when your MOT was.

Your MOT was less than 28 days ago

Ask the MOT centre to check the mileage. They’ll give you a replacement certificate if the mileage is wrong.

Your MOT was more than 28 days ago

Report the mistake to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to get it corrected.

You also need to email proof of the mileage, such as a scan or photo of:

an invoice for the MOT

an emissions printout

a service receipt

a vehicle job card from the MOT centre

They need to show what the mileage should be, and show the same date as the MOT test.

If your scan or photo includes personal information, for example your payment details, you should blank it out or remove it.

If you do not send the right evidence, DVSA will not fix the mistakes.

Once DVSA has updated the mileage, you can check your vehicle’s MOT history and download or print a corrected MOT certificate.

Get vehicle details or the MOT centre corrected

Contact DVSA if your MOT certificate has the wrong:

vehicle make or model

vehicle colour

country where the vehicle was registered

MOT test centre

Add or remove test records

If there’s an MOT test missing from your vehicle’s MOT history, or a test that does not belong there, email or call DVSA to have it corrected.

You’ll need to give your:

name

telephone number

vehicle number plate

vehicle make and model

date of the MOT

MOT test number (if you know it)

MOT test centre name and address

If you can take your vehicle away, it must still meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times.

Getting an MOT

When to get an MOT

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.

You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:

the third anniversary of its registration

the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old

Some vehicles need to be tested at one year old - check the MOT fees table to see which.

Find out how to check your MOT expiry date.

There are different rules and processes in Northern Ireland for MOTs for vehicles registered in Northern Ireland.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting an MOT

You need to get an MOT for your vehicle as usual.

Do not take your vehicle to an MOT centre in person if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms

you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with someone who has coronavirus

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

If you cannot take your vehicle in person

Some MOT centres will collect your vehicle for the MOT and then return it. Contact an MOT centre to see if this service is available.

You can also get someone else to take your vehicle into a test centre if you insure them on your vehicle.

If you cannot get your vehicle collected or taken in for you, you must wait until you’re no longer self-isolating to take it into a test centre.

If the MOT has run out

If your tax is due to run out, register your vehicle as ‘off the road’ - you cannot renew your vehicle tax if your MOT has expired.

Book an MOT test.

Tax your vehicle once it has passed its MOT.

You cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught.

The only exceptions are to drive it:

to or from somewhere to be repaired

to a pre-arranged MOT test

Earliest date you can get an MOT

An MOT lasts for a year. The date it runs out is printed on your current MOT pass certificate.

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.

Booking an MOT

You must use an approved MOT test centre to get your MOT.

Only centres showing the blue sign with 3 white triangles can carry out your MOT.

How you can book

Contact an MOT centre to book an MOT.

There are maximum fees that the MOT centre can charge.

There’s a different process to book an MOT in Northern Ireland.

MOT costs

There’s a maximum amount MOT test stations can charge. This depends on the type of vehicle.

The maximum fee for a car is £54.85 and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle.

You do not pay VAT on the fee.

| Vehicle class | Age first MOT needed (years) | Maximum MOT fee

Motorcycle (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £37.80

Motorcycle (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (up to 450kg unladen weight) | 3 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (over 450kg unladen weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Motor caravans | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Quads (max unladen weight 400kg - for goods vehicles 550kg and max net power of 15kw) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Dual purpose vehicles | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Private hire and public service vehicles (up to 8 seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Ambulances and taxis | 4 | 1 | £54.85

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9 to 12 passenger seats) | 4 | 1 | £57.30

Goods vehicles (up to 3,000kg design gross weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Class 4 vehicles (9 to 12 passenger seats) with a seat belt installation check | 4a | n/a | £64

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (13 to 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £59.55

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (more than 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Playbuses | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Class 5 vehicles (13 to 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £80.50

Class 5 vehicles (more than 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £124.50

Goods vehicles (over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight) | 7 | 3 | £58.60

How the MOT test works

During the MOT, important parts on your vehicle will be checked to make sure they meet the legal standards.

You can watch the test from a viewing area but you’re not allowed to interrupt the tester.

Parts that are tested

You can read more about what’s tested for cars and motorcycles.

The test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.

The MOT guide and inspection manuals tell you everything that’s tested.

MOT test result

Your vehicle can either pass or fail the MOT.

Passing the MOT

If your vehicle passes the MOT:

you’ll get an MOT certificate from the test centre

it will be recorded in the MOT database

You might also get a list of ‘minor’ or ‘advisory’ problems to monitor or fix in the future.

Failing the MOT

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 current MOT certificate is still valid

no ‘dangerous’ problems were listed in the MOT

Otherwise, you’ll need to get it repaired before you can drive.

If you can take your vehicle away, it must still meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times.

Retest after a repair

In some cases your vehicle can have a partial retest for free or a reduced MOT fee.

Leaving your vehicle for repair

You only need a partial retest if you leave the vehicle at the test centre for repair and it’s retested within 10 working days. There’s no fee for this.

Taking your vehicle away for repairs

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.

Taking it back for a retest the next working day

access panels

battery

bonnet

bootlid

brake pedal antislip

break glass hammer (class 5 vehicles only)

doors (including hinges, catches and pillars)

door open warning device (class 5 vehicles only)

dropsides

electrical wiring

emergency exits and signs (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance door remote control (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance/exit steps (class 5 vehicles only)

fuel filler cap

headlamp cleaning or levelling devices (that does not need a headlamp aim check)

horn

lamps (excluding headlamp aim)

loading door

main beam ‘tell-tale’

mirrors

rear reflectors

registration plates

seatbelts (but not anchorages), seatbelt load limiter and seatbelt pre-tensioner

seats

sharp edges or projections

stairs (class 5 vehicles only)

steering wheel

tailboard

tailgate

trailer electrical sockets

towbars (excluding body around anchorage points)

tyre pressure monitoring system

vehicle identification number (VIN)

windscreen glass, wipers and washers

wheels and tyres (excluding motorcycles and motorcycles with sidecar)

Taking it back for a retest within 10 working days

In all other cases, you’ll need to get a full retest and pay the full MOT test fee again.

Test result appeals and problems

You can appeal an MOT test failure or complain to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you think your vehicle should not have passed.

Appeal if your vehicle failed an MOT

You need to discuss your test results with the test centre before anyone starts repairs.

You can appeal against the failure if you think it’s wrong.  Fill in the complaint form and send it to DVSA within 14 working days of the test.

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your appeal.

You should not have any repairs made until the appeal process has finished.

If you think your car has passed when it should not have

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your complaint.

Time limits

If your vehicle passed, you need to complain within:

within 3 months of the MOT if it’s a corrosion-related problem

within 28 days has passed for other defects

If you think your MOT certificate is not genuine

You can check that your MOT certificate is genuine by checking its MOT status.

If you’re unhappy with your MOT service

Contact DVSA if you’re not happy with your MOT service.

Vehicles that do not need an MOT

You do not need to get an MOT for a vehicle until it reaches the age shown in the MOT fees table.

Exempt vehicles

Other vehicles that do not need an MOT include:

goods vehicles powered by electricity and registered before 1 March 2015

tractors

some historic (‘classic’) vehicles

Lorries, buses and trailers

You must get an annual test for lorries, buses and trailers instead of an MOT. It’s sometimes called the ‘annual vehicle test’.

Fix mistakes on your MOT certificate

You can get information corrected on your MOT certificate (such as the mileage or vehicle details) if it’s wrong.

Get the wrong mileage corrected

The way you get the mileage corrected depends on when your MOT was.

Your MOT was less than 28 days ago

Ask the MOT centre to check the mileage. They’ll give you a replacement certificate if the mileage is wrong.

Your MOT was more than 28 days ago

Report the mistake to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to get it corrected.

You also need to email proof of the mileage, such as a scan or photo of:

an invoice for the MOT

an emissions printout

a service receipt

a vehicle job card from the MOT centre

They need to show what the mileage should be, and show the same date as the MOT test.

If your scan or photo includes personal information, for example your payment details, you should blank it out or remove it.

If you do not send the right evidence, DVSA will not fix the mistakes.

Once DVSA has updated the mileage, you can check your vehicle’s MOT history and download or print a corrected MOT certificate.

Get vehicle details or the MOT centre corrected

Contact DVSA if your MOT certificate has the wrong:

vehicle make or model

vehicle colour

country where the vehicle was registered

MOT test centre

Add or remove test records

If there’s an MOT test missing from your vehicle’s MOT history, or a test that does not belong there, email or call DVSA to have it corrected.

You’ll need to give your:

name

telephone number

vehicle number plate

vehicle make and model

date of the MOT

MOT test number (if you know it)

MOT test centre name and address

You can take your vehicle away if your MOT certificate is still valid.

Getting an MOT

When to get an MOT

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.

You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:

the third anniversary of its registration

the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old

Some vehicles need to be tested at one year old - check the MOT fees table to see which.

Find out how to check your MOT expiry date.

There are different rules and processes in Northern Ireland for MOTs for vehicles registered in Northern Ireland.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting an MOT

You need to get an MOT for your vehicle as usual.

Do not take your vehicle to an MOT centre in person if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms

you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with someone who has coronavirus

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

If you cannot take your vehicle in person

Some MOT centres will collect your vehicle for the MOT and then return it. Contact an MOT centre to see if this service is available.

You can also get someone else to take your vehicle into a test centre if you insure them on your vehicle.

If you cannot get your vehicle collected or taken in for you, you must wait until you’re no longer self-isolating to take it into a test centre.

If the MOT has run out

If your tax is due to run out, register your vehicle as ‘off the road’ - you cannot renew your vehicle tax if your MOT has expired.

Book an MOT test.

Tax your vehicle once it has passed its MOT.

You cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught.

The only exceptions are to drive it:

to or from somewhere to be repaired

to a pre-arranged MOT test

Earliest date you can get an MOT

An MOT lasts for a year. The date it runs out is printed on your current MOT pass certificate.

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.

Booking an MOT

You must use an approved MOT test centre to get your MOT.

Only centres showing the blue sign with 3 white triangles can carry out your MOT.

How you can book

Contact an MOT centre to book an MOT.

There are maximum fees that the MOT centre can charge.

There’s a different process to book an MOT in Northern Ireland.

MOT costs

There’s a maximum amount MOT test stations can charge. This depends on the type of vehicle.

The maximum fee for a car is £54.85 and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle.

You do not pay VAT on the fee.

| Vehicle class | Age first MOT needed (years) | Maximum MOT fee

Motorcycle (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £37.80

Motorcycle (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (up to 450kg unladen weight) | 3 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (over 450kg unladen weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Motor caravans | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Quads (max unladen weight 400kg - for goods vehicles 550kg and max net power of 15kw) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Dual purpose vehicles | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Private hire and public service vehicles (up to 8 seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Ambulances and taxis | 4 | 1 | £54.85

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9 to 12 passenger seats) | 4 | 1 | £57.30

Goods vehicles (up to 3,000kg design gross weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Class 4 vehicles (9 to 12 passenger seats) with a seat belt installation check | 4a | n/a | £64

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (13 to 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £59.55

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (more than 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Playbuses | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Class 5 vehicles (13 to 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £80.50

Class 5 vehicles (more than 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £124.50

Goods vehicles (over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight) | 7 | 3 | £58.60

How the MOT test works

During the MOT, important parts on your vehicle will be checked to make sure they meet the legal standards.

You can watch the test from a viewing area but you’re not allowed to interrupt the tester.

Parts that are tested

You can read more about what’s tested for cars and motorcycles.

The test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.

The MOT guide and inspection manuals tell you everything that’s tested.

MOT test result

Your vehicle can either pass or fail the MOT.

Passing the MOT

If your vehicle passes the MOT:

you’ll get an MOT certificate from the test centre

it will be recorded in the MOT database

You might also get a list of ‘minor’ or ‘advisory’ problems to monitor or fix in the future.

Failing the MOT

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 current MOT certificate is still valid

no ‘dangerous’ problems were listed in the MOT

Otherwise, you’ll need to get it repaired before you can drive.

If you can take your vehicle away, it must still meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times.

Retest after a repair

In some cases your vehicle can have a partial retest for free or a reduced MOT fee.

Leaving your vehicle for repair

You only need a partial retest if you leave the vehicle at the test centre for repair and it’s retested within 10 working days. There’s no fee for this.

Taking your vehicle away for repairs

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.

Taking it back for a retest the next working day

access panels

battery

bonnet

bootlid

brake pedal antislip

break glass hammer (class 5 vehicles only)

doors (including hinges, catches and pillars)

door open warning device (class 5 vehicles only)

dropsides

electrical wiring

emergency exits and signs (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance door remote control (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance/exit steps (class 5 vehicles only)

fuel filler cap

headlamp cleaning or levelling devices (that does not need a headlamp aim check)

horn

lamps (excluding headlamp aim)

loading door

main beam ‘tell-tale’

mirrors

rear reflectors

registration plates

seatbelts (but not anchorages), seatbelt load limiter and seatbelt pre-tensioner

seats

sharp edges or projections

stairs (class 5 vehicles only)

steering wheel

tailboard

tailgate

trailer electrical sockets

towbars (excluding body around anchorage points)

tyre pressure monitoring system

vehicle identification number (VIN)

windscreen glass, wipers and washers

wheels and tyres (excluding motorcycles and motorcycles with sidecar)

Taking it back for a retest within 10 working days

In all other cases, you’ll need to get a full retest and pay the full MOT test fee again.

Test result appeals and problems

You can appeal an MOT test failure or complain to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you think your vehicle should not have passed.

Appeal if your vehicle failed an MOT

You need to discuss your test results with the test centre before anyone starts repairs.

You can appeal against the failure if you think it’s wrong.  Fill in the complaint form and send it to DVSA within 14 working days of the test.

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your appeal.

You should not have any repairs made until the appeal process has finished.

If you think your car has passed when it should not have

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your complaint.

Time limits

If your vehicle passed, you need to complain within:

within 3 months of the MOT if it’s a corrosion-related problem

within 28 days has passed for other defects

If you think your MOT certificate is not genuine

You can check that your MOT certificate is genuine by checking its MOT status.

If you’re unhappy with your MOT service

Contact DVSA if you’re not happy with your MOT service.

Vehicles that do not need an MOT

You do not need to get an MOT for a vehicle until it reaches the age shown in the MOT fees table.

Exempt vehicles

Other vehicles that do not need an MOT include:

goods vehicles powered by electricity and registered before 1 March 2015

tractors

some historic (‘classic’) vehicles

Lorries, buses and trailers

You must get an annual test for lorries, buses and trailers instead of an MOT. It’s sometimes called the ‘annual vehicle test’.

Fix mistakes on your MOT certificate

You can get information corrected on your MOT certificate (such as the mileage or vehicle details) if it’s wrong.

Get the wrong mileage corrected

The way you get the mileage corrected depends on when your MOT was.

Your MOT was less than 28 days ago

Ask the MOT centre to check the mileage. They’ll give you a replacement certificate if the mileage is wrong.

Your MOT was more than 28 days ago

Report the mistake to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to get it corrected.

You also need to email proof of the mileage, such as a scan or photo of:

an invoice for the MOT

an emissions printout

a service receipt

a vehicle job card from the MOT centre

They need to show what the mileage should be, and show the same date as the MOT test.

If your scan or photo includes personal information, for example your payment details, you should blank it out or remove it.

If you do not send the right evidence, DVSA will not fix the mistakes.

Once DVSA has updated the mileage, you can check your vehicle’s MOT history and download or print a corrected MOT certificate.

Get vehicle details or the MOT centre corrected

Contact DVSA if your MOT certificate has the wrong:

vehicle make or model

vehicle colour

country where the vehicle was registered

MOT test centre

Add or remove test records

If there’s an MOT test missing from your vehicle’s MOT history, or a test that does not belong there, email or call DVSA to have it corrected.

You’ll need to give your:

name

telephone number

vehicle number plate

vehicle make and model

date of the MOT

MOT test number (if you know it)

MOT test centre name and address

In both cases, your vehicle still needs to meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times or you can be fined.

Getting an MOT

When to get an MOT

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.

You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:

the third anniversary of its registration

the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old

Some vehicles need to be tested at one year old - check the MOT fees table to see which.

Find out how to check your MOT expiry date.

There are different rules and processes in Northern Ireland for MOTs for vehicles registered in Northern Ireland.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting an MOT

You need to get an MOT for your vehicle as usual.

Do not take your vehicle to an MOT centre in person if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms

you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with someone who has coronavirus

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

If you cannot take your vehicle in person

Some MOT centres will collect your vehicle for the MOT and then return it. Contact an MOT centre to see if this service is available.

You can also get someone else to take your vehicle into a test centre if you insure them on your vehicle.

If you cannot get your vehicle collected or taken in for you, you must wait until you’re no longer self-isolating to take it into a test centre.

If the MOT has run out

If your tax is due to run out, register your vehicle as ‘off the road’ - you cannot renew your vehicle tax if your MOT has expired.

Book an MOT test.

Tax your vehicle once it has passed its MOT.

You cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught.

The only exceptions are to drive it:

to or from somewhere to be repaired

to a pre-arranged MOT test

Earliest date you can get an MOT

An MOT lasts for a year. The date it runs out is printed on your current MOT pass certificate.

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.

Booking an MOT

You must use an approved MOT test centre to get your MOT.

Only centres showing the blue sign with 3 white triangles can carry out your MOT.

How you can book

Contact an MOT centre to book an MOT.

There are maximum fees that the MOT centre can charge.

There’s a different process to book an MOT in Northern Ireland.

MOT costs

There’s a maximum amount MOT test stations can charge. This depends on the type of vehicle.

The maximum fee for a car is £54.85 and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle.

You do not pay VAT on the fee.

| Vehicle class | Age first MOT needed (years) | Maximum MOT fee

Motorcycle (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £37.80

Motorcycle (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (up to 450kg unladen weight) | 3 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (over 450kg unladen weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Motor caravans | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Quads (max unladen weight 400kg - for goods vehicles 550kg and max net power of 15kw) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Dual purpose vehicles | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Private hire and public service vehicles (up to 8 seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Ambulances and taxis | 4 | 1 | £54.85

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9 to 12 passenger seats) | 4 | 1 | £57.30

Goods vehicles (up to 3,000kg design gross weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Class 4 vehicles (9 to 12 passenger seats) with a seat belt installation check | 4a | n/a | £64

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (13 to 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £59.55

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (more than 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Playbuses | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Class 5 vehicles (13 to 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £80.50

Class 5 vehicles (more than 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £124.50

Goods vehicles (over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight) | 7 | 3 | £58.60

How the MOT test works

During the MOT, important parts on your vehicle will be checked to make sure they meet the legal standards.

You can watch the test from a viewing area but you’re not allowed to interrupt the tester.

Parts that are tested

You can read more about what’s tested for cars and motorcycles.

The test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.

The MOT guide and inspection manuals tell you everything that’s tested.

MOT test result

Your vehicle can either pass or fail the MOT.

Passing the MOT

If your vehicle passes the MOT:

you’ll get an MOT certificate from the test centre

it will be recorded in the MOT database

You might also get a list of ‘minor’ or ‘advisory’ problems to monitor or fix in the future.

Failing the MOT

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 current MOT certificate is still valid

no ‘dangerous’ problems were listed in the MOT

Otherwise, you’ll need to get it repaired before you can drive.

If you can take your vehicle away, it must still meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times.

Retest after a repair

In some cases your vehicle can have a partial retest for free or a reduced MOT fee.

Leaving your vehicle for repair

You only need a partial retest if you leave the vehicle at the test centre for repair and it’s retested within 10 working days. There’s no fee for this.

Taking your vehicle away for repairs

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.

Taking it back for a retest the next working day

access panels

battery

bonnet

bootlid

brake pedal antislip

break glass hammer (class 5 vehicles only)

doors (including hinges, catches and pillars)

door open warning device (class 5 vehicles only)

dropsides

electrical wiring

emergency exits and signs (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance door remote control (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance/exit steps (class 5 vehicles only)

fuel filler cap

headlamp cleaning or levelling devices (that does not need a headlamp aim check)

horn

lamps (excluding headlamp aim)

loading door

main beam ‘tell-tale’

mirrors

rear reflectors

registration plates

seatbelts (but not anchorages), seatbelt load limiter and seatbelt pre-tensioner

seats

sharp edges or projections

stairs (class 5 vehicles only)

steering wheel

tailboard

tailgate

trailer electrical sockets

towbars (excluding body around anchorage points)

tyre pressure monitoring system

vehicle identification number (VIN)

windscreen glass, wipers and washers

wheels and tyres (excluding motorcycles and motorcycles with sidecar)

Taking it back for a retest within 10 working days

In all other cases, you’ll need to get a full retest and pay the full MOT test fee again.

Test result appeals and problems

You can appeal an MOT test failure or complain to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you think your vehicle should not have passed.

Appeal if your vehicle failed an MOT

You need to discuss your test results with the test centre before anyone starts repairs.

You can appeal against the failure if you think it’s wrong.  Fill in the complaint form and send it to DVSA within 14 working days of the test.

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your appeal.

You should not have any repairs made until the appeal process has finished.

If you think your car has passed when it should not have

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your complaint.

Time limits

If your vehicle passed, you need to complain within:

within 3 months of the MOT if it’s a corrosion-related problem

within 28 days has passed for other defects

If you think your MOT certificate is not genuine

You can check that your MOT certificate is genuine by checking its MOT status.

If you’re unhappy with your MOT service

Contact DVSA if you’re not happy with your MOT service.

Vehicles that do not need an MOT

You do not need to get an MOT for a vehicle until it reaches the age shown in the MOT fees table.

Exempt vehicles

Other vehicles that do not need an MOT include:

goods vehicles powered by electricity and registered before 1 March 2015

tractors

some historic (‘classic’) vehicles

Lorries, buses and trailers

You must get an annual test for lorries, buses and trailers instead of an MOT. It’s sometimes called the ‘annual vehicle test’.

Fix mistakes on your MOT certificate

You can get information corrected on your MOT certificate (such as the mileage or vehicle details) if it’s wrong.

Get the wrong mileage corrected

The way you get the mileage corrected depends on when your MOT was.

Your MOT was less than 28 days ago

Ask the MOT centre to check the mileage. They’ll give you a replacement certificate if the mileage is wrong.

Your MOT was more than 28 days ago

Report the mistake to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to get it corrected.

You also need to email proof of the mileage, such as a scan or photo of:

an invoice for the MOT

an emissions printout

a service receipt

a vehicle job card from the MOT centre

They need to show what the mileage should be, and show the same date as the MOT test.

If your scan or photo includes personal information, for example your payment details, you should blank it out or remove it.

If you do not send the right evidence, DVSA will not fix the mistakes.

Once DVSA has updated the mileage, you can check your vehicle’s MOT history and download or print a corrected MOT certificate.

Get vehicle details or the MOT centre corrected

Contact DVSA if your MOT certificate has the wrong:

vehicle make or model

vehicle colour

country where the vehicle was registered

MOT test centre

Add or remove test records

If there’s an MOT test missing from your vehicle’s MOT history, or a test that does not belong there, email or call DVSA to have it corrected.

You’ll need to give your:

name

telephone number

vehicle number plate

vehicle make and model

date of the MOT

MOT test number (if you know it)

MOT test centre name and address