What is the annual vehicle MOT test?

An MOT is the Ministry of Transport roadworthiness test of a vehicle which was first introduced in 1960 to ensure that  vehicles comply with current road safety and environmental standards.

Most vehicles must pass an MOT by either the 3rd anniversary of registration (4th anniversary in Northern Ireland) or the anniversary of the vehicle’s last MOT if the vehicle is over 3 years old.

Some vehicles need to be tested by the 1st anniversary of their registration, being private passenger vehicles with 13 or more seats, play buses,  ambulances and taxis.

What is the position if your vehicle fails its MOT?

If there is a current MOT certificate remaining in force  and no ‘dangerous’ fail defects were found, you can drive your vehicle away  to be repaired. Thereafter the vehicle can be returned for a full or partial re-test.

If your car has failed the MOT due to any 'dangerous' defect then you cannot drive the vehicle away from the MOT test centre and must arrange for the vehicle to be transported from the test centre by a flatbed trailer or recovery vehicle to ensure that all four wheels of the vehicle are off the road. 

You will be issued with a ‘refusal of an MOT test certificate’ which is recorded in the DVSA’s database. MOT Refusal information can be accessed by anybody searching your number plate on the open public database and could lead to prosecution. Some police vehicles are fitted with Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras (ANPR) and will flag-up any vehicle without a valid MOT Certificate

What if you miss your MOT renewal date and the MOT Certificate has expired?

You can drive the vehicle to a pre-booked MOT test even if the vehicle is SORN registered (Statutory off Road Notification) or has no current vehicle tax. However the vehicle must have valid third-party insurance and you should check this  covers you for driving without an MOT

If you are prosecuted for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate, you can face a fine up to £1000 and £2,500 + 3 penalty points if the vehicle is being used in a dangerous condition.

For any endorsable driving offence the Court has a discretionary power to impose a driving disqualification upon the driver if the vehicle was being used on a public road.

You can check the MOT history of your vehicle by entering its number plate on the Government’s online database.

For initial free legal advice upon any motoring matter call our motoring department on 01606 592159 or email rachel.gourlay@mosshaselhurst.co.uk