MOTs and the law
Frequency of testing and validity
A valid MOT certificate is required when a car has been registered for three or more years. This requirement starts on the vehicle's third anniversary. The MOT scheme is primarily a road safety measure designed to ensure as far as possible that all cars, motorcycles and light goods vehicles are properly maintained.
Validity and renewal
The certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, except when a vehicle is taken for test in the month before the expiry date of its current certificate. In this case, if it passes the test, and if the current certificate is produced, the new certificate will be dated 12 months from the expiry date of the current certificate.
Penalty
Using a vehicle without a test certificate being in force carries a maximum fine of £1,000. Failing to produce a test certificate to a police officer also carries a fine of up to £1,000
Your Car and the MOT
The MOT test relates only to the condition of the testable items at the time of the test. It should not be regarded as evidence of the condition of the items tested at any other time nor should it be taken as evidence of the general mechanical condition of the vehicle. MOT's are undertaken at garages authorized by the Vehicle Inspectorate to carry out the tests. They are easily identifiable by the blue, 3 triangle MOT Sign.
