MOT testing is a legal requirement for all vehicles in the UK, including cars, vans and motorcycles. The test checks that your vehicle meets minimum safety standards and makes sure it’s safe to be on the road with you and your family.
There are around 22 million vehicles in the UK and MOT testing is carried out on all of them at least once a year – that’s more than five million tests every week.
Vehicle owners must have their vehicles tested at least once every 12 months (or three years if they’re exempt from an MOT). If you don’t have your vehicle tested by the due date then you could face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
It’s worth noting that an MOT isn’t just about safety – it also helps to improve air quality because it helps reduce emissions from road traffic.
The MOT test is an annual vehicle safety check which helps ensure that cars are safe to use on the road. It was introduced in 1960 and has been mandatory in Britain ever since.
The test is carried out by a qualified MOT tester, who examines different aspects of your vehicle’s safety, performance and emissions levels against the UK government’s Roadworthiness Guide. If anything turns up that needs fixing, you’ll be given a list of recommendations for repairs before your car passes its MOT test.
The MOT test is required for all vehicles over three years old. You can book your vehicle’s annual MOT online or through the DVSA website; there’s no cost to pay when booking online, but if you book through the postal service you’ll need to pay £20 per vehicle (or £30 if it’s a large commercial vehicle).
The MOT test is an essential requirement for all vehicles over three years old and it’s a legal requirement to ensure your vehicle is safe and roadworthy.
If you fail the MOT or don’t get it in time, you could be fined up to £1,000 by the police. It’s also an offence not to have a valid MOT certificate.
If you don’t pass your test, it doesn’t mean that your car is unsafe to drive – it just means that there are some faults that need repairing before you can take it out on the road again.
What does an MOT test involve?
The MOT test checks for:
- safety items such as brakes and steering systems;
- engine functionality;
- brake performance;
- suspension condition; and
- the bodywork and tyres (including tread depth).
In addition to these checks, other tests may be carried out if necessary under specific circumstances – for example if there are concerns about exhaust emissions or if there is a suggestion that a vehicle may have been tampered with in some way. To know more about why MOT testing is important, contact us.