Whether you’re a new or seasoned driver, the MOT test can be tricky to navigate. This guide aims to answer any questions you have and get you up to speed.

Then once you’re comfortable with everything MOT, be sure to read through our pre-test checklist here to ensure your vehicle doesn’t fail before you’ve reached the garage.

What is an MOT Test?

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) test needs to be carried out on every vehicle that’s more than three years old. Excluding some classic cars that are over 40 years old, it needs to take place every year to make sure vehicles meet road safety and environmental standards.

There are authorised MOT centres around the country where you can complete the test, they’re marked by official blue signs with the MOT logo. A successful MOT is required to be able to tax your vehicle, making it essential if you want to use your vehicle on the roads.

There is no grace period with an MOT, so if your certificate expires before you have successfully acquired a new one, it will be illegal to drive your vehicle on the road. This is an important consideration when it comes to booking your test in good time.

Timing your MOT right is crucial to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy. So, make a note of your MOT date, plan, and aim to schedule your MOT test within the month leading up to the expiry date.

What Happens at an MOT?

An MOT test takes between 45 and 60 minutes and involves checking many aspects of your vehicle, including:

• Brakes

• Fuel system

• Lights

• Mirrors

• Seatbelts

• Doors

• Bodywork

• Horn

• Steering

• Exhaust system

• Windscreen wipers

However, it doesn’t include the engine, clutch, and gearbox.

If you drive an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid vehicle, the test process is similar to that of an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle but there are a few key differences to note.

Unlike an MOT test for an ICE vehicle, the focus will be more on the battery and electrical systems and other core safety checks but as EVs do not have exhaust systems, emissions testing is not required. There is also an additional check on the regenerative braking system that is unique to EVs and hybrids. Here’s everything you need to know.

Common MOT Failure Reasons

According to the Society of Motor Manufactures and Traders, the number of vehicles that fail the MOT test stands at around 1.5 million and you might be surprised to know that something as simple as a malfunctioning lightbulb can be a cause for failure.

The three most common areas for an MOT fail are issues with lights, suspension, and brakes. However, the current average fail rate is around 37%, so it’s important to do as many pre-MOT checks as possible to avoid needing to get your vehicle re-tested.

What Happens if I Fail my MOT Test?

If your vehicle does fail, you will receive a VT30 form showing that an MOT certificate has been refused. What happens next depends upon the nature of the fault identified.

Major faults will need to be repaired to pass the re-test, but the vehicle can still be driven until the previous certificate expires. Dangerous faults will need fixing immediately before the vehicle can be driven.

Minor faults may be identified during the MOT without causing the vehicle to fail the test, so these will be flagged up as recommendations to get fixed before the next test, and these can include worn brake pads or tyres that are close to the minimum tread depth.

Book Your MOT via the PayByPhone App

For more MOT tips and tricks, check out our blog post about the most common MOT fails and how to avoid them.

With the PayByPhone app, you can now book your MOT test anytime, anywhere. You can get timely reminders about your MOT test, source a local garage from a network of thousands book your MOT to suit your schedule and pay via the app, so your vehicle is always roadworthy. Book a hassle-free MOT today.