MOT stands for Ministry of Transport test. It checks if your car meets road safety and environmental standards in the UK. The name comes from the old Ministry of Transport, which started these tests back in 1960.
Every year, most cars over three years old must pass this test to stay legal on UK roads. The mechanic looks at important safety parts like brakes, lights, tires, steering, and emissions. They mark any problems as either Minor or Major faults. Your car can still pass with Minor faults, but you should fix them soon. Major faults mean your car fails the test, and you cannot drive it legally until those issues are fixed.
You need a valid MOT certificate to drive your car on public roads and to buy car tax. Without it, you risk fines up to £1,000. The only time you can drive without a valid MOT is when heading to a booked MOT test appointment. Many garages and test centers across the UK offer MOT testing services, with prices capped by the government.
Every year, most cars over three years old must pass this test to stay legal on UK roads. The mechanic looks at important safety parts like brakes, lights, tires, steering, and emissions. They mark any problems as either Minor or Major faults. Your car can still pass with Minor faults, but you should fix them soon. Major faults mean your car fails the test, and you cannot drive it legally until those issues are fixed.
You need a valid MOT certificate to drive your car on public roads and to buy car tax. Without it, you risk fines up to £1,000. The only time you can drive without a valid MOT is when heading to a booked MOT test appointment. Many garages and test centers across the UK offer MOT testing services, with prices capped by the government.
