When does my car need to be tested for a MOT?

From the date of registration, when your vehicle is three years old, it will need its first MOT test. It will then need to be retested each year on the anniversary date of its last MOT test.

When you receive a pass MOT certificate, it will include the date the test was done as well as the expiration date. This is so you'll know when it's time to test the car again. You can retest the vehicle up to a month, minus a day, before it expires if you wish to preserve the original renewal date.

Whenever your car fails its MOT, you may only drive it away if your current MOT certificate is still valid and the new report from the failed MOT shows no 'dangerous' issues. Otherwise, you'll have to get it fixed before you can drive again.

If you choose to take it to another car garage in Reading to have the failed faults repaired, your vehicle still must always meet the basic requirements of roadworthiness, or you risk being penalised.

What is the best way to find out when my MOT test is due?

If you've misplaced your MOT certificate, just input your registration number and car make into the GOV.uk tool.

In a few of seconds, this will verify your MOT and tax status. You'll also be able to get a new MOT certificate for free to replace the one you've lost. You can also use this special tool to check MOT history of your car if you want to establish what it failed on and also to confirm the cars mileage.

Is a MOT subject to a grace period?

No. It is unlawful to drive your automobile on the road once your MOT has expired. It is possible that you will be prosecuted if you do so. A car that does not have a current MOT certificate cannot be taxed.

It's a good idea to check MOT status and schedule a pre-MOT test check-up as a vehicle can fail a MOT for a variety of reasons.  A range of tests are done throughout all elements of the vehicle and failing one of these areas is enough to fail the entire MOT.

Would it be legal to drive my car without having a valid MOT?

The only answer to this question is No. Without a valid MOT certificate, a vehicle cannot be driven. The only exception is if your MOT test has been planned ahead of time. 

To minimise any further trouble if your car fails the MOT test, make an appointment with a garage in Reading that specialises in MOT testing, car repairs and car maintenance. This way you will not need to arrange to either drive your car to another garage for MOT failed repairs or even worse, if failed for 'dangerous' faults, must arrange for recovery as you will NOT be legally allowed to drive your car unless the previous MOT is still valid.

My vehicle has been recalled. Is it going to fail its MOT?

There are an estimated 2.3 million vehicles in the UK with outstanding recall notices, however while selling a car with a recall notice is unlawful, there is no legal duty for owners to repair their own recalled vehicles.

To solve this, authorities are investigating ideas to better integrate the MOT and vehicle recall systems, which might result in vehicles failing the test if a recall defect has not been addressed within the past 12 months.

Authorities have not said whether or not this system will be implemented, but if you are concerned that your car is subject to a recall, you may check the gov.uk recall database.

What should I do to be ready for a MOT?

Many cars fail their MOTs due to minor faults that could have been easily prevented prior to the MOT test. You'd be surprised what can cause a MOT test to fail, as some faults are minor.

You should make a checklist at least a few weeks before the MOT test due date or book your car in for a pre-MOT test inspection with your local car mechanic to make sure your car is in a good condition and roadworthy.

This will enable you to repair any issues or replace any necessary parts before the test and avoid any hassle if the car fails the MOT test.

It's worth remembering, though, that if your vehicle fails its MOT, you won't be able to keep your renewal date.

I don't have a MOT, therefore is my insurance still valid?

The simple answer to this is no, it's not. Driving without a valid MOT will immediately terminate your insurance coverage, no matter how long you have paid your vehicle insurance for so far.

If you are involved in a car accident, whether or not it was your fault, you may be liable for significant repair expenses for both your vehicle and the third party vehicle, or worse, you may be prosecuted for driving without a valid MOT and insurance.