What is an MOT test?

The MOT is a regular examination of the condition of all car, motorcycles and other vehicles in the UK. It is required each year on all vehicles over three years old.
History - and that's why it's called the 'MOT'

After World War Two and up to the end of the 1950s, most people purchased used cars and light vans, many of which were originally manufactured before 1940 and vast numbers of which were not in very good condition, or regularly serviced. Thus, even though there were fewer vehicles on the road then, they were potentially in a more dangerous state. In particular, they often had defective brakes, lights and/or steering.

As a result of this, in 1960 the Ministry of Transport decided that all vehicles over ten years old should have their brakes, lights and steering checked every 10 years. This became known as the '10 year test', or alternatively the Ministry Of Transport Test - which became shortened to 'MOT'. By April 1967, the 'age' a vehicle that needed to be tested annually had progressively reduced over the years to its current level of after 3 years.Over the years The MOT test is developing all the time; most significantly since the 1990s and it has been the development of highly sophisticated emissions testing for vehicles with catalytic converters fitted that has progressed this forward.

A significant development of the MOT has resulted from Britain being members of the EU. All vehicle Testing is now decided by EU Directives which set minimum standards for vehicle testing in member states. Each state can, however, decide to install more stringent vehicle testing regulations in their own domestic regulations under the EU principle of subsidiarity. In many EU countries, for example, testing is carried out every two years - the basic EU minimum, whereas in Britain it is on an annual basis. There are now over 18,500 Testing Stations in the UK.

Book-online NOW or call us for help on 0871-508-9801

Input your postcode to find you nearest MOT garage, or call us to get more help if you need it.

550 MOT testing garages on our database

Over 550 UK wide Government authorised MOT garages to choose from. Find out if one is close to where YOU live by using the garage postcode finder.

Click here to see preview