What do I need to know about my MOT?

The dreaded MOT soon comes around and for a couple of months before the test the niggling questions start: Will the car pass? What will it cost me if it doesn’t? – and all this at a time when the test is facing the biggest shake-up in 50 years.

New cars need an MOT three years after the day they were bought, but under a new Government initiative that figure is set to increase to four years.

The proposal is out for consultation and a final decision is expected next year, but the decision could change a three-year rule which has been in place since 1967.

If cars are permitted to go an extra year before their first MOT then we believe there will be far more cars on the road with dangerous defects. Some cars cover a lot of miles before they are three years old, let alone four.

It means drivers will need to be more aware of potential problems and regular maintenance and servicing will be essential for all owners – whether the car is coming up to its first MOT or whether they own an older vehicle.

Here at David Dexters we are able to deal with all these requirements and are only too willing to answer any concerns you may have. In the meantime, we have put together some information that you may have been unsure about.

You will need an MOT certificate by the date the last one expires and the test is carried out annually.

You can apply for a new MOT within a month of the expiry date on your current certificate – if the expiry date is May 9, the earliest you can apply and keep the same renewal date is April 10.

You can go for an earlier test but that would change your normal renewal date, meaning you’re not getting your full 12 months from the existing certificate.

If your MOT has expired you are not allowed to drive the vehicle unless you are taking it somewhere to be repaired, or to taking it to and from the test centre.

If you have lost your MOT certificate you can get a replacement at any MOT testing station.

You can also check the renewal date by visiting the Government website www.gov.uk/check-mot-status and tap in your vehicle make and registration.

Driving without a valid MOT certificate can not only mean you may be driving a vehicle that is not roadworthy, but could lead to a £1,000 fine, the vehicle being impounded and your insurance policy being invalidated.

If you are looking for any advice about your vehicle, its MOT or changing rules within the motor industry please feel free to give us a call on 01746 764200 or drop us a line via our contact form