An MOT can sometimes feel daunting; after all, no one wants to face an unexpected bill. But it has to be completed annually for your vehicle to remain roadworthy – and for you to legally drive the vehicle. But what is an MOT, why will your vehicle need one and when – or how often – should you arrange for it to be checked?
What is an MOT?
An MOT is basically a health check for vehicles. It ensures that they’re safe to be driven on the road by checking the interior, exterior and the mechanics of a vehicle. A garage will test your vehicle for any issues, before making you aware of any diagnosed problems.
How often does my vehicle need an MOT?
Once a car is three years old it legally needs to undertake an MOT every year – this will provide you with a valid MOT certificate for the year as long as it passes. However, there are exceptions. A taxi, or private passenger vehicle will need an MOT after its first year to maintain road safety standards. Meanwhile, tractors, cars built over 40 years ago, and electric goods vehicles are exempt from MOTs.
Why do I need an MOT?
The main point is that to legally drive a vehicle it needs a valid MOT. The fine without this can be up to £1000. Plus, if you get into an accident without a valid MOT certificate then your insurance will be invalid. At the same time, it should be seen as a positive thing to get an MOT. The test will ensure that your car is safe and roadworthy, providing peace of mind to you and any passengers for the year afterwards. At the same time, the MOT will protect other road users too.
Booking an MOT
Booking an MOT online is the simplest way to get your car checked. This way, you can avoid the hassle of visiting or calling a garage beforehand, and the hard work will be done for you. The maximum amount a centre can charge for a car’s MOT is £54.85 too, so it doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive.
In the run up to the MOT you should be vigilantly checking your car to try and secure good results. Try and declutter the car to make it easier for the testers, check the lights, inspect the tyres and gently test the brakes if you get a chance.
Unless your vehicle is new, therefore, it’s likely that it’ll need a yearly MOT. By booking with an official tester and preparing the car with a little effort you should be able to ensure that your vehicle is safe and roadworthy.