Everyone who uses a vehicle on the road must keep it in a roadworthy condition. The MOT test checks that vehicles meet road safety and environmental standards.

The first MOT test for a vehicle is required when it’s three years old. There are different rules if it is used as a taxi though.

The MOT certificate

The MOT certificate confirms that at the time of the test, without dismantling it, the vehicle met the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards required by law. It doesn’t mean that the vehicle is roadworthy for the length of time the certificate is valid. The MOT certificate is also no guarantee of the general mechanical condition of your vehicle. The test doesn’t cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.

If you can’t find your certificate and we tested it last time, give us a call and we can tell you when its due. If we didn’t then you can check it by contacting VOSA on 0300 123 9000 or by visiting their website here: VOSA

VOSA and MOT Computerisation

VOSA (Vehicle Operator and Services Agency) is the government agency responsible for MOT’s and now provide a computerised system in all test stations to record the results of all MOT tests. Although we will always issue you with a MOT certificate the main legal proof is now an electronic record held on VOSA’s national database that helps reduce theft and fraud, provides better information and protection when buying used vehicles and enables you to buy your tax disc on line.

MOT Renewals

You can renew your MOT up to 28 days before it is due without losing any days meaning  if it was bought in 3 weeks early your new certificate would be valid for 1 year and 3 weeks.