Nov 9, 2020
Cars over three years old must pass a yearly MOT test to show they are roadworthy and it is against the law to drive a car over this age without a valid MOT certificate.
How to check your car’s MOT in Scotland?
In the UK, you can head over to gov.uk to check the past results of a vehicle’s MOT tests including whether it has passed or failed, where each of the tests were done, what parts have previously failed or parts that had problems and when your next test is due.
When to book an MOT?
As we mentioned, it’s a legal requirement to have a valid MOT certificate on the third anniversary of its registration or the anniversary of the last MOT if your car is over 3 years old. Be aware that COVID-19 has impacted MOT tests and how this affects you will depend on when your MOT is due to expire.
MOT tests last for a year, you can book a test up to a month (minus a day) before your certificate is due to expire and keep the same renewal date. So for example, if your test is due to run out on the 15th June, the earliest test you can book to keep the same renewal date for next year is the 16th May.
Should you need to, you can get an MOT test earlier but this will affect the renewal date for the following year as it will change to one year (minus a day) from the date the vehicle last passed the test. For example, if your MOT is due the 15th June, the earliest you can book a test is the 16th May, but if you book a test for say the 12th May and it passes, your MOT expiry date will change to the 11th May.
What to do if your MOT test runs out?
You will not be able to tax your car if your MOT certificate has expired, which means you need to register your car as off-road. Cars without a valid MOT cannot drive or park on public roads and you can be prosecuted if caught and receive a fine of £1000. The only exemptions are if you are driving to or from a repair shop or to your pre-arranged MOT test.
How to find your local MOT centre?
Make sure that your car is MOT’d by an accredited garage by using MyCarNeedsA.com, we will help you find the most suitable MOT test centre, our trusted suppliers will provide a number of quotes based on your requirements. This allows you to choose a test based on convenience, service, cost or whatever is important to you! Get your quotes.
