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What Is an MOT Test?

An MOT is an annual safety and environmental check that most vehicles on UK roads must pass by law. It confirms a vehicle meets the minimum legal standards — it is not a measure of mechanical condition or a substitute for servicing.

When does a car need its first MOT?

In Great Britain, most cars and vans need their first MOT on the third anniversary of registration, then once every year after that. Some vehicle types (such as taxis and ambulances) need one sooner. You can be tested up to a month (minus a day) before your current certificate expires and keep the same renewal date.

What does the MOT check?

A tester inspects the parts of the vehicle that affect safety and emissions, including:

  • Lights, indicators and the battery/electrical system
  • Brakes, including the handbrake and brake performance
  • Tyres, wheels and steering
  • Suspension and shock absorbers
  • Seatbelts and the structure/body for corrosion
  • The windscreen, wipers, washers and mirrors
  • The exhaust system and emissions
  • The registration plates and VIN

The test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox — so a pass does not guarantee a car is mechanically sound.

What do the result categories mean?

Since 2018, any defects found are recorded in one of these categories:

  • Dangerous — a direct and immediate risk to road safety. The vehicle fails and must not be driven until repaired.
  • Major — could affect safety or the environment. The vehicle fails and must be repaired.
  • Minor — no significant effect on safety, but should be repaired as soon as possible. The vehicle still passes.
  • Advisory — something to monitor and repair in future (for example a tyre wearing close to the limit). The vehicle still passes.

Looking at a vehicle's advisories over several years is one of the most useful things you can do before buying — recurring advisories often point to wear that will soon become a failure.

See it for a real car

Our pages show every recorded MOT for a vehicle, grouped by year and fault type, so you can spot patterns at a glance.

Read next: The most common MOT failures · MOT cost & rules · How to check a car's MOT history