Request your MOT Online
Simply complete our MOT request form and we’ll be in touch to confirm your booking.
What is an MOT?
An MOT is a type of inspection that is carried out to ensure your vehicle is in a road-worthy condition. If your vehicle is more than 3 years old it is a legal requirement in the UK to have a valid test certificate.
MOT stands for Ministry of Transport, named after the department that first introduced the test over 60 years ago. The test follows strict criteria and can only be completed by test centres such as Car Clinic which has approved examiners.
Is an MOT the Same as a Service?
No, an MOT is not the same as getting your vehicle serviced. A service includes extra checks in relation to the mechanical health of your vehicle such as the engine, clutch and gearbox which are not part of the MOT. Most manufacturers recommend getting a service once a year or every 12,000 miles.
When is my MOT Test Due?
You can check to see when your vehicles MOT certificate runs out by using the Governments online checker. All you need is your registration number.
You can get your MOT test done up to 28 days before this date.
How Often do I Need an MOT?
For new vehicles, you don’t need to get an MOT test until the 3rd anniversary of its registration. For cars that are older than 3 years you must renew the MOT certificate annually. You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT so it’s important to keep it up to date.
You can sign up for free MOT reminders by text message or email.
sign up for free MOT reminders
What Does an MOT Check?
An MOT check ensures that your vehicle meets the minimum standards that are set by the DVSA. There is a long list of important features which are included in the test. For more information check out the Government website.
What happens if my MOT has run out?
If your tax is due to run out, register your vehicle as ‘off the road’ - you cannot renew your vehicle tax if your MOT has expired.
You are not allowed to drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught.
The only exceptions are to drive it:
to or from somewhere to be repaired
to a pre-arranged MOT test