Book an MOT test near you

While MOTs and services are often talked about at the same time, they are different.

·        MOTs are compulsory tests that make sure your car is operating within the law. Crossover occurs with parts and systems such as brakes, tyres and seat belts. You can find out what's included in an MOT test in our guide.

·        Services cover some of the same areas as an MOT but typically go much further, focusing on the overall condition of the car. More components are checked, including those that don’t impact roadworthiness, safety, or the environment. A service also includes checks on consumables (oils and fluids), filters and spark plugs –- these aren’t covered in the MOT.

While there are differences between MOTs and services, both are important for your car. If you only have a service, you can't be sure your mechanic is checking specific parts or functions and you won’t get an MOT certificate – a legal requirement.

On the other hand, your car won’t perform at its best if you only get an MOT. Oils and fluids need to be regularly topped up and changed, or they could start to jeopardise the performance of your car and the condition of its parts. A lack of maintenance can even invalidate your warranty and cause more expensive maintenance problems later down the line.

You can find out what’s included in a Protyre service before you book an MOT test online, just to make sure.

A Class 7 MOT is one designed for 3 to 3.5 tonne (3,000kg to 3,500kg) commercial vehicles, such as heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). They differ from regular MOTs in that the test criteria are designed for these large vehicles. –

HGV tyres must be able to hold their immense weight, and their brakes must be powerful enough to stop the vehicles in line with legal requirements.

You can learn more about the class of each type of vehicle via the government MOT fee list.

If your vehicle is over three years old and doesn’t have an MOT, it’s illegal to drive it – apart from if and when you drive to an MOT appointment. Even then, you must be able to prove that you've booked the appointment in case the police stop your car.

Every motorist needs to book an MOT annually – it’s our collective responsibility to keep road users, infrastructure and the environment safe. The penalties can be severe, and you could risk a fine of up to £1,000. This is often more costly than the price of the test and any required maintenance.

We've written a handy guide to explain when your car will need its first MOT.

If your MOT expires, you must stop driving your car and book an MOT test as soon as possible. The car will need to pass an MOT test before it can be used on the road again. You should always be aware of the consequences of driving without an MOT.

The only occasion you can drive your car with no MOT is when travelling directly to the MOT test centre for a pre-booked appointment. You will need to prove the booking if you are stopped by the police en-route, so keep a copy of the details with you.

You should not use a vehicle without an MOT for any other journey or you could be fined up to £1,000. In addition, without a valid MOT, your insurance will also be invalidated, which could cost you £300 in fines and up to six points on your licence if you’re caught. If the case is taken to court, the fine is unlimited. Remember that the MOT status of a vehicle can be rapidly checked by the police using cameras that have number-plate recognition.

So, it is crucial that you remember when your MOT certificate is due to expire and book an appointment accordingly. You can check an MOT expiry date here and we can also send you a helpful reminder text or email a month or so before an MOT expires.

Several things can cause a car to fail its MOT. These include faults with components including:

·        Headlamps

·        Reflectors

·        Electrics

·        Brakes

·        Steering and suspension

·        Windscreen and driver view

·        Wheels and tyres

·        Seat belts and safety features

·        Bodywork and chassis structure

·        Exhaust

·        Fuel and emissions

To learn more about the specific reasons why you may encounter MOT failure, check out our complete guide to MOT failure codes.

It's possible for a car that's still roadworthy to fail an MOT. For instance, if your number plate is the wrong size or colour, your car cannot pass. If your car fails its MOT test before the certificate expires and it's still roadworthy, you can still drive it until the expiry date.

When your car fails any part of its MOT, you need to pay separately for any repairs or parts needed to fix any issues – they’re not covered by the test price.

That means it can be a good idea to have a service carried out on your car before you book an MOT test, especially if there are known issues with the car. Booking a service before your test helps you set it up for success - and avoid paying for a re-test.

View our list of the most common reasons for MOT failures, plus how to get a re-test

All MOT certificates last one year. You must book an MOT every year, on or before the anniversary of the previous test. For new cars, the first MOT test should be booked three years after the car’s initial registration date.

You must have a valid MOT certificate before you tax your car. You won’t be able to tax your vehicle without one as it’s a legal prerequisite.

Insurance firms will not cover your car if it doesn’t have an MOT.

Most car insurance policies will cover your car until its MOT expiry date. Others may cover it if it fails its MOT, but policies differ. If you’re not sure what your conditions are then check your policy documentation or get in touch with your insurer.

You can book an MOT whenever you want

To avoid last-minute surprises and costly re-tests,it makes sense to book an MOT in the final month before your MOT certificate expires. This helps you secure the greatest amount of driving time for your money.

That’s because any tests carried out a month (minus a day) before your current certificate expires will keep the same expiry date. If you book your MOT before this date the expiry date will effectively move back in time, and you’ll lose out on days of certification you've paid for.

For example, if your current MOT certificate runs out on September 15th, the earliest you should have it re-tested to retain the same renewal date in the following year is August 16th.

Checking your car’s MOT history online is easy. All you need to do is use the government’s free MOT history check

To access the details, you’ll need to enter the registration number of the car, as well as the 11-digit log book

You can learn more MOT information after you input those details, including:

·        MOT test results and dates

·        Specific test locations, including garage name

·        Specific test information

·        Mileage

·        The car's next due MOT date

If your car has failed its MOT, your local MOT test centre will give you a form called a ‘Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate' – otherwise known as a VT30.

This form contains information including your MOT test number, car details and reasons for failure. If you're taking the car for a re-test, this form will tell your garage exactly what they need to focus on when repairing your car to get it ready to pass.

Yes but it's possible to pay less for your re-test. If your car has failed its MOT, you can book a free retest with Protyre.

If you leave your car at the testing station that did the original test and they repair it, they can do a partial retest. This means simply retesting the things that needed fixing and were listed on the VT30. If you don’t leave it with them on the day, you can get a retest performed on certain items if you bring it back within 10 working days. 

You can often save yourself time and effort by checking things such as tyres and wiper blades before your MOT takes place. These are relatively simple jobs that can save a load of hassle. Make sure you check the government's guidance before going ahead.

An MOT typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour. At Protyre Autocare , we make the process efficient and hassle-free. Book your MOT online with us to secure a convenient time slot and get your car back on the road quickly!

MOT stands for "Ministry of Transport." It’s a test required in the UK to ensure your vehicle meets safety and environmental standards. At Protyre Autocare , we provide thorough MOT testing to keep your car compliant and roadworthy. Book your test online with us for a seamless experience!

The rules for an MOT include ensuring your vehicle meets safety, emissions, and roadworthiness standards. Key areas tested include brakes, lights, tires, and exhaust systems. Protyre Autocare  follows all regulations to make sure your car passes with flying colors. Book your MOT online with us for a thorough and compliant test!

While a car doesn’t need to be spotless for an MOT, it should be clean enough for the tester to inspect key components like lights and number plates. A tidy vehicle helps ensure nothing is missed during the test. At Protyre Autocare , we make the MOT process smooth and straightforward!