Do you need to keep MOT Certificates?

Nowadays your MOT test pass is recorded on computer and it’s this record that the police will refer to if they perform a vehicle check, or as evidence in any driving offence case. This being so, do you really need to keep your printed copy of the test pass or is keeping MOT certificates a waste of time?

What is a MOT Certificate?

An MOT Certificate is an official document that confirms your vehicle has passed its annual MOT test, ensuring it meets road safety and environmental standards. It's crucial to keep this certificate safe as it proves your car's compliance and is required for tax and insurance purposes. You can also quickly check your MOT due date by simply entering your car registration number online – it’s quick and easy!

When do you need a paper copy?

The key point at which you will need a copy of your MOT certificate is when you come to sell the car. The buyer will need to see the certificate as evidence that the car is roadworthy as access to the computerised records is not available to members of the general public.
 
You will also need your certificate in the event that you have an accident and need to make an insurance claim. The certificate acts as proof that the car was roadworthy at the time of the incident. If you can’t produce it, you may encounter issues with your insurer.
 
It’s also useful when you need to renew your road tax. If you do this online, the electronic record is checked, but if you renew in person at a post office, you will still need to produce the certificate.
 
If you have a classic car then keeping MOT certificates is often seen as a key part of the car’s full service history. A large file of old test certificates gives potential buyers with some reassurance that a car has been looked after throughout its life. Because certificates now record the vehicle mileage at the time of the test, they also provide a valuable record as to how far the vehicle has been driven between tests.

Getting a replacement certificate

So, what if you’ve lost or misplaced your latest MOT certificate? It is possible to get a replacement certificate. You can do this at any test centre, such as a Protyre garage, but you will need to produce either the reference number from your V5C registration certificate (‘log book’), or the number of the original MOT test.
 
Getting a replacement MOT certificate will cost you around £10, so it’s worth taking care of your original.

Getting an MOT

All cars currently need to have a valid MOT once they reach their third birthday and the test needs to be renewed annually. The Government is currently consulting on extending the age at which a first test is due to four years. You can book a new test up to one month before the previous one expires.
 
Note too that cars qualifying for zero road tax under the 40 year rule no longer need to have an MOT. However, in our experience, many owners choose to put classic cars through a test to reassure themselves as to safety.
 
At Protyre, we have a network of garages across the UK able to carry out your MOT, and you can even book an appointment online at a time to suit you. We also offer servicing and can supply tyres from major brands including Falken, Sumitomo and Bridgestone.
 

At Protyre Autocare, we provide thorough MOT testing to ensure your vehicle meets all safety and environmental standards. During your MOT, it's crucial to have tyres that are in good condition. Explore our range of tyre types, including premium car tyres, rft tyres, best summer tyres, and winter snow tyres. We also offer a variety of trusted premium tyre brands such as Goodyear all season tyres, Michelin tyre, Pirelli tyres, Bridgestone turanza, Conti tyres, and many more. Ensuring you have the right tyres can make a significant difference in passing your MOT and maintaining your vehicle’s safety and performance.