Typically an MOT test will take around 1 hour to complete. However, please be prepared to leave your car with us for the whole day.

You can leave your car with us at the time arranged, and we'll give you a call when your vehicle is ready.

Should your car require repair work, the time taken to complete the additional work will be dependent on what is being completed.

Wondering what your MOT test will check? Every MOT checks the same eight groups of safety, environmental, and legal factors. These include:

1. Electrics, reflectors and lamps
2. Suspension and steering
3. Brakes
4. Wheels and tyres
5. Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (SRS)
6. Structure, body, and other general elements
7. Emissions, fuel, and exhaust
8. The road view of the driver

There are several things within each of these sections that are checked during the test. View our MOT checklist to find out more.

View the guide 

Our current MOT price is £49.99. That’s up to £4.86 off the standard DVSA price. If you sign up for an MOT reminder with National, we’ll remind you when your MOT is due and advise you of the best price available at the time - just one of the ways we keep your motoring costs affordable.

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If your car fails, you will need to arrange for it to be repaired and retested. If you do not have a valid MOT certificate, you may not be able to legally drive your car on the road until these repairs have been made and a valid MOT certificate issued.

Our expert mechanics can carry out most repairs on site at the test centre on the same day, but we will always advise you and obtain your agreement up front about any work that needs to be done.

If you choose to have your car repaired elsewhere, you can take it back to the original testing centre for a partial retest within 10 working days of the initial test. If you return your vehicle within 10 days, the price for the retest will be up to half of the original MOT price you have paid. If you bring your car back after 10 working days, you will be charged for a full MOT.

An explanation of retest fees can be found on the DVSA's website.

All approved MOT test centres can electronically view both your MOT certificate and V5C Vehicle Registration Document – the two crucial pieces of paperwork required to process your MOT. If you have them to hand though, it can be useful to bring them along as this can speed up the process.

You shouldn’t need to bring any other documentation to your MOT test appointment, such as insurance information, tax paperwork, logbook, licence, and so forth.

However, for the test to be carried out, your car must be taxed and insured – any approved test centre can check this information electronically too. Unlike a service, you don’t need to remove any items from your boot, as the MOT test does not look at the condition of your spare tyres.

You will need to bring the following maintenance items too:

• Fuel cap key
• Wheel lock key

If you have any questions about your appointment or what you should and shouldn’t bring, give our team a call, message us via live chat, or Book Now.

Our experts will test a long list of components in line with the environmental, safety, and roadworthiness regulations that inform the MOT. These include:

• Bodywork and structure – We will ensure there is no excessive corrosion that may affect its structural integrity or sharp edges that have the potential to cause injury.
• Tow bar – If fitted, we will test to ensure it's fitted properly, in good condition and has a functioning electrical supply, speedometer and engine mountings.
• Fuel system – Spanning all hoses and pipes, we will test the system for leaks, making sure everything is secure. The fuel cap will also be tested to ensure it opens and closes securely.
• Exhaust emissions – The condition of the exhaust components and the emissions from them will be checked, ensuring they meet emissions regulations and are safely secured, with no noise or leaks. We will also test to make sure a catalytic converter is present (if one was factory fitted).
• Seatbelts – These will all be tested to ensure they are working, safe and secure. Airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters will also be checked, as well as their warning lights.
• Seats – We will test these to ensure they are secure, and that the driver’s seat can be adjusted.
• Doors – These will all be tested to ensure they open and close properly – inside and out – and all latches, hinges, and catches are secure and in a good condition.
• Mirrors – We will make sure there are the minimum number required, and that they are secure and of the correct condition. Indirect vision devices will also be tested.
• Load security – The boot and bonnet will be checked to ensure they open and close properly
• Brakes – These will be tested (with the wheels on) for braking efficiency – the MOT efficiency test. This will also include the electronic parking brake, ESC (electronic stability control), and ABS (anti-lock braking system) if fitted as standard. All dashboard warning lights will be checked too, including the brake fluid warning light.
• Wheels and tyres – These will be checked for security, general condition, tread depth, size and type. The TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system) will also be checked for vehicles registered after 1st January 2012. Note that spare wheels and tyres are not covered in an MOT.
• Registration plates – Both will be tested to ensure they comply with the regulations regarding correct colour, font, characters, and spacing, and are fitted correctly. The VIN (vehicle identification number) is also checked to ensure a single VIN is displayed.
• Headlights - The headlights, including high-intensity discharge (HID) and light-emitting diode (LED) types, will be checked to ensure they are functioning, clean, secure, levelled, and aimed correctly. The main beam warning light is also tested.
• Bonnet – This will be tested to make sure it closes and secures properly.
• Washers, wipers, and windscreen – All these are tested to ensure they enable the driver to clearly view the road.
• Horn – This is tested to make sure it works properly and is the correct type for the vehicle.
• Steering and suspension – The condition of these components will be checked for inappropriate repairs and corrosion. The steering oil level also will be checked, as well as the steering lock, and all dashboard warning lights.
• Electrics – The battery and any visible electrical wiring will also be tested.

There are lots of things you can do before your MOT test to ensure that it passes with flying colours the first time – view our pre-MOT checklist guide to learn more.

View the guide 

Want to book your MOT early to stay on top of your car maintenance? Maybe you want to get the absolute most out of your full MOT year? Thankfully, there are no rules on how early you get your MOT.

First, it’s important to bear in mind that MOTs last for a full year and the expiry date is printed on your MOT certificate. You can book your car’s MOT up to one month (minus one day) before it expires without it affecting your renewal date. This lets you still get the full 12 months’ benefit.

For example, if your vehicle’s MOT expires on September 12th, 2021, the earliest you can book your MOT without changing the renewal date is August 13th, 2021 (one month minus one day). In this example, you would still keep your September 12th, 2021 renewal date.

If you want to book an MOT before this, however, you can do so at any time you like. For instance, car dealers will often have a second-hand car retested to give the new owner the benefit of a 12-month certificate. For example, using the above scenario, if you decide to take the vehicle for its MOT on August 7th, 2021, then the new expiry date will now be August 6th, 2022.

The problem here is that the MOT certificate will then only last for one year from the date of the MOT (minus one day) and you will get ‘less MOT for your money’ as a result. However, if there are many MOTs likely to be conducted – such as the autumn 2021 glut caused by the COVID MOT extension – you increase your chances of beating the queues.

If you’re still unsure when you need to get an MOT, use our free date check service and save money on your next MOT.

Check your MOT date 

Get an MOT you can trust from our experts – book an MOT near you now with our simple and quick booking tool. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to message us via live chat, get in touch online or over the phone. Alternatively, check out our MOT information section to get totally in the know.

Book your MOT 

MOT originally stood for Ministry of Transport (a now obsolete Government department) and the MOT Test was first introduced in 1960. Originally, it was only conducted when a vehicle reached 10 years old and then every year thereafter. It is a far more wide-reaching test now than it was back then, but vehicles have become a lot more complex!

The MOT test covers the following;

• The vehicle’s bodywork and structure to ensure there is no excessive corrosion that may affect its structural integrity
• The tow bar (if fitted) to ensure its fitted properly and has a functioning electrical supply
• The fuel system (including all its hoses and pipes) will be checked for leaks and to ensure everything is secure. The fuel cap will also be checked to ensure it opens and closes securely.
• The exhaust’s emissions will be checked (along with its general condition – safely secured, noise and leaks) to make sure it meets emissions regulations. They’ll also check that a Catalytic Converter is present (if one was factory fitted).
• The seatbelts will all be checked to ensure they are working, safe and secure. Airbag warning lights, seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters will also be checked.
• The seats will also be checked to ensure they are secure and that the driver’s seat can be adjusted.
• The doors will be checked to ensure the open/close properly from the inside and the outside and all latches are secure and in a good condition.
• The mirrors will all be checked.
• The boot and bonnet will be checked to ensure they open and closes properly
• The brakes will be checked (with the wheels on) for braking efficiency (called the efficiency test), this will also include the electronic parking brake, ESC (electronic stability control) and ABS (anti-lock braking system) if fitted as standard. All dashboard warning lights will be checked including the brake fluid warning light.
• The wheels and tyres will be checked for security, general condition, tread depth, size and type. Spare wheels and tyres are NOT covered in an MOT. The TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system) will also be checked for vehicles registered after 1st January 2012.
• The vehicle’s registration plates will be checked to ensure they comply with the regulations and are fitted correctly. The VIN (vehicle identification number) is also checked to ensure a single VIN is displayed.
• The headlights will be checked to ensure they are functioning and aimed correctly.
• The washers, wipers and windscreen will be checked to ensure clear road visibility.
• The horn will be checked for suitability and function
• The steering and suspension condition (and steering oil) will be checked for inappropriate repairs and corrosion and that the steering lock works correctly. All dashboard warning lights will also be checked.
• The battery and any electrical wiring that is visible will also be checked.

Need more information on what's included in the car MOT checklist? 

Related: Common MOT failures and how to prevent them

Check out our top tips to help you prepare for your MOT. These simple checks will greatly increase your vehicle's chances of passing it's MOT first time.

The easiest solution is to set a reminder on your mobile phone or in your diary. Or you may prefer to simply sign up for our FREE MOT Reminder service and we'll remind you 6 weeks, 4 weeks and 2 weeks before your MOT is due.

Remember you can be fined up to £1,000 for driving without an MOT certificate.

MOTs last for a full year and the expiry date is printed on your MOT certificate.

You can actually get your MOT up to one month (minus 1 day) BEFORE it expires and it will not affect your renewal date (so you will still get the full 12 months benefit).

For example, if your vehicle’s MOT expires on the 12th October, the earliest you can book your MOT in is the 13th September (one month minus 1 day). In this example, you would still keep your 12th October renewal date.

You can actually take you vehicle for an MOT test at ANY time you like (car dealers will often have a second-hand car re-tested to give the new owner the benefit of a 12-month certificate), but the MOT certificate will then only last for one year from the date of the MOT (minus 1 day).

For example, using the above scenario, if you decide to take the vehicle for its MOT on the 7th September then the new expiry date will now be the 6th September the following year.

You cannot renew your vehicle tax without a valid MOT test certificate. You need to renew your tax AFTER it has passed an MOT.

You can be fined £1,000 for driving a vehicle on a public road without a valid MOT test certificate. There are some exceptions (see below).

Driving or parking a vehicle on a public road without a valid MOT is a prosecutable offense, BUT you CAN drive the vehicle to and from an MOT test centre (you may need to prove to the Police that you have a booked appointment). You ARE also allowed to drive it to and from a repair centre (again, you may need to provide evidence if stopped by the Police).

It is illegal to drive a car on UK roads without insurance, even if you are driving it to an MOT test centre. Driving on a public road without cover could result in unlimited fines, 6-8 penalty points or even a lengthy ban. Day insurance can be a cost-effective to insure your vehicle for short periods. 

In most cases an insurance company will invalidate your policy if your MOT certificate has expired. This will leave you to pick up any repair costs following an accident and if you are found to be at fault for an accident involving a third party, then any damages incurred by them will also be your responsibility. The following article offers more information on this topic, telling you how to Check Tax and MOT and Insurance.

You can book an MOT at any approved testing station. There are around 23,000 repair garages that are authorised to conduct an MOT test in Great Britain. Authorised centres have to meet stringent criteria and MOT Testers are highly trained and continually tested throughout their career. You can find your nearest National MOT Test Centre here

MOT stations have to be approved and regulated by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) which is a Government agency and part of the UK Department for Transport (DfT). Only, authorised MOT test centres are allowed to display the blue MOT symbol with three white triangles.

Each vehicle type is given a ‘Class’ from 1-7.  Prices vary between classes.

Not all MOT testing centres can carry out MOTs on all classes of vehicles.

At National, we only carry out Class 4 MOT’s which covers the following vehicle types;

·         3-wheeled vehicles (over 450Kg)

·         Cars (with up to 8 passenger seats)

·         Motor Caravans

·         Dual Purpose Vehicles

·         Private hire and public services vehicles (up to 8 seats)

·         Ambulances and taxis

·         Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9-12 passenger seats)

·         Goods vehicles (up to 3,000kg)

* Not all MOT ramps can accommodate Long Wheel Base (LWB) Vans or Motorhomes, please check before travelling

An MOT either passes or fails an MOT.

You can check your vehicles MOT history including whether it’s passed or failed; the mileage; test location and failure items on Government's web site at https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history

If it passes, it will receive an MOT test certificate (VT20) and will be recorded in the DVSA’s MOT database.

You may receive notification of ‘minor’ or ‘advisory’ items that may need monitoring before the next test (VT32).

If the test reveals ‘dangerous’ or ‘major’ problems then it will fail and you may need to get the problems fixed before driving it again.

You will be issued with a ‘refusal of an MOT test certificate’ (VT30) and this will be recorded in the DVSA’s MOT database.

You can read more about your options if your car fails it's MOT here.

No you do not need take your previous MOT certificate with you when you go for a test. You can read more about it here: Are old MOT certificates needed when re-testing?

If your car has no MOT, you can only legally drive to the garage en-route to your appointment. For more information on driving a car without an MOT, please click on the following article: Can you drive a car without an MOT?

As part of the MOT check, you will fail if your exhaust emissions exceed the legal limit. If you own a diesel car and would like to read more about this, please click on the following article: 5 ways to reduce diesel emissions ahead of an MOT check

MOT is an acronym for the UK’s Ministry of Transport. Having a valid MOT certificate is a legal requirement for all vehicles in the UK that are over 3 years old.

Please click the following article for more information on what MOT stands for: What does MOT stand for?

Our online appointment pricing is based on the capacity of our garages. Additional charges may apply to online MOT appointments for same-day or peak day appointments.