If you are fortunate enough to be a car owner or the owner of any other vehicle, you will probably know that your vehicle must go through an MOT test yearly. The importance of this cannot be denied as it ensures that your vehicles are fit to go on the road and, more importantly, are safe – both for the driver and passengers and for the pedestrians and other drivers. Of course, an MOT test isn’t just for cars, either – it is for all types of vehicles, from cars to vans to motorcycles to many others. But whether you have your first-ever MOT or your nth, there is much more to the MOT test than meets the eye, and it’ll be in your best interest to know what it’s all about. So why are MOT tests necessary? Here are the answers to your top questions.

The history

The MOT test, which stands for the Ministry of Transport test, is a standard for any vehicle planning to be on the road. In short, only vehicles that pass the MOT test are road-worthy and fit to be driven. The history behind the MOT test is interesting – it was first launched in the 60s, and since then, it has gone through many changes. For instance, a tyre check was one of the first things examined in the 60s. Today, the MOT test is more complex, and more than the tyres are checked! It includes suspension, brakes, bodywork, lights, and more. In addition, the test is to ensure that a car or vehicle will not have any breakdowns, which can be accidents that could have been prevented.

Who does the test

More than 20,000 garages in the UK are more than ready (and willing) to perform the MOT test, and they are also allowed to validate the test. When you are looking for a garage in your local area, you must ensure that they are authorised by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to confirm the validity of your MOT. You can also look up any RAC-approved garages in your local area, to be doubly sure.

If you are unsure if your vehicle is required for an MOT, one way to find out would be to enter your vehicle’s registration on the government site. Once a car turns three years old, it must be tested for the MOT. So if your car or vehicle is brand new, there is no need for it to have an MOT test. But on the other hand, if you are driving a car or any other vehicle above three years of age and it does not have an MOT, you could receive fines of as much as £1,000 – so it’s only advisable to remember when your vehicle is due for its MOT.

When to do it

If your vehicle is due for an MOT, the experts would say to try to book it in advance. It ensures that everything is sorted out and there are no last-minute requirements you will not meet. A standard MOT test lasts for about 45 minutes, but this will depend on the kind of vehicle you have.

Here’s a tip: look for a garage that can also do vehicular repairs. If your car fails the MOT test, it should be in a garage that can do the necessary repairs.