How Do I Know When My MOT is Due?

In the UK, an MOT is a legal requirement for any car older than 3 years (unless it’s exempt for being a ‘classic car’). It’s important to keep an eye on when your car last had its MOT and add when it’s next due in your diary.

Unlike car tax, there is no reminder for your car to have a valid MOT, although you can sign up to the government’s reminder system.

How to check your MOT due date

You can check the government website or your old MOT test certificates to discover the expiry date. Both of which allow you to find the dates for when you’ll need to book in your car for its next MOT.

Booking your MOT as early as possible lets you pick a time that suits you and works around your other commitments. Although, you can book it too early and lose a month’s worth of MOT on your vehicle. To get the most out of your MOT find a time close to the expiry date that works for you.

Why check your MOT due date?

It is a legal requirement to have a valid MOT; therefore, it is important to know the date when it expires to ensure you never drive without a valid certificate. During an MOT, a series of vital checks are carried out to ensure your car is roadworthy, keeping you and everyone around you safe.

The consequence of driving without an MOT could result in a large fine of up to £2,500 or even invalidate your insurance.

The DVSA has computerised the MOT test system, which means that mobile camera units and police patrols can check remotely to determine if there is a current MOT certificate associated with any vehicle. This means the chances of getting caught are higher than ever.

It is worth mentioning that you can only drive a vehicle without an MOT if you are on the way to the garage or test centre for a pre-booked MOT test.

What to do once you have a date

Once you have the date of your next MOT, it is important to carry out a few preparations beforehand. These are simple and easy to resolve, but are things that can lead to a car failing its test.

1. Top up all your fluids: make sure that your screenwash, brake fluid and oil meet the expected standard.
2. Check your horn: a very easy check but something that is important to a vehicle passing its MOT.
3. Clean your car: the car does not have to be spotless; however, if your car is excessively dirty and messy an examiner can refuse to test it.
4. Check the lights: another key function of the car that should be checked in advance. With the majority of the issues coming from the bulbs, it is a relatively simple fix.
5. Wipers: test both your front and rear wipers and make sure they effectively clear the screen.
6. Number plate: another really simple check is the number plate. You need to ensure that it has not been damaged, obscured or deteriorated.
7. Mirrors: your mirrors need to be secure and free of cracks.

For the majority of these checks, they are things that you will already be aware of if you regularly drive the vehicle. With the solutions all being fairly simple keeping all of this in check prior to your MOT test drastically increases your chances of passing.

Where to get your MOT booked in Peterborough?

When booking your MOT, the garage you choose must be authorised by the government to carry out MOT tests.

Here at ATD, we make sure that your car’s MOT is top of the priority list; we also make sure to take the necessary actions to guarantee your vehicle is safe and performs at its best. If things do not go as planned we will provide you with a courtesy car for your convenience.

To book your MOT contact us on the number 01733 319139.