Can I Get an MOT Reminder?

In 2020, we saw the biggest disruption to MOTs due to the coronavirus pandemic as tests across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were suspended as test centres closed, allowing cars to continue on the roads without an MOT test. Now that things are starting to get back to normal, in this article we will cover the MOT basics and how you can get a reminder for when yours is next due.

What is an MOT test?

As we have covered in many articles, an MOT test is the yearly check of your car to ensure it meets road safety and environmental standards. The test was named after the old Ministry of Transport and is standardised across 21,000 MOT centres across the UK all of which display the official blue logo with three white triangles.

When your car passes the three-year-old mark, you require an MOT every 12 months and you should be aware that it is illegal to drive a car without a valid MOT and if you do, you could be fined up to £1000. The only exemption for this is if you’re driving to a pre-booked MOT test or to the garage for repairs.

The maximum price an MOT test centre can charge for a test is £54.85, however, should your car fail the test you need to factor in any necessary repair costs before you put it back on the road.

When is my MOT due?

In the UK, most cars over three years old will require an MOT test every 12 months, however, in Northern Ireland, drivers can wait until the fourth anniversary of their registration for their first MOT test. You can check the status of an MOT via the gov.uk site. All you need to do is enter your car’s registration number.

Should you be buying a used vehicle, you can check its MOT history and status also via the government website. You can get your MOT one month, minus one day, before it expires and still keep the current renewal date but if you wish to get your MOT test earlier than this date, you can do this also but your renewal date will change.

Can I get an MOT reminder?

In Northern Ireland, you will receive an MOT test reminder approximately 7 weeks before your MOT test is due. If you live in England, Scotland and Wales you can sign up for MOT reminders by text message or email telling you when your next test is due. When you sign up, you’ll get a reminder one month before your car, van or motorcycle MOT is due or 2 months before your lorry, bus or large trailer is due. Sign up for MOT reminders here.

Should you need any repairs for your upcoming MOT test, get in touch with MyCarNeedsA.com who can gather quotes from local mechanics in your area, saving you time and money. Get your quotes!