Your MOT

Being a responsible (and legal) driver means ensuring that your car is roadworthy – and that means getting an MOT once it is three years old and keeping it up to date

A valid MOT test certificate is required by law if your car is to be used on public roads. It is also a requirement, along with a certificate of insurance or note of cover, when you tax your vehicle. Without an MOT, you will not be able to use your vehicle on the road.

Cars need to have an MOT when they are three years old and annually thereafter. You can find an MOT centre in your local phone directory, or simply look out for the logo outside garages – but be aware that you may need to make an appointment.

If you apply for the test anything up to a month before it’s due, the next certificate will run from when the existing one expires – just remember to take your previous certificate with you to continue cover.

The focus of an MOT examination is very much on safety and mechanical tests, with a few legal and environmental checks. For full details of what is tested and how, you can contact the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).

Many parts that will be tested can be checked at home and should be done regularly. If you keep an eye on your vehicle and carry out regular maintenance and care [link to maintenance article once up], then you can lessen the wear and tear on your vehicle and help to keep it in tip-top condition – a healthy car is a car less likely to breakdown, after all! (But if you want to ensure that you are protected in the event of a breakdown, Direct Line’s Breakdown cover is available from just £23 and will provide peace of mind and a top-quality service should you be in the unfortunate situation where you do need to call them out.)

If you think the garage is wrong about something, don’t get it fixed. The MOT testing station will be able to get you a VT17 form, which you fill in and send to the VOSA with a full test fee. VOSA will then re-test your vehicle within five working days. If your car tests successfully you’ll get a MOT certificate and a partial or full refund. The address of the local VOSA office will be available from the testing station, or you can telephone VOSA direct on 0845 600 5977 to locate one.

Although an MOT shows that your car complies with key roadworthiness and environmental requirements at the time of the certificate’s issue, it is not a guarantee of a car’s roadworthiness throughout the year. If you are found to be at fault in the event of a car insurance claim, insurers may take your car’s roadworthiness at the time of the accident into account. As a responsible car owner, it is down to you to ensure that your car is kept maintained between MOT tests.

You should also ensure you have these best car insurance cover, so get a quote online now and let Direct Line provide you with a good deal better on your car insurance. Safe motoring!