Book Your MOT Test
With over 500 MOT test centres throughout the UK and many open 7 days a week, it's no wonder we're the UK's number 1 MOT tester. Book a Service at the same time as your car MOT and receive an additional saving over the standard individual product price.
Please enter your vehicle registration below and click 'Search' to view and book MOT and Service packages for your vehicle.
Please note: Our prices include VAT where applicable. We are able to carry out MOTs and servicing the majority of vehicles but some vehicle exclusions may apply including Tesla models. If booking a service with your MOT and your vehicle has a Digital Service Record (DSR) we will not be able to update or reset this.
Class 7 MOT Test
If you need an MOT for your van or light commercial vehicle, at Kwik Fit we have a number of MOT test centres with facilities especially designed to carry out class 7 MOTs on vehicles weighing 3,000-3,500kg. Contact your local Class 7 MOT centre to book.
When is my MOT test due?
To find out if your vehicle has a valid MOT and when your next MOT test is due, check out our MOT Due Date Check and enter your vehicle registration number. Alternatively, you could find your current MOT certificate and look for an expiry date. The MOT can be completed on the vehicle at any time before the expiry date but in order to preserve your existing expiry date, you will need to take your MOT test up to 1 month (minus a day) before it runs out. So, if your MOT runs out on 27th June, the earliest date you can have your MOT test and keep the same renewal date for next year will be 28th May.
You can also use Kwik Fit's free reminder service to get a note from us when your MOT is due for renewal.
What is an MOT?
An MOT test is an annual inspection that is required by law on all vehicles in the UK that are older than 3 years (and some vehicles that are older than 1 year). The test follows strict criteria set by the DVSA to determine whether your car is safely roadworthy. A broad range of vehicle safety checks must be completed by an MOT test centre with DVSA-approved examiners, including lights, tyres, seatbelts and emissions. For a full list of what is included in an MOT when you have your test at Kwik Fit, see our MOT checklist.
During the MOT test, the tester, a person accredited by the DVSA to assess your vehicle, will conduct a comprehensive inspection to ensure the vehicle is in roadworthy condition. However, it is not the same as having your car serviced and the MOT test does not check the general mechanical condition of the vehicle. Also, the assessment is based on the condition of the vehicle on the day - passing an MOT does not guarantee the condition of the tyres 6 months later, for example.
If the vehicle passes, the tester will provide you with a pass certificate. They will also separately list and inform you of any 'minor' (formerly 'advisory') items that will require attention in the near future so you can keep an eye on them.
If the vehicle fails, you will receive a list of the 'major' or 'dangerous' faults present. If these are easy fixes and can be addressed without your car leaving the garage, you may be entitled to a free re-test.
How often do you need an MOT?
Any vehicle that is older than 3 years is required to have a valid MOT test certificate that should be renewed annually. This means that, if you have a vehicle that is younger than 3 years, you don't need to take it for an MOT test until it reaches the third anniversary of when it was first registered. After this date, it is your responsibility to ensure that it is renewed every 12 months.
Some vehicles, such as ambulances and taxis, must be taken for an MOT test after 1 year.
How long is an MOT certificate valid for?
An MOT certificate is usually valid for 12 months from the expiry of your previous certificate instead of 12 months from the day of the test. This is important to remember so that you aren't driving your car when the MOT has expired. You can find this expiry date on your existing MOT test certificate.
How early can you do an MOT?
There are certain rules about how early you can take your car for its annual MOT test. The inspection can be carried out up to 28 days before the expiry date shown on your previous MOT certificate. This means that, if you take your vehicle for its test 28 days before the expiry, your MOT will essentially be valid for 13 months. You won't lose any days for taking the car early.
For example, if your MOT certificate expires on the 20th July, you can take the car for its next test between the 22nd June and 20th July. The new certificate would then be valid until the 20th July the following year.
Do I need an MOT?
An MOT is a legal requirement to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive on public roads and isn't producing too many harmful emissions. This means that there are certain penalties that you could incur if you don't have a valid MOT. To find out what these are, see the section below.
Do electric vehicles need an MOT?
Just like cars with petrol and diesel engines, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles both still require a valid MOT certificate if they are 3 years old or more. The main difference is that electric vehicles do not require an emissions test, therefore this part of the MOT test is omitted.
All Kwik Fit MOT centres are equipped and capable of carrying out MOT testing for hybrid and electric cars although some vehicle exclusions may apply including Tesla models currently. Please contact your local Kwik Fit MOT centre for more details.
Can I drive if my MOT has expired?
Without a current MOT certificate, you will be unable to drive your vehicle lawfully or renew your road tax. The penalty for not having a valid MOT certificate is a fine of up to £1,000, however, if your car has failed the test and is deemed as 'dangerous', driving this vehicle could result in a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 points on your licence. For your car to be classed as dangerous following its MOT test, it either poses an immediate risk to road safety or has a serious impact on the environment due to its emissions.
Is insurance valid without an MOT?
If you're asked to produce your MOT certificate following an accident and it isn't up to date, your car insurance claim could be affected, especially in the case of injury. Alternatively, recent computerisation of the MOT testing system by DVSA means that police and mobile camera units can now check remotely to see if your vehicle has a current MOT. They can use your number plate to check their database and may stop you if your MOT is invalid.
It's best not to take the risk, so don't leave it too late - Kwik Fit has over 500 DVSA-approved MOT test centres nationwide.
What do I need to take to my MOT?
The only thing you need to bring with you is the vehicle being tested!
Our tester will be able to look up your vehicle on the DVSA database to find the existing MOT details. You can even book MOT tests up to 1 month (minus a day) before your current due date without losing the existing expiry date, essentially giving you 13 months on your MOT instead of 12. Book your MOT online today.
How long does an MOT take?
The MOT test takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. Each Kwik Fit MOT test centre is equipped with comfortable seating and free wifi so you can make yourself at home and we will carry out your MOT while you wait.
Rest easily with a Kwik Fit MOT and service
If you have an upcoming MOT and are concerned about your vehicle's health - invest in a combined appointment at your local Kwik Fit centre. Our expert technicians will go through all of the areas for a service and an MOT, giving you peace of mind that not only is your car safe but also that it is fully service, given fresh oil, and ready to get back on the road. Book an appointment today.
What’s Included in an MOT?
The tester in centre will check the following components to ensure each meets the minimum standard set out by the DVSA before issuing an MOT certificate.
Vehicle Identification Number
The MOT test checks that the Vehicle Identification Number, commonly referred to as the VIN, is present and legibly displayed on the vehicle. The VIN is a unique code including a serial number that is stamped on the vehicle. The location of the VIN varies from one vehicle manufacturer to the next.
Registration plate
The MOT tester will check the condition, security, legibility and the format of letters and numbers on your registration plate. The spacing and lettering on the number plate must meet current regulations and should not be altered in any way.
Lights
The MOT test checks the condition, operation, security and colour of your vehicles lights. The test will also check to see if the headlamp aim is correct.
Steering and suspension
The MOT tester will also check the steering and suspension components for correct condition and that the operation is correct.
Wipers and washer bottle
During the MOT the tester will check your vehicle's wipers and washers ensuring they operate properly and give the driver a clear view of the road.
Windscreen
During the MOT the tester will check your vehicle's windscreen for any chips or cracks. The maximum damage size is 10mm in the drivers’ line of vision or 40mm elsewhere in the remaining area swept by the wiper blades.
Horn
The MOT test will cover the horn’s operation for effectiveness and suitability.
Seatbelts
All seatbelts including those in the rear of the vehicle are checked for type, condition, correct operation and security and that all compulsory seatbelts are in place.
Seats
Your vehicle’s front seats are checked for security during the MOT test.
Fuel system
The fuel system is checked during the MOT test for leaks and that the fuel cap fastens and seals securely.
Emissions
The MOT test checks your exhaust emissions, ensuring that the vehicle is within the specified guidelines and that the exhaust is complete, secure, without serious leaks and silences effectively.
Bodywork
Vehicle structure and body shell are checked during the MOT test for excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas of the vehicle. Any sharp edge can result in an MOT failure.
Doors
The MOT tester will check that the doors open and close correctly and that the latch is secure in a closed position. Front doors should open from both the inside and outside of the vehicle. Rear doors may need to be opened to gain access to testable items like rear seatbelts.
Mirrors
The mirrors on your vehicle are checked during the MOT test for condition and security.
Wheels and tyres
The MOT tester will check the vehicle's wheels and tyres for a number of key points: the condition, security, tyre size and type and tread depth.
Brakes
The MOT tests the efficiency of the vehicle's braking performance, condition and operation. Most vehicles are tested on a roller brake tester.
For more information about MOTs and the checks carried out as part of the MOT test, Please visit the GOV.UK website
Book an MOT near me
Kwik Fit has over 500 MOT test centres across the UK. Find your nearest Kwik Fit MOT centre using the map below.
