Everyone knows that it is a legal requirement to book your vehicle in for an MOT test annually, but just how important is an MOT test?
Safety and Roadworthy
To increase the safety of every driver in the UK, the test was first introduced in 1960, to decrease the amount of annual crashes and incidents due to underperforming cars.
Examiners look at both the exterior and interior of the vehicle and any faults found could lead to a fail.
If the vehicle fails, then the driver needs to fix the issues that caused the vehicle to fail, otherwise it is illegal for the vehicle to be driven on the road.
What are the examiners looking at?
- Headlights and indicators
- Brake lights
- Number plate
- Wheels and tyres
- Windscreen
- Windscreen wipers
- Windscreen wash level
- Fuel and engine oil levels
- Doors
- Vehicle structure
- Seats and seatbelts
- Horn
- Warning lights
- Mirrors
- Suspension
- Exhaust system
What are the repercussions for a vehicle with no MOT certificate?
Without an up-to-date and valid MOT certificate, you’re unable to renew your road tax.
In the event of a crash, if your vehicle has not had an MOT test, most insurance companies will invalidate your insurance, meaning you will have to pay for your/the other person’s repairs yourself.
If you are caught driving without an MOT certificate, you can be fined up to £1000.
The average pass rate for an MOT test is around 60% and you can have your MOT test carried out 28 days before the expiry date without affecting it, and then any time after that – therefore, there is no reason for not having your vehicle tested.
