Motorists could be landed with a £1,000 fine for missing one annual date (Image: Getty Images)
Drivers who overlook a crucial date could find themselves slapped with a hefty fine of up to £1,000.
All vehicles on UK roads are required to have a valid MOT, which verifies their roadworthiness. This legal requirement applies to all vehicles, including cars, motorbikes, lorries, and vans.
According to official guidelines, drivers of vehicles found without a current MOT could face a maximum penalty of £1,000. Furthermore, most vehicles must undergo an MOT annually, the only exception being on the third anniversary of a vehicle’s registration if it is brand new.
So, what does an MOT entail?
An MOT ensures that a car is safe to drive and meets environmental standards. During an MOT, various tests are conducted on key components of the vehicle to ensure they function correctly.
For cars, these tests can include:
- Seatbelts
- Wipers
- Windscreen
- Electrical wiring
- Battery
- Lights
- Registration plate
- Bonnet
- Tyres and wheels
- Brakes
- Horn
- Exhaust system
- Mirrors
- Doors
- Towbar
- Seats
- Tailgate
- Body structure
- Fuel system
Following an MOT test, the vehicle will either pass or fail. If a vehicle fails, it means there is a part of the vehicle that is either dangerous or has a significant issue.
As a result, the car cannot be driven until the highlighted issues are rectified. In some instances, the vehicle may still pass but with minor or advisory problems, which serve to alert the driver to monitor them as they may require attention in the future.
Driving a vehicle that has failed its MOT due to a dangerous fault could lead to a fine of up to £2,500, three penalty points, and potentially a driving ban.
Guidance on when and how to book an MOT
If you’ve bought a brand new car, it will need an MOT on the third anniversary of its registration date – for instance, if it was registered on June 12, 2025, it would need an MOT by June 12, 2028.
For vehicles over three years old, an annual MOT is required from the date of the previous MOT. An MOT can be booked up to a month minus one day before it expires.