MOT Test Certificate
The new MOT certificate mentioned above is a computer-printed document. It is your receipt for the MOT test and shows the information that will be held on the MOT database.
When to Test
You must get an MOT test for your car by either: the third anniversary of its registration the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old In some cases, you’ll need to get a test when it’s 1 year old – check the MOT fees table to see if this applies to your vehicle.
The MOT test checks that your vehicle complies with the minimum standards required for lawful use on the road. Everyone who uses a vehicle on the road is required to keep it in a roadworthy condition. If your vehicle is over 3 years of age it needs to be checked at least once a year to see that it complies with key roadworthiness and environmental requirements.
The MOT is effectively the examination of a motor vehicle’s safety-related systems components to ensure that they have not worn to an excessive level which would otherwise render the vehicle unsafe for use on the road. It is possible for items to pass the MOT inspection and yet still be regarded as past their service life at a routine service.
To check the status you will need the registration mark of the vehicle and either the document reference number from the V5C registration certificate or the test number from the new style MOT test certificate. This service is handy to use before you buy a second-hand car for example.
Note, however that the MOT test is not a substitute for proper and regular servicing. Passing the MOT test does not mean that your vehicle will remain safe for the following 12 months. To check the MOT status of a particular vehicle you can find out more about the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) organisation.