Among the many essential factors that pertain to an MOT test, the most important one is knowing when the next MOT is. Not keeping track of when the next test is due is not the only reason for concern but worry as well because of the possibility of being banned from driving if caught  without a valid MOT. So here are some very important things to keep in mind to prevent yourself from losing your car to the authorities.

Unraveling the MOT

The MOT test, first introduced in 1960 as a basic safety test meant to ensure that every vehicle is in a condition that is good enough for the road. However, as the years went by, the rules became more stringent, and today, there are several items like lights, mirrors, brakes, etc covered by this test so that vehicles are not just road safe but adhere to the minimal environmental norms as  well.

In the United Kingdom, every vehicle crossing three years needs to go in for this test after which the test is done on an annual basis. This test covers motorcycles, cars, vans, and light passenger vehicles. The system that was in place before 2018 was quite different from the current one and underwent a significant amount of changes. These include:

• Defect Categories: Based on the type of problem found in the vehicle, defects are now seen to be either `dangerous`, `major`, or `minor`. On the other hand, aspects of the vehicle that need to be monitored by the driver are termed `advisories`. `Dangerous` and `major` problems need to be dealt with immediately. In fact, for vehicle issues falling in the former category, the individual will not be permitted to drive the vehicle until the repairs are    done.
• New Rules about Diesel Emissions: The emission limit for diesel vehicles is made more stringent. The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) should be working well. There should not be any tampering of the DPF or any smoke emitting from the vehicle.
• Items to be checked: Apart from the basics, the MOT test will also check and verify if the tires, brake pads, reverse lights, and brake fluids are as they should be. They will check to make sure there are no fluid leaks likely to pose an environmental risk. Similarly, headlight

washers are expected to be there on vehicles used after September 2009, and daytime running lights need to be present on vehicles used after March 2018.

Based on the type of vehicle, there is a maximum fee that can be charged by the MOT test centers. The maximum for a car is £54.85, and for a motorcycle, it is £29.65.

Who needs to obtain an MOT?

Vehicles less than three years need not go in for an MOT as they are exempted from this certificate. However, they are not the only ones. Cars, motorcycles, vans, and other light passenger vehicles will not need to go for the MOT test if they have exceeded 40 years from    their registration or manufacturing date. The only clause here is that they should not have been substantially changed at any time during that period. To find out when the vehicle was registered, all you need to do is go online and put in the vehicle registration number for all the details of your vehicle to show up. People can even review a local business directory where they would receive information about MOT centers and find those that are nearest to them.

On the flipside, there is a caveat to the above rule which applies to taxis, ambulances, private passenger vehicles (9 to 12 seaters), and play buses. For all of these vehicles, the first MOT needs to be done in the first year itself. There are test centers all over the UK that are authorized to carry out the MOT test and provide the certificate. They can be identified by the blue sign with three white triangles. Individuals can visit the official website to find the nearest center to them.

How to avoid being fined?

A recent survey found that more than five million drivers in the UK were unsure when their MOT was due thus running the risk of being fined. This was partly due to the extension scheme that  was brought in place during the pandemic that gave rise to confusion among drivers. If this   wasn`t bad enough, it was found that many drivers were not aware of the penalties for not getting the vehicle`s MOT done on time.

While an individual driving without a valid MOT certificate runs the risk of getting three points on their license, they may also receive a penalty fee and have the vehicle impounded if its condition is termed `dangerous`. Most aged drivers above 50 years were not only concerned about the due date of their MOT but also about taking it for a check because of the problems it would bring to  the fore. Some people failed to insure their vehicles if they were sitting in the garage while

around seventeen percent of those surveyed believed that insurance was only needed if the car was on the road.

Given that the lockdown resulted in people staying at home and not venturing out unless necessary, many vehicles were left in garages so maintenance, MOT tests, and other vehicle details were far from their minds. Added to that was the extension scheme introduced in the last year in March when restrictions on travel were imposed. Drivers in Newcastle were found to be the most updated about vehicle checks and almost all of them kept track of exactly when their next MOT was due.

One should not forget to check MOT for the car insurance to remain valid. With the MOT extension scheme, which added six months to all vehicles that were due for a test after March 30, 2020, individuals were now asked to get their appointments booked to ensure their current certificates do not expire. Keeping track of the appointment date is the only way one can ensure they do not end up driving around with an invalid certificate.

What are the drawbacks of not getting the MOT done on time?

While many people tend to be lax about the due date and presume there won`t be any major hassle, the fact remains that a vehicle not in possession of a valid certificate will not be able to be driven anywhere other than to the garage for repairs. If caught on the road without a valid MOT certificate, unless the individual can prove they have a pre-booked appointment for repair work, the police may place the penalty on them. This is one of the most important things to know about the MOT.