MOT guides

MOT guides, backed by real DVSA data

Plain-English answers to the questions UK drivers and used-car buyers actually ask — many anchored by a statistic from 42,216,721 real MOT tests, the rest a clear explanation of the official rules.

• What fails an MOT? The most common reasonsMost MOT failures come down to a handful of wear-and-tear areas. Here is what the data actually shows across the UK fleet.
• MOT pass rates by car ageA car's age is one of the strongest predictors of whether it passes its MOT. Here is the failure rate by age band across the UK fleet.
• Does mileage affect MOT failure?Higher-mileage cars fail MOTs more often, but the relationship is not as steep as many buyers assume. Here is the data.
• When is my MOT due?Most cars need an MOT every year. Here is how to find your exact due date and what happens if you miss it.
• When does a car need its first MOT?New cars are MOT-exempt for their first three years. Here is exactly when the first test is due.
• What is an MOT?The MOT is the UK's annual roadworthiness test. Here is what it does — and the one thing it cannot tell you.
• What does an MOT advisory mean?An advisory is the MOT tester's heads-up about something to keep an eye on. Ignore them at your peril.
• Dangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince May 2018, MOT results use a clearer grading system. Here is what each defect category means.
• Write-off categories: A, B, S and N explainedA written-off car is not always a no-go — but you must know which category it was. Here is what each one means.
• Mileage discrepancies and clockingEvery MOT records the odometer reading — which makes clocking easier to spot than ever. Here is what to look for.
• How much does an MOT cost?There is a legal maximum an MOT can cost — and most garages charge below it. Here are the numbers.
• Can you drive without an MOT?There are only two times you can legally drive a car without a valid MOT. Here they are — and what it costs if you get it wrong.

Check any UK reg free for its full MOT history plus a statistical next-MOT failure-risk estimate.