How to Book and Prepare for Your MOT Test

Summary

• Where to book: Any DVSA-approved garage, dealership, or test centre. Use the gov.uk finder or search locally.
• When to book: Up to one month before expiry. You won't lose any days on your new certificate.
• Cost: Maximum £54.85 for cars (many places charge less). Retests are often free or reduced if done quickly.
• Prepare first: Check lights, tyres, wipers, and review previous advisories. This increases your chance of passing first time.

Your MOT is coming up. What now?

This guide walks you through how to book your MOT, what to do before the test, and what happens on the day. Follow these steps and you'll give yourself the best chance of passing first time.

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How to Book Your MOT Test

Booking an MOT is straightforward. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Find a Test Centre

Any garage displaying the blue "MOT Testing Station" sign can do your test. You can find one by:

• Gov.uk finder: Use the official MOT test centre finder
• Local search: Search "MOT test near me" and check reviews
• Your regular garage: If they're DVSA-approved, book with them
• Dealerships: Most main dealers offer MOT testing

Step 2: Check Your MOT Due Date

Before booking, check when your MOT actually expires. Use CarOwl's free checker or gov.uk to see the exact date.

Step 3: Book the Appointment

Call the test centre or book online. You can book up to one month (minus one day) before your MOT expires without losing any days on your new certificate.

For example, if your MOT expires on 20 April, book from 21 March onwards. Your new certificate will still run until 20 April next year.

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What You Need to Bring

On the day of your MOT, bring:

• Your car (obviously!)
• V5C logbook (not essential, but helpful if there are queries)
• Previous MOT certificate (optional, as the tester can look it up)

Make sure your car has enough fuel for the emissions test (at least a quarter tank) and that the engine is warm.

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How to Prepare Your Car for the MOT

Around 40% of cars fail their MOT. Many failures are for simple things you can check yourself. Here's what to do before the test:

Check All Lights

Lighting faults are the number one reason for MOT failure. Test every light:

• Headlights (dipped and full beam)
• Brake lights
• Indicators (front, rear, and side)
• Hazard lights
• Rear fog lights
• Number plate lights

Get someone to stand behind the car while you press the brake pedal. Replace any blown bulbs - they're cheap and easy to fit.

Check Your Tyres

Tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters, all the way round. Use a 20p coin: if the outer rim is visible in the grooves, the tyre is too worn.

Also check for:

• Cuts or bulges in the sidewall
• Correct inflation (check the door jamb sticker for pressures)
• Matching tyres on the same axle

Check Wipers and Washers

Wipers must clear the screen effectively. If they streak or smear, fit new blades. Also top up your washer fluid - the tester will check the washers work.

Check Your Windscreen

Any chip or crack larger than 10mm in the driver's direct line of sight will fail. Outside that zone, damage up to 40mm is allowed.

Review Previous Advisories

Check your car's MOT history for past advisories. If something was flagged last year (like worn brake pads), it might fail this time if you haven't fixed it.

General Checks

• Horn: Does it work?
• Mirrors: All present and not cracked?
• Seatbelts: All working and retracting properly?
• Doors: All open and close properly?
• Dashboard lights: Warning lights will be checked

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What Happens During the MOT?

The MOT takes 45-60 minutes. Here's what the tester checks:

Area	What's Checked
Lights	All lights work, aim correctly, correct colour
Steering	Smooth operation, no excessive play
Brakes	Efficiency, balance, handbrake holds
Tyres	Tread depth, condition, correct size
Suspension	Shock absorbers, springs, joints
Exhaust	Emissions levels, leaks, security
Bodywork	Corrosion, sharp edges, structural integrity
Visibility	Windscreen, mirrors, wipers, washers
Safety	Seatbelts, doors, horn, mirrors

You can usually wait while the test is done. Some centres have a viewing area so you can watch.

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How Much Does an MOT Cost?

The maximum fee is set by the government:

• Cars: £54.85 maximum
• Motorbikes: £29.65 maximum
• Vans/motorhomes: Up to £58.60

Many garages charge less than the maximum. Shop around - you might find deals as low as £30-40. Just don't choose purely on price; check reviews too.

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What If You Fail?

If your car fails, you'll get a certificate listing exactly what's wrong. You have options:

• Fix it there: If the garage does repairs, they may retest for free or at a reduced rate
• Take it elsewhere: Get repairs done and return within 10 working days for a partial retest
• Partial retest: Only the failed items are re-checked, so it's quicker and cheaper

For dangerous defects, you can't drive the car at all. It must be fixed on-site or transported by trailer.

For more on this, see our guide to MOT advisories and failures.

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Common Questions

How early can I book my MOT?

Up to one month (minus one day) before expiry. Your new certificate will still run from the old expiry date.

Do I need to book or can I just turn up?

Most places take bookings. Some offer walk-ins, but booking guarantees your slot.

Can I drive without an MOT to the test?

Only if you have a pre-booked appointment and are driving directly to it. Otherwise, no.

What if I can't wait - how long does it take?

Usually 45-60 minutes. See our guide on how long an MOT takes for more details.

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Final Thoughts

Booking an MOT is simple. Passing it is easier when you prepare.

Check your lights, tyres, wipers, and washers before the test. Review your previous advisories. Fix any obvious issues.

Do this and you'll maximise your chances of passing first time - saving time, money, and stress.

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