Location: This guide explains the rules for England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland uses a separate vehicle testing service and different rules. See nidirect MOT guidance.
Start here: Find clear guidance on MOT failures, dangerous and major defects, retests, advisories and expired certificates.
Common MOT questions
- Can I drive after failing an MOT?
- Major MOT defects explained
- Dangerous MOT defects explained
- Is an MOT retest free?
- How early can you get an MOT?
How we research MOT guidance
We check rules against current GOV.UK and DVSA information, link to the primary source, and show when each guide was reviewed.