An MOT is a yearly test that checks your vehicle is safe to drive and meets legal environmental standards. It’s a legal requirement for most vehicles on UK roads.
The inspection covers key areas like your car’s structure, brakes, fuel system, and exhaust emissions.
You’ll need an MOT:
Before the third anniversary of your vehicle’s registration
Every year after that, if your vehicle is over three years old
Staying on top of your MOT not only keeps you road legal—but helps you catch issues early and avoid costly repairs.
How much does an MOT cost?
The maximum MOT fee for cars with up to eight passenger seats is set by the government at £54.85. But in many cases, you could pay much less.
Many garages offer discounted MOTs—especially when booked alongside a service. With our trusted partner BookMyGarage, you might even find MOTs from as little as 1p when booked with a major service.
In fact, 80% of drivers who booked through Compare the Market between 16 January and 14 April paid less than the full price.
Want to save on your MOT? Compare garages near you and book with confidence.
About BookMyGarage
BookMyGarage helps you compare prices, ratings, and availability at local garages—so you can save money on your MOT, servicing, repairs, and maintenance with total confidence.
With over 2,400 garages across England, Scotland, and Wales—including independents and main dealers—you can easily find a trusted garage near you.
✔️ Compare by postcode ✔️ See real customer reviews ✔️ Choose a time that works for you ✔️ No upfront payments—pay after the work is done
You can also add optional services like an air con re-gas or a winter health check to get your vehicle ready for the road ahead.
Just enter your registration number and postcode to get started and start saving today.
What happens if my car fails its MOT?
If your car has a ‘major’ or ‘dangerous’ fault, it will fail the MOT—and you won’t be able to drive it until the issue is fixed.
To pass, you’ll need to have the necessary repairs done and then book a retest to get your MOT certificate.
Depending on the type of repair and how quickly it’s done, your retest might be:
Free (if done at the same test centre within a certain timeframe)
Charged at a reduced rate (partial retest fee)
Or require a full MOT fee again
For full details on MOT failure categories and retest rules, visit GOV.UK.
With the right garage, you’ll know exactly what needs fixing—so you can get back on the road safely and legally.
What happens if you break down without cover?
Breaking down without a breakdown policy can leave you facing high costs and stress. While some providers let you join on the spot, you’ll typically pay a steep emergency fee—and you won’t benefit from your usual policy rates.
If you don’t have cover, you could:
Call a breakdown provider for pay-as-you-go help. Some providers offer services to non-members, but expect premium rates for one-off call-outs.
Contact a local garage for recovery. They may tow you to their workshop, but services are subject to opening hours—and fees can be substantial.
Ask friends or family for assistance. This isn’t always practical, especially late at night or if you’re far from home.
Investing in breakdown cover means your roadside rescue is just a call away—without the risk of unexpected charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I compare MOT services?
Comparing MOT prices and reviews helps you find trusted garages near you—often at a lower cost. It’s a quick way to save money and ensure great service.
Can I get an MOT and service at the same time?
Yes, and it’s often more cost-effective. Many garages offer discounts when you book both together—some even offer MOTs for as little as 1p with a full service.
Why might my car fail an MOT?
Common reasons include worn tyres, faulty lights, brake issues, or problems with suspension and emissions. Many of these can be avoided with regular maintenance.
How often do I need to get an MOT?
Most vehicles need an MOT once a year after their third birthday. It’s a legal requirement to keep your car roadworthy.
What should I do if I break down?
Stay safe: pull over if you can, switch on hazard lights, and call your breakdown provider’s 24/7 helpline. Follow their instructions and wait in a safe location.
Do electric and hybrid vehicles need an MOT?
Yes—electric and hybrid cars still need an annual MOT once they’re over three years old, just like petrol and diesel vehicles. The only difference is there’s no emissions test for fully electric cars.
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