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An MOT certificate confirms at the time of the test your car met the minimum road safety and environmental standards required by law. It doesn’t mean your car will remain roadworthy for the following 12 months.

For any vehicle that is over three years old, undergoing and passing an annual MOT Test is a legal requirement. The MOT status for your vehicle must always be current and is required to be renewed before it expires.

Reputable dealers like Carwise never sell cars without a valid MOT Certificate. Here’s what you need to know.

How much does an MOT cost?

The Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) sets the maximum fee that can be charged for vehicles. In 2018, the maximum fee for a car is £54.85 and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle

Can I drive my car if it has failed its’ MOT?

It’s illegal to drive with an invalid MOT certificate. If your car has failed and the date on your certificate has passed, you can only drive your car to be repaired or to a pre-arranged MOT appointment, and only if it is completely roadworthy at all times.

Does my MOT expire at midnight on the date of expiry?

Common sense says that the date of expiry lasts until midnight, but if you’re driving your car on that date you’d be wise to be driving to the test centre! You don’t have to wait until the MOT expiry date to renew your MOT – you can, in farm, renew any time in the month leading up to the expiry day which means your MOT will effectively run for 13 months.

Will my worn brake pads fail an MOT?

Excessively worn pads and shoes will usually result in an MOT failure. Brake pads and shoes are actually designed to wear. The lining component will wear when it rubs against the brake disk or brake shoe causing brake fluid leaks which will always result in a vehicle failing its MOT test.

Always make sure that you book your MOT in plenty of time before your expiry date. Without a current MOT, your car insurance would become invalid. Not having a valid MOT certificate is illegal under Section 47 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and you run the risk of facing a £1,000 fine and a charge of six to eight penalty points on your licence. Ouch.

If you are looking to buy a used car, please do contact www.carwiseuk.com.

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Nicki Rodriguez

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