3788
MOT Testing Stations
4.7
Average Rating out of 5
231
UK Towns & Cities
Complete Guide to MOT Testing in the UK
Every vehicle over three years old in the UK must pass an annual MOT test to remain legally roadworthy. The MOT certificate confirms your car meets minimum safety and environmental standards, covering everything from brakes and tyres to lights, exhaust emissions, and structural integrity. Without a valid MOT certificate, driving on public roads is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £1,000 — and your car insurance may be void.
Checking Your MOT Status and History
You can check your MOT expiry date and full MOT history using our free MOT checker tool above. Enter your vehicle registration number to see when your current MOT certificate expires, any advisories from your last test, and your complete MOT history check results. Reviewing past tests before booking helps you address known issues and improves your chances of passing first time.
Prepare With Our Free 44-Point MOT Checklist
Before heading to the garage, work through our free 44-point MOT checklist — readable online or as a printable PDF, with no account needed. It covers every area tested during an MOT, from lights and brakes to tyres, dashboard warning lights and bodywork. Spotting problems early means fewer surprises on test day, and anything you do find can be priced by garages near you before you book.
How Our Free MOT Reminder Service Works
Our free MOT reminder service sends email alerts 28 days and 7 days before your MOT expires, so you never miss your annual test. Sign up with your registration number and email and we'll track the expiry date automatically. Each reminder includes links to nearby MOT testing stations, so you can compare costs and book without hunting for the date again.
Finding and Booking an MOT Test
When it's time to book your MOT, you want a trusted local garage at a fair price. Our directory lists 3788 MOT testing stations across 231 UK towns and cities, with genuine customer ratings sourced from Google, contact details, opening hours and the services each garage offers. You can browse and contact a garage directly — or skip the ringing round and let garages near you come back with a price.
Compare MOT and repair costs near you
Enter your postcode and garages in your area are invited to send back a price for the MOT — and for any work it needs. Free, and your phone number stays private until you accept a quote.
Find MOT Testing Stations Near You
Browse our directory to find trusted MOT garages in your area, with verified ratings and reviews from real customers.
Browse All MOT Garages →Frequently Asked Questions About MOTs
What Does an MOT Test Check?
An MOT test covers over 100 individual checks across these key areas. Understanding what's tested can help you prepare your vehicle and avoid common failures.
Lights & Electrical
- ✓Headlights (aim, condition, operation)
- ✓Brake lights & indicators
- ✓Fog lights & hazard warning lights
- ✓Number plate lights
- ✓Horn
Steering & Suspension
- ✓Power steering operation
- ✓Steering wheel play
- ✓Shock absorbers
- ✓Suspension springs & joints
- ✓Wheel bearings
Brakes
- ✓Brake pads & discs
- ✓Brake pipes & hoses
- ✓Handbrake operation
- ✓Brake fluid level
- ✓ABS warning light
Tyres & Wheels
- ✓Tread depth (min 1.6mm)
- ✓Tyre condition & damage
- ✓Tyre size & type match
- ✓Wheel security
- ✓Spare wheel (if fitted)
Visibility
- ✓Windscreen condition
- ✓Windscreen wipers & washers
- ✓Mirrors (condition & security)
- ✓Driver's view of the road
Exhaust & Emissions
- ✓Exhaust system fastening
- ✓Exhaust leaks
- ✓Catalytic converter
- ✓Emission levels (CO2, hydrocarbons)
- ✓Diesel smoke opacity
Body & Structure
- ✓Bodywork corrosion
- ✓Sharp edges (pedestrian safety)
- ✓Doors (latches & hinges)
- ✓Boot lid / tailgate
- ✓Bumper security
Safety Equipment
- ✓Seatbelts (condition & operation)
- ✓Seats (security & adjustment)
- ✓Airbag warning light
- ✓Registration plates
- ✓VIN number visibility
Most Common MOT Failures (2024/25)
Based on DVSA data, these are the most common reasons vehicles fail their MOT test. Addressing these areas before your test can significantly improve your chances of passing first time.
Source: DVSA 2024 MOT data, aggregated across 20.8M failure records. Percentages represent each category's share of all 2024 failures. Click any category to view its full breakdown.
Check Common Problems for Your Car
See exactly which faults affect your make, model and generation across 559 million UK MOT records.
Page last updated: May 2026
