How long does an MOT take?
An MOT test is a legal requirement to drive your car on UK roads.
So, how long does an MOT take? On average, an MOT test takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
Timing can vary based on car make and model, condition, and whether you need repairs after the car MOT check. Your car may need more time if it fails the initial test and requires a retest after adjustments.
In England, Scotland, and Wales, gov.uk explains that a car needs its first MOT by the third anniversary of its registration, then a test every year. Without a valid one, you cannot legally drive it on the road.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) oversees MOT testing, checking your car’s safety, roadworthiness, and exhaust emissions against the minimum legal standards. The MOT name dates back to the former Ministry of Transport, which introduced the test.
Driving without a valid MOT certificate is illegal. According to gov.uk, you can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a car without one. Missing an MOT can also have a big impact on the price when you’re buying or selling a car.
We recommend scheduling your MOT well in advance to allow for any unforeseen delays.
- What is the MOT test?
- Average MOT test time
- What is checked during an MOT test?
- Where can I book an MOT test?
- What should I do if my vehicle fails the MOT test?
- How long is an MOT certificate valid?
- What happens after the MOT test?
- FAQs
What is the MOT test?
The DVSA requires all cars over three years old in England, Scotland, and Wales to meet mandatory safety and environmental standards through the MOT test. This annual test is a legal requirement to drive on UK roads. In Northern Ireland, nidirect confirms cars aged four years and over must pass an MOT every year.
The MOT assessment checks how your car’s crucial components work and confirms that your vehicle’s emissions abide by existing standards. An MOT certificate confirms your car has passed all required safety checks and is road safe.
MOT testing is a fundamental part of responsible vehicle ownership. Beyond meeting statutory requirements, an MOT keeps your car safe and lowers the risk of breakdowns and accidents.
Without an MOT certificate, your car cannot be taxed, so driving it is illegal. If the authorities stop you driving a car with no MOT certificate, you risk a fine and your car being taken off the road.
A valid MOT certificate is also often necessary for insurance coverage. See our ultimate guide to the MOT for more information.
How long does an MOT take on average?
An authorised MOT test centre typically completes an MOT in around 45 minutes to an hour. How long does an MOT take? It can vary depending on:
- Vehicle type: high-performance cars or those with advanced features take longer to inspect.
- Cars: most tests take under an hour.
- Motorcycles: often quicker, usually 30 to 45 minutes given their simpler structure.
- Vans: usually one to 1.5 hours due to their size and complexity.
- Car condition and repairs: well-maintained cars are quicker to assess, and any fault means repairs and a retest add time.
- Testing centre workload: busier centres may have longer wait times.
How much does an MOT cost?
The cost of an MOT is capped by law. According to gov.uk, the maximum fee is £54.85 for a car and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle, with no VAT to pay on top.
Many test centres charge less than the cap to win your business, so it is worth comparing local prices. The fee only covers the test itself, so if your car needs repairs to pass, you pay for those separately.
What is checked during an MOT test?
The MOT is a thorough safety and functionality check. It inspects a range of car components and systems, including:
- Braking system
- Bodywork
- Exhaust emissions
- Exhaust system
- Fuel system
- Horn
- Lights and signals
- Registration plates
- Seats
- Seat belts
- Steering and suspension
- Wheels and tyres
- Windscreen
- Wipers and washer bottle
Many of these items are quick and easy to check yourself before your MOT. This helps you avoid paying for a retest over something small, like a faulty bulb, low tyres, or an empty washer bottle.
Carrying out regular car maintenance and dealing with dashboard warning lights promptly also help get your car in top shape before the MOT. If in doubt, ask a mechanic to inspect critical systems before your test.
Per DVSA testing data for 2025 to 2026, lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment are the top defect at 24.89%, within a 27.51% initial failure rate.
Where can I book an MOT test?
You must have MOT tests carried out at certified MOT centres. You can find your local MOT centre or garage with a quick online search. Alongside smaller local garages, you can book at national brands like Kwik Fit and Halfords, as well as dealership service centres or council MOT sites.
It’s also worth asking friends and family, or via social media, for recommendations of good local garages for your MOT.
What should I do if my vehicle fails the MOT test?
If your car fails its yearly MOT, act quickly. Ask the testing centre for a copy of the failure report, which details the specific problems, and book repairs as soon as you can.
You can have the repairs done at the same testing centre or choose another reputable garage. Once the repairs are done, keep all invoices as proof.
You then rebook the MOT to confirm the faults are fixed. If you leave your car at the same test centre and it is retested within 10 working days, gov.uk confirms the partial retest is free. Bring your repair invoices along, as they can help you qualify for a free or reduced retest fee.
How long is an MOT certificate valid?
An MOT certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. You cannot legally drive on UK roads once your certificate expires, even if you have an MOT test booked.
What happens after the MOT test?
After the MOT, your car gets one of three results:
- Pass – Your car meets safety and environmental standards, and you get a new certificate.
- Advisory – Your car passes, but the tester flags issues to monitor. They do not fail the MOT, but fixing them helps prevent future failures.
- Fail – You cannot drive your car on UK roads. Fix the faults in your failure report before an MOT retest.
MOT FAQs
Can you do an MOT in 30 minutes?
Most likely not. An MOT takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. A quicker turnaround depends on factors like the testing centre’s workload and your car’s condition.
Can I drive while waiting for MOT?
No. You cannot drive or park your car on the road once your MOT has expired. According to gov.uk, the only exceptions are driving to a pre-arranged MOT test or to and from somewhere for repairs, and the car must still be roadworthy.
Can I drive straight after MOT?
Yes. If your car passes the MOT, you are free to drive straight away, as a new certificate is valid immediately.
If your car fails, you must repair it to meet road safety standards before driving. According to gov.uk, the only exceptions are driving to a pre-arranged MOT retest or to and from somewhere for repairs, and the car must still be roadworthy.
How much does an MOT cost?
According to gov.uk, an MOT costs a maximum of £54.85 for a car and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle, with no VAT on top. Many test centres charge less than this cap, so it is worth shopping around.
How often does a car need an MOT?
Your car needs its first MOT by the third anniversary of its registration date, and then once every year after that. You can confirm the exact due date on gov.uk so you never miss it.
Can you sell a car without an MOT?
Technically, you can sell a car without a valid MOT certificate. However, not having an MOT makes a car harder to sell, shrinking both its buyer pool and sales price, as buyers want safe used cars.
Cars that fail their MOT are more likely to be given Cat D status, otherwise known as being a write-off, and they could be dangerous. Because driving without an MOT is illegal, you cannot road test the car, so you must find another way to get it to buyers.
If your car fails the MOT test, you can also sell it for scrap. Remember, according to gov.uk, you can only drive it on the road to a pre-arranged MOT test or to and from somewhere for repairs, so for scrapping you will usually need to arrange collection or transport.
Need to sell your car?
Want to learn more about owning, maintaining, and selling your car? Check out more of our guides here, covering everything from Clean Air Zones to car tax, and plate changes to part exchange. You can also get a car MOT check with our useful tool.
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The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice.