How to Check Car MOT

By Julia Freeman

A new MOT rule came into effect earlier this year and if, like many, you are wondering what it means for you, you have come to the right place.

New MOT Rules 2022

On the 2nd March 2022, the DVSA changed their rules regarding who can be an Authorised Examiner Designated Manager (AEDM). They updated the responsibilities for the person holding this role to ensure that the AEDM at every MOT test centre is somebody who is authorised by the business to effect changes rather than simply reporting necessary changes up the chain of command for somebody else to process.

At Protyre, we responded to this rule change by ensuring that we have a nominated AEDM at each of our local garages, all of whom are fully trained and entirely responsible for the running of MOTs at their branch. This guarantees that all customers have a dedicated point of contact wherever they take their car for its MOT, improving the quality of service and simplifying the MOT process for all.

Online Information

If you are looking to buy a new car or sell your car, you will need to know the MOT status of the vehicle. A vehicle with 12 months MOT makes for a more attractive proposition to buyers and many people will now check a car's MOT online before even viewing it as this provides some indication as to how well it has been maintained whilst in its current ownership.

Checking a vehicle's MOT status is simple and can be carried out online by entering the vehicle registration number into the gov.uk website [1]. This not only tells you when the current MOT will expire but also provides an overview of all previous MOTs, including details relating to any failures or advisories. By reviewing the vehicle's full MOT history, you can begin to build a picture of what remedial work has been carried out each year.

If you are planning to sell a vehicle that has less than six months MOT remaining, you may be wondering whether you could MOT your vehicle early to change MOT date and therefore sell it with a full year's MOT. This can be done however, if the vehicle is in good overall condition and there is unlikely to be an issue that will affect its chances of passing the next MOT whilst preserving its original anniversary, you should consider whether the benefits of doing so will outweigh the extra hassle.

If you have less than three months remaining on the MOT at the point that you decide to sell the vehicle, you may consider keeping the vehicle and then having it MOT'd a month and a day ahead of the current MOT expiry date, thus preserving the date and still being able to sell the vehicle reasonably quickly.


MOT Testing

Protyre can carry out services, repairs and MOTs at our garages, and these can all be booked online using our simple booking tool. For your convenience, each garage is also staffed by an experienced, friendly and helpful team who will be very happy to answer any questions and take bookings by telephone.

Repairs, Replacement Items and Tyres

If, during your MOT, any issues are identified that can be easily repaired or components noted that require replacement, we can do this for you, with your permission at the time of the MOT, or if you prefer, within the ten day period that will allow us to conduct a partial retest and issue you with a Pass certificate. In order to avoid driving a vehicle on the road without a valid MOT, our years of experience tell us that booking your car in for its MOT at least ten days before the expiry date of the MOT is the simplest way to remain legal.

We stock a comprehensive tyre range to suit all vehicles, driving styles and budgets, including from leading brands Sumitomo and Bridgestone, so if you need new tyres ahead of your MOT, we offer the widest selection in the market and can fit them same day.

For further advice or assistance about tyres, MOTs or servicing, please contact our experts or book a free vehicle check online.

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About the author

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By Julia Freeman
Julia is Head of Brand Marketing for Micheldever Group and loves engaging with customers and the business as a whole to deliver their automotive needs.
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