What is MOT?

Question

I just bought a car and its MOT runs out on 15th December. What is a MOT? What is a car tested for -what am I to expect? Can I drive my car without a valid MOT certificate till I get it done? What should I do on the car before it goes for the MOT test? I will appreciate it if all answers are given in relation to a person living in London, England, United Kingdom.

Thank you

Answer 1

The M.O.T is a annual test ( for car`s over 3 year`s old ) every car on England`s road`s must be covered with an m.o.t / insurance / road tax , driving without any of these will land you in court ! Driving a car without a valid m.o.t will make your insurance void if you were to have an accident / knock some one over .
The majority of police cars now have a system that can read your number plate as you are driving past them and it tell`s them instantly if you are covered by insurance & road tax and also if you have a valid m.o.t . ( m.o.t`s are now registered by computer direct to d.v.l.a )
There is a good chance that they will take your car off you ( they do in the north east of england ) at the road side if you are found not to have any one of insurance / tax / m.o.t
So it`s not really worth the risk , take it for m.o.t as soon as possible cost around £50 .................

Answer 2

MOT means Ministry of Transport

In the United Kingdom, a certificate of roadworthiness, equivalent to an inspection sticker in the United States, awarded to a vehicle that has passed its MOT test.

Answer 3

(n) a compulsory annual test of older motor vehicles for safety and exhaust fumes

No, when it's due you must get it done, or you can't renew your plate when it comes due. If you have any problems with your exhaust system, leaks, bad mufflers or the like you would need to address those issues. Make sure all your lights work, horn working, those type of things.