Getting your MOT reminder
MOTs are a necessity for every vehicle owner throughout the UK in order to ensure their vehicle is roadworthy.
Introduced in 1960, the MOT test was originally only required for vehicles over ten years of age. However due to the age of the vehicles there was an extremely high failure rate for these original MOT tests, and therefore in 1961 this was reduced to seven years, followed by a further reduction to three years in 1967. This figure has not changed since then; at a vehicle’s third anniversary of registration, an MOT must be carried out and every subsequent year following.
An MOT test should be carried out before the existing pass certificate runs out; cars should not be driven if an MOT has run out. Subsequently the DVLA allows drivers to get an MOT up to a month prior to when it is due for re-testing, whilst maintaining its current renewal date.
What will happen if you don’t MOT your car?
New MOT laws were introduced in 2018, which mean car owners driving an unroadworthy vehicle face steeper fines (even if an MOT is still in date). These new MOT rules mean that car defects are now labelled as minor (which would pass), major or dangerous (both of which would mean an automatic fail).
Drivers will be fined £1,000 if they are found to be driving without a current MOT or have received a major fault during an MOT (even if the current MOT is still in date). However, if a vehicle has received a dangerous classification and is driven without being fixed, a driver could receive an astounding £2,500 fine and three points on their license.
As a result of this, it is vital that you ensure your vehicle is booked in for its MOT in plenty of time. Whilst some simply remember to do this, due to our busy lives often this specific MOT renewal date can be forgotten. To avoid drivers inadvertently forgetting their MOT and driving unroadworthy vehicles, the DVLA provides a helpful reminder service.
How to get an MOT reminder
The MOT reminder service is extremely simple to use. You simply need to visit the website www.gov.uk/mot-reminder, enter your car registration number, click how you would like to receive your reminder, fill in your email address or phone number and then activate your MOT reminder (either via an email or inputting the 6-digit code sent to your mobile).
Once set up, you will receive your MOT reminder, by email or text, one month before it is due. If you have sold, written off, transferred or registered the vehicle as off the road at any point, you will have to unsubscribe from these reminders either at the bottom of your email or by following instructions on your text message.
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