September means the new number plate identifier ‘73’ is almost upon us. This identifies the year of registration until March ‘24’ arrives in spring next year. Lucky brand-new car owners won’t need to worry about an MOT certificate, but just how long do new cars have until they need an MOT?
Do New Cars Need an MOT?
All cars over three years old are required to have an MOT test annually to ensure they meet the minimum safety and environmental standards. This test is designed to check the roadworthiness of the vehicle and its compliance with certain regulations.
This means that a new car MOT will first be required on the third anniversary of its registration. Once your car passes its first MOT, you’ll need to schedule subsequent MOT tests every 12 months.
MOT Expiration on New Cars
It can be easy for the anniversary of your MOT to creep around, so why not set a reminder when you take delivery of your new car?
Once in the MOT system, you can often opt into your local garages reminder service which most places offer, and you will get a handy email, text, or call to let you know it’s time to book.
The MOT Test Certificate is valid for 12 months after your vehicle passes. Driving without a valid MOT is illegal and if you are caught driving without one you could face a £1000 fine, unless it is the unlikely event that you are driving to a pre-booked appointment at a garage!
Remember, if your vehicle does not have a valid MOT certificate, it cannot be parked on the road either.
Common Issues Found on First MOT on New Cars
New cars often come with long warranties and are finely tuned to last for many years. However, while they are highly unlikely to suffer from corrosion or emissions failures from new, they still might have some minor MOT problems that you should keep an eye on.
There are several common reasons why a car might fail an MOT:
- Worn or damaged tyres – If you have racked up the mileage on your new vehicle, tyres with insufficient tread depth or visible damage can lead to a failure.
- Faulty wipers and washers – non-working or ineffective windshield wipers and washers can cause a failure.
- Damaged windscreen – Cracked or chipped windscreens that obstruct the driver’s view can be marked down as a failure.
- Brake problems – Worn brake pads, discs, or inefficient braking systems can result in a failure.
The MOT test is all about safety and roadworthiness. Any car that fails an MOT will need to undergo repairs and replacement parts must be fitted before you can legally drive on the road again, after it has passed a retest.
Keep on top of the maintenance schedule and carry out pre-MOT checks and your car will pass with flying colours.
New Car MOT FAQs
MOTs put the roadworthiness of a vehicle to the test, which is crucial for your safety and that of other road users. Here are some FAQs about MOTs.
