How Long Does an MOT Test Take?

Every car needs an MOT test. And that means you'll have to take it in to a local garage to have it inspected (and potentially serviced). We all have lives, so it helps to know how much valuable time you can expect to dedicate to this important task.

Unless you're driving a new car (under three years old) or an extremely old one (more than 40 years), it needs a valid MOT certificate. Otherwise, you can't tax it, insure it or legally drive it on public roads in the UK.

The MOT test is a good thing. It helps you catch any potential problems with your car before they cause expensive damage — or worse, an accident. But it's also a hassle if you have to wait too long for results.

So how long does the MOT test take? 

The answer depends on the type of vehicle you are driving and what kind of testing they need to carry out.

MOT duration: how long your test takes

If you have a busy life (who doesn't these days?!), you're probably dreading your MOT test. For people used to leasing new cars or who have never owned one for more than three years, there's the extra worry of not knowing how long it takes in the first place.

The good news is: The average MOT test lasts between 45 minutes and one hour. If you cannot take your vehicle in person, some test centres even offer to collect it for you and return it after.

But there are a few other factors to consider:

• If your vehicle fails the MOT test, it'll need to stay behind for repairs (which take longer).
• The test centre cannot legally let you drive your car away after failing its MOT test unless last year's MOT certificate is still valid.
• The only exception to that rule is if you're taking the vehicle to get fixed (and even then, your car will be unroadworthy without a valid MOT).
• If you go the extra mile to have your car fixed at another garage, you will spend more time and you won't be entitled to a free retest.

It's also worth noting the test itself usually takes an hour or less, but that doesn't mean your car is at the garage for 60 minutes. A lot of MOT test centres require you to drop your car in the morning and reclaim it after it's ready.

You can usually figure out which centres have this policy by reading reviews. If you want, you can avoid them. But the truth still stands — you should expect to be without your car all day.

It's much better to book an early MOT appointment. Here's why:

It's better to book your MOT test early in both senses of the word.

1. Booking it earlier in the day means the garage will get to it first thing. If you don't want to be without your car all day, reserving an early appointment is a must.
2. It's illegal to drive without an MOT, so scheduling it before the annual deadline allows you to fix issues on your own terms if the inspector finds any.

When you visit the MOT test centre, you'll be on their time. If they end up getting backed up throughout the day, it only pushes the later appointments back.

As for scheduling an appointment before your MOT expires, it's the smartest thing you could do. If you fail your test the first time around (more than 300,000 fail their first test every year), you'll be stuck with your car at the garage until it's fixed.

When you're stuck there, you're at their mercy. If they aren't your regular trusted mechanic, you could find yourself with a higher bill for the repairs.

How early can I get an MOT?

To get an MOT test, you need to use an authorised test centre. This means you'll need to look for the blue MOT test sign with three white triangles when booking your appointment.

Most garages open between 7:00 and 8:00 in the morning. And many stay open on the weekend.

As far as booking your appointment before the expiry date goes, there are actually benefits to doing so. You're allowed to book your MOT up to one month in advance while keeping the same expiry date.

For example, if your MOT expires on the first of June, you can book it as early as the first of May. Technically, this means it'll be valid for 13 months, rather than 12.

So when should you book your appointment? As soon as possible!

Do you have to sit and wait for your MOT?

Even though being without a car might inconvenience you, at least you don't have to wait for your MOT to finish. You can drop off your vehicle and go about your day. The MOT test centre will tell you when it's ready for pickup.

If you don't want to make a second trip to recollect your vehicle, there's nothing stopping you from waiting. But if your appointment is mid-morning, you could be in for a long wait.

How long until I need to get another MOT?

Your MOT certificate is only valid for one year. You'll need to get a new yearly certificate for as long you own the vehicle.

You can (and should) get a new MOT certificate before the expiry date. You're allowed to have a test within the 11th month of your last MOT certificate while keeping the same expiry date.

If last year's MOT certificate is still valid and you fail your more recent test, you'll still be allowed to drive your car until you can get it fixed. That way, you won't be at the mercy of whichever garage you had it tested at.

It's important to note that your car needs an MOT even if you aren't driving it. All cars three years old or older need their yearly test, even if they're off the road and awaiting sale.

Want to learn more? These are the questions our users ask us the most.

Do all vehicles undergo the same duration of testing?

Not all vehicles have the same duration for their MOT test. Class 1 and 2 vehicles (motorcycles) and Class 3 vehicles (motor tricycles) have shorter testing times than cars, vans, and other motor vehicles. On the higher end, Class 5, 5a, and 7 vehicles will take slightly longer due to their size and complexity. Still, it won't take much longer (though you can expect repairs to last a bit longer).

Are there any factors that affect the time taken for the MOT test?

Yes. Factors affecting both your car and the garage you take it to can influence the time your MOT test takes to complete. A complex or heavily modified car or van will take longer compared to a basic family hatchback with stock parts. If your car is older, you can also expect the inspection to take a bit longer.

On the garage's side, the amount of time it takes them to inspect your car (and get to it in the first place) depends on how busy they are. If they're backed up — such as if an earlier MOT test went over the expected time — delayed timing can quickly compound. This is a common problem at MOT test centres that are more popular.

If you need repairs on your vehicle before it passes, the inspector will go over them with you. Then, they will offer a solution to fix them and arrange a retest. This may happen the same day, but there's no guarantee — the time it takes to make repairs can vary.

What happens if the MOT test takes longer than expected?

Sometimes, MOT tests take longer than expected. That's exactly why most garages recommend you drop off your car in the morning (or whenever your test takes place) and collect it later. There are some testing centres that arrange vehicle pickup for you, which could also be helpful if you're pressed for time.

Is a waiting area available during the MOT test?

Most garages have a waiting area for customers whose vehicles are being tested. That said, the size of the waiting room can vary from garage to garage. If you're worried about being comfortable while you wait, it's best to call ahead and ask before you arrive.