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Book Your MOT Early To Guarantee A Stress-Free Summer Holiday
The Motor Ombudsman is advising vehicle owners to schedule their MOT tests well in advance of their summer travels. This annual test, which ensures vehicle safety and roadworthiness, can be booked up to a month before the current certificate expires. Failing to do so can result in a £1,000 fine, points on the driving licence, and invalidated insurance.
Rebecca Pullan, Managing Director at Carmaster Garage in Harrogate, emphasised the importance of timely MOT bookings. "An MOT is a legal obligation – an annual check that ensures your vehicle meets the required road safety and environmental standards. Contrary to the misconception of some consumers, there is no grace period once the MOT certificate becomes void. This means we always advise securing an appointment in advance, to ensure that the test is done well ahead of the deadline."
Booking an MOT early offers several advantages. It reduces the risk of driving without a valid certificate and helps avoid last-minute rushes and potential delays. Additionally, it provides more flexibility in scheduling appointments that fit personal and work commitments. Early booking also allows time for any necessary repairs identified during the test.
Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, highlighted the importance of early bookings during peak travel times. "As the summer holiday period gets underway, and with millions of drivers set to take to the nation’s roads, we are urging consumers who own cars of three or more years age to arrange the annual assessment as soon as possible in advance of their trip. This gives a better chance of securing a booking at their preferred business, whilst it also helps spread the workload for MOT stations, particularly in locations across the country where garages may be busy."
For those needing an MOT or other services like repairs or routine checks, over 7,500 independent garages and franchise dealer workshops across the UK are accredited by The Motor Ombudsman. These businesses adhere to high standards set by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)-approved Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair.
Rebecca Pullan also advised regular vehicle checks beyond just annual MOTs. "As a general rule, it is good practice to bring your car to a garage for routine checks at least twice a year. Many drivers like to schedule their MOT and annual service for the same time, as they’re just making one trip to the garage. However, ‘uncoupling’ these visits means vehicle owners are much more likely to catch small issues before they become serious problems. This can therefore help avoid incurring unwanted expense in the long run."
Reminder Services
To help motorists remember their MOT dates, free reminder services are available that send notifications via text or email when a certificate is about to expire. Bill Fennell noted: "There are handy free-of-charge MOT reminder services available that can send a text or an e-mail direct to your smartphone to give you advance notice of a certificate expiring. It is therefore worth signing up to keep this important date in the vehicle ownership calendar front of mind, and to avoid a last-minute scramble to secure a slot on the ramp."
The Motor Ombudsman’s online Garage Finder lists all accredited businesses for easy access by consumers looking for reliable service providers.
The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) oversees vehicle licensing and testing in Northern Ireland.
The Motor Ombudsman self-regulates the UK motor industry through its CTSI-approved Codes of Practice. Thousands of businesses are accredited under these codes, ensuring higher standards and consumer protection during vehicle purchase and ownership.
For more information on The Motor Ombudsman or to find accredited garages, visit www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Garage-Finder.
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