The History Of The MOT Test

If you’ve been driving in the UK for a while, you probably know the drill: every year, your car needs its MOT to stay road legal. But have you ever wondered where this yearly procedure came from – or why it even exists?

The MOT test, which is short for “Ministry of Transport” test, has been around since 1960. Since then, it has evolved dramatically to match modern driving demands and, crucially, keep our roads safer. 

Let’s have a look through its surprising origins and how it’s changed over the decades – as well as what it all means for you as a driver today.

The start of the MOT: 1960

The MOT test was introduced on 12th September 1960, originally as a voluntary check for vehicles that were more than ten years old. At that time, the test was extremely basic; it only covered brakes, lights, and steering. Yet, despite its simplicity, failure rates were extremely high. 

• As such, the test was made mandatory within just a few months, and in 1961, the age threshold of the vehicle was lowered to seven years. 
• By 1967, this was further reduced to three years, which remains the rule for most vehicles today.

The original test cost just 14 shillings (about £20 in today’s money), and you’d receive a paper certificate upon passing (which cost another shilling) – something that has, of course, been modernised considerably in recent years.

The MOT grows up: 1970s-1980s

As the number of cars on UK roads increased, the MOT test began to cover much more. Throughout the 1970s, more safety-critical items were added to the checklist, including windscreen wipers, indicators, exhaust systems, and even the vehicle’s body and chassis for signs of dangerous corrosion.

By 1983, further measures were introduced to protect road users. Taxis, ambulances and other passenger vehicles over a certain weight became subject to MOT testing just one year after their registration, which reflected their heavy usage and the greater risk they posed if not properly maintained. In other words, a normal commuting car is only on the road a few times in a day, but ambulances and taxis are on the road all day, every day.

Into the 1990s: emissions and environment

While safety remained a priority, the 1990s saw environmental awareness take centre stage. Most safety-critical components were already included in the MOT, so it was time to think of the ways vehicle components impacted things external to the vehicle. 

So, in 1991, emissions testing for petrol vehicles became part of the MOT for the first time. Diesel cars followed a few years later, and the rules around tyre tread depth were tightened to a minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.

Other key updates included checks for anti-lock braking systems (ABS), seatbelt mechanisms, rear-wheel bearings, and steering systems. These changes reflected technological advancements in vehicle design and a greater public awareness of the risks of pollution and mechanical failure.

The digital shift: 2000s to now

The 21st century brought major upgrades in how the MOT is delivered. In 2005, MOT testing centres across the UK were connected to a central DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) database. This eliminated the need for paper records and made it much easier for drivers, garages, and authorities to track a vehicle’s test history online.

2012: Modern safety systems added to the test

In 2012, one of the most significant overhauls took place. A long list of electronic and safety systems was added to the test – this included electronic stability control (ESC), airbags, battery security, wiring condition, and even whether your speedometer was functioning properly. Essentially, these updates made the test a more comprehensive reflection of the increasingly sophisticated vehicles on our roads.

2018: Fault categorisation rolls out

2018 marked another important year as the UK aligned more closely with EU road safety directives. Vehicles over 40 years old that hadn’t been substantially modified became exempt from testing, and the MOT certificate format changed again. Faults were now categorised as “Minor,” “Major,” or “Dangerous,” to help drivers better understand the severity of issues.

2020: COVID caused MOT extensions

In the years that followed, the MOT has continued to evolve. In 2019, new regulations around “connected equipment” were introduced, requiring some garages to use test equipment linked directly to the DVSA. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many vehicles received six-month MOT extensions to ease the burden on drivers and reduce unnecessary travel.

2021 & beyond...

By 2021, test equipment such as diesel smoke meters and exhaust gas analysers were required to send data directly to the DVSA in real-time. And in 2025, further measures are being trialled to combat fraudulent or “ghost” MOTs, including requiring garages to take photos of vehicles during the test as proof they were physically present.

What does the MOT test cover today?

Today’s MOT test checks more than 20 key components of your vehicle. These include everything from tyres, brakes, and lights to advanced systems like emissions control, electronic stability systems, and wiring. 

Even seatbelts and windscreen washers are checked to ensure they’re working properly – they might not seem like safety-critical components at a glance, but being unable to get a windscreen obstruction cleaned off can quickly become a hazard. If any issues are found, they’ll be classified as Minor, Major or Dangerous – only the latter two will result in a fail.

It’s worth noting that while the MOT focuses on safety and legal compliance, it doesn’t cover general wear and tear items like oil changes or coolant levels. That’s where regular servicing comes in. In fact, combining your MOT with a car service is often the most efficient (and economical) way to keep your car in tip-top condition.

Do classic cars still need an MOT?

As mentioned above, current regulations state that vehicles over 40 years old may be exempt from MOT testing – provided they haven’t been significantly modified and are registered as a ‘Vehicle of Historic Interest’. However, even if your classic car is exempt, it’s still your legal responsibility to keep it roadworthy. Many owners choose to have an MOT anyway, for peace of mind.

Read our full guide to MOT exemptions for classic cars.

MOT timeline at a glance

To quickly recap, here are some key milestones in the MOT’s history:

• 1960 – MOT introduced for vehicles over 10 years old.
• 1961–1967 – Test age reduced to 7, then 3 years.
• 1970s–80s – More checks added, including tyres, wipers, exhausts, and corrosion.
• 1991–94 – Emissions testing introduced; ABS and tyre rules tightened.
• 2005 – Digital testing begins.
• 2012 – Modern safety systems included.
• 2018 – New defect categories and historic car exemptions.
• 2020–21 – COVID extensions and connected equipment.
• 2025 – Anti-fraud photo evidence trials underway.

Why it all matters for today's drivers

Understanding the history of the MOT helps explain why it’s such an important part of owning a car in the UK. 

Fundamentally, like with many government tests, the rules have grown with the times and have had to change in order to keep up with new technologies, environmental challenges, and safety priorities.

At Kwik Fit, our MOT testers are trained to the latest DVSA standards. We use modern equipment, connected systems, and up-to-date procedures to make sure your car is tested fairly and accurately. Whether you’re booking an MOT for your daily runaround, a family SUV, or a cherished classic, we’ve got you covered – find your local Kwik Fit centre here.