New MOT test service rolled out with millions of drivers offered 'more flexibility'

WATCH: MOTs should give you the right to drive wherever you want

GB NEWS
Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 30/06/2025

- 15:32

The new measures will ensure motorists are driving a 'safe and reliable car'

A new MOT service has launched, allowing motorists to get several crucial vehicle checks and keep them on the road.

Drivers are required to get an MOT test on the third anniversary of their vehicle's registration to ensure it meets road safety and environmental standards.


After this point, they must renew their MOT test every year, or they could risk a £1,000 fine for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

Britons cannot drive or park their vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out and face prosecution if they are caught.

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Mechanic performing an MOT test

Experts have called on drivers to ensure their vehicles are always road legal

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Motorists are only able to drive their car if they are driving to or from getting the vehicle repaired or to a pre-arranged MOT test.

Drivers can get their MOT up to a month before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.

Road users could benefit from a new standalone service that will allow them to book repair services alongside a tyre fitting.

Ray Kavanagh, CEO at Blackcircles, said: "We are extremely proud to be launching this new service at Blackcircles, which aims to help customers up and down the country ensure that they are driving a safe and reliable car.

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MOT test certificate

Motorists must renew their MOT test every year

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"We listened to our customers, and one thing became clear: sometimes you just want to book an MOT or service without having to search for new tyres."

Blackcircles, which has a network of more than 2,200 garages, said drivers across the country would benefit from the new measures.

The following services can now be accessed without purchasing tyres:

  • MOT
  • EV MOT
  • Hybrid MOT
  • Major Service
  • Interim Service
  • Full Service
  • EV Service
  • Hybrid Service (Full and Interim)
  • Oil and Filter Change

Kavanagh continued, saying that motorists will be able to benefit from the new offer, adding: "This new service gives our customers much more flexibility.

"Now, they can book exactly what they need, when they need it, all online, and without any extra fuss."

In 2024, the Conservative Government explored extending the amount of time between tests to help drivers save money.

A consultation questioned whether the Government should change the date at which the first MOT is required from three to four years.

Broken down car on the side of the road

Drivers warned that changing the date of the first MOT test would have lead to 'significant concerns' around road safety

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It also asked what the impact on businesses would be if the date of the first test were to be changed.

The consultation received more than 4,400 responses from drivers, businesses and key industry players about reforms to MOT testing.

There were "significant concerns" raised by motorists about the suitability of extending the period of time before taking an MOT test.

It added that any potential savings made by motorists would be limited by the additional cost of potential defects not identified at the MOT. The plans were shelved following the consultation.