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When to Test Your Vehicle

The point at which a Vehicle Test is first required for any vehicle is dependant on the vehicle's type and purpose. The following section also contains guidance notes for each test category. A full list of testable items can be found in each of the guidance notes.


Cars and Motorcycles



From 1 April 1996, all motor cars must undergo an annual vehicle test (M.O.T.) when they reach the age of 4 years old. Special arrangements apply to vehicles imported to Northern Ireland. For more information on whether your car must be tested and when, contact your nearest DVA centre.

VT3 Guidance Notes (pdf 50KB, opens in new window)

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Buses, Taxis and LPCVs



Buses, taxis, trailers and other vehicles must also be tested. Information on which vehicles must be tested, and when, is in the various test application forms. If you need further information, please contact your nearest DVTA centre.

LPCV1 Guidance Notes (pdf, 59KB, opens in new window)

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Goods Vehicles and Trailers



From 1 April 1996, all previously untested goods vehicles with an unladen weight up to and including 3,500Kgs (Light Goods Vehicles) must be submitted for first test on the third anniversary of the date on which they were first registered and annually thereafter. However, Light Goods Vehicles which have already been tested must continue to be tested annually as before. Goods Vehicles with an unladen weight exceeding 3,500Kgs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) must be tested at the end of their first year and annually thereafter. For a trailer the test is due on the first anniversay of registration and then every year afterwards. For more information on whether your goods vehicle must be tested, contact your nearest DVA test centre.

TT2 Guidance Notes (pdf, 42KB, opens in new window)



European Directive 2007/38/EC requires trucks over 3.5 tonnes and first registered on or after 1 January 2000 to be fitted with a wide angle mirror and a close proximity mirror; both mirrors are to be fitted on the nearside of the vehicle. These additional mirrors are required to help drivers detect other road users in the areas immediately around their vehicles, thus reducing the potential for collisions. The Driver & Vehicle Agency plan to test for the presence of these additional mirrors from November 2009.


Retro mirror poster/leaflet (PDF 114KB will open in a new window)


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Vehicle Tests and Insurance



Remember, your insurance company may not cover you in the event of an accident or prosecution if your vehicle has not got a valid vehicle test, or Goods Vehicle Certificate.

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