There are some things in life that you’d do almost anything to avoid – a visit to the dentist for instance. For many, having your car “MOT’d” would fall into that category.

The phrase “MOT” is an acronym for Ministry of Transport test. It is a legal requirement for almost every vehicle on the road to have an MOT test once a year to make sure that the vehicle is roadworthy. A new test is needed before the date of the previous one expires, although your car can undertake a test within one month of expiry.

For a standard car, the first time a test is required is after the vehicle becomes three years old. Classic cars made before 1960 are exempt, though you would still need to make sure that you have completed a V112 Declaration of Exemption form.

There are approximately 21,000 test centres in the UK that can carry out an MOT check. Each of them will show the blue sign with 3 white triangles to show that they are approved. They must also show an official ‘MOT Test: Fees and Appeals’ poster on a public notice board on their premises.

The RAC have an Approved Garage Network scheme that has over 700 garages based across the UK. These garages work to a customer code so that you can be sure of the best customer service. An online search will help you find the nearest RAC Approved Garage to your location.

It is important to remember that your car should be roadworthy at all times, not just brought up to the minimum standard in time for the MOT. The fact that you have an up-to-date MOT certificate is no guarantee that the general mechanical condition of the vehicle is sound.

It might not be the most welcomed hour of your life to wait for the MOT test results on your vehicle. But it’s good to remember the importance of the test in the interests of road safety and impact on the environment.