Not only does it make sense to keep your car or van in a safe and roadworthy condition when you use it on the road - it’s the law.

If your vehicle is more than three years old, the MOT test will check that it meets strict road safety and environmental standards; things like lights, tyres and engine emissions. Once your car or van passes a test you will receive a certificate which is valid for 12 months from the day of the test. The certificate will also separately list any 'advisory' or 'minor' items that will require attention in the near future so you can keep an eye on them.

The MOT test checks the condition of your vehicle, it is not a service and no oils or parts are replaced. It’s wise to get your car or van serviced every year - or more often if you do high mileages - so why don’t you get it done at the same time as the MOT; this will save you hassle, time and money. The driverhelpline service deals are great value, saving you £££s against dealer servicing plus you’ll get your MOT test cheaper too.

Don’t panic - help is at hand if you find your MOT has expired, but you can only use your car to drive directly to a pre-booked MOT appointment. Just enter your car or van registration above to get a booking and get your MOT test done with driverhelpline FAST!

It’s just not worth driving a vehicle without an MOT because it may pose a risk to your safety and the safety of others, also your insurance may be invalid and you won’t be able to renew your road tax. Driving without an MOT could result in a police caution, can carry the penalty of fines of up to £2,500 and include points on your licence if the vehicle is found to be unroadworthy.

The only thing you need to bring to an MOT test is the vehicle being tested, because we will have all the information we need online. The MOT test takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes and every one of our approved centres has comfortable seating, free tea and coffee and free wifi so you can make yourself at home while you wait.

1. Lights. This causes almost a fifth of cars to fail and MOT test, most commonly a blown bulb or a cracked lens.

2. Suspension. In the UK, over one in ten cars fail as a result of suspension issues. So if your car doesn’t sit level or ‘clucks’ as you drive over bumpy roads, you are likely to have a problem.

3. Brakes. Again, about one in ten cars and vans fail the MOT test because the footbrake or handbrake is not up to standard. If you have a problem it should be obvious, like having to 'pump’ the brake pedal or squealing or grinding noise from the brakes.

4. Tyres. Another major item is tyres which also amount to around one in ten failures. Try and get into the habit of checking your tyres monthly for tread wear and damage. Issues in the areas would mean you fail and MOT test.

The driverhelpline car gurus have a list of quick and easy checks below which you can do yourself, before your MOT test.

You know that driverhelpline are on your side, so we want to help you to avoid re-test fees by passing your MOT first time. Our technical experts, who are always on hand to help you, have listed a bunch of quick and easy checks you can do yourself, before your MOT test.