Milestones on the route to the test

1960: MoT test is introduced. The name derives from the Ministry of Transport which is now the Department for Transport. The test was originally required ten years after a vehicle’s registration. From then on, MoTs were carried out annually. Important updates to MoT testing since 1960 have included:

1967: The time before a vehicle’s first test is reduced to three years after registration.

1968: Checks on tyres introduced.

1969: A new check on legallyrequired seat belts.

1977: Test now covers windscreen wipers and washers, indicators, stop lights, the horn, the exhaust system and the condition of the body structure and chassis together with a more detailed check on seat belts. 1990s: New checks on exhaust emissions for petrol and diesel vehicles. Other different areas covered include anti-lock braking systems.

2005: A new computerised administration system for issuing test certificates.

2012: Checks on ‘ secondary restraint systems’ such as a vehicle’s airbag, the battery and wiring, electronic stability control, the speedometer and steering lock. 2017: Change in historic vehicles’ MoT exemption from all pre-1960 vehicles being covered to a rolling 40-year exemption.