12/11/2025
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The first ever MOT tests began on a voluntary basis in Great Britain on September 12, 1960.
The test was initially a basic check of brakes, lights, and steering for vehicles over ten years old. These early tests were often conducted at a variety of authorised garages and even by a Ministry of Transport mobile testing station, rather than a single, specific "first" location.
Due to an unexpectedly high failure rate, the test was made compulsory on February 1, 1961, and the age threshold for testing was quickly lowered. There are currently more than 23,500 MOT stations across the UK
A 1960 MOT station was a basic, voluntary testing facility for vehicles over ten years old, initially checking only brakes, lights, and steering. These mobile stations, like the one seen on the A3 at Wisley, tested vehicles for roadworthiness, with a significant number of cars failing the initial test, leading to the test becoming compulsory in early 1961 and the age for testing cars being lowered to seven years.
Key aspects of a 1960 MOT station
Voluntary: The test was initially introduced on a voluntary basis on September 12, 1960, with the government later making it compulsory in February 1961 due to a high failure rate.
Basic checks: The test was very basic, focusing on just three key safety areas: brakes, lights, and steering.
Vehicle age: The test was only required for vehicles that were at least 10 years old. This was later reduced to seven years in 1961 and then to three years in 1967.
Testing locations: The tests were carried out at Ministry of Transport (MOT) stations, which could be mobile units, such as the one documented on the A3 at Wisley, Surrey.
Cost: The initial test cost 14 shillings (70p), with an additional shilling (5p) required for the pass certificate.
Passing and failing: Many vehicles failed the initial test; for example, nearly half of the 48 cars tested at one location failed. This high failure rate helped prompt the government to lower the testing age