If you own a car in the UK (or plan to buy one), you likely know about the MOT test. The MOT test checks that cars are safe to drive on public roads and meet minimum roadworthiness standards. But what about electric cars? With no exhaust, no tailpipe emissions and no engine oil, do they still need an MOT?

The short answer is yes, and that is important whether you drive an electric car or a diesel vehicle. While the MOT for electric cars is slightly different in some areas, most safety and road-worthiness checks remain.

Legal requirement for electric vehicles and traditional cars

All regular cars in the UK;  whether electric, petrol, or diesel,  follow the same MOT rules. For a new car (electric or otherwise), the first MOT becomes due three years after first registration. After that first MOT, the vehicle must pass an MOT once every year. Ordinary electric cars (private passenger vehicles) are not exempt, so if your electric vehicle is more than three years old, you are legally required to hold a valid MOT certificate before using it on public roads.

What does an MOT test check? and what changes for electric cars?

During an MOT, many parts of a car are inspected to confirm road-worthiness. The checks include brakes, steering, tyres, suspension, bodywork, lights and electrical equipment, windscreen, mirrors, seatbelts and structural integrity.

For an electric vehicle, a large part of this remains exactly the same. Lights, including hazard lights and brake lights must work. Tyres, wheels, suspension, steering, brakes (including brake pedal performance), seatbelts, windows and wipers, mirrors, and general bodywork must meet the same legal standards as for conventional cars.

However, there are changes compared to petrol or diesel cars. Because electric cars do not have an internal-combustion engine, and so no exhaust system or tailpipe emissions, the emissions test and exhaust-system inspection, standard parts of an MOT for a combustion vehicle, are omitted for EVs.

Some MOT providers note that when inspecting an electric vehicle, testers still assess visible electrical wiring or battery housing if exposed, but a full battery-health or electric-drive system check is usually not part of the statutory MOT; MOT focuses on safety and road-worthiness rather than overall mechanical or electrical condition beyond the basics.

MOT test schedule, when is your EV due and how often?

For a new car, whether electric or petrol/diesel, the first MOT is due when the vehicle reaches three years from the date of first registration. After that initial MOT, the car must pass an MOT test once every year. You do not have to wait until the very last day, you can book the MOT up to one month minus a day before the current certificate expires and still keep the same renewal date for next year.

Practical implications: what EV owners must remember

Owning an electric car does not mean you can ignore MOT requirements. Even though EVs skip emissions and exhaust-system checks, they still need to pass all the same safety and road-worthiness tests as any conventional car. That means hazard lights and brake lights must work, tyres must meet legal tread requirements, brakes (and brake pedal) must operate correctly, suspension and steering must be in good condition, and bodywork and structural elements must be safe.

If your car fails the MOT; for example due to a faulty light, worn tyres, or brake issue, you cannot legally drive it on public roads until you repair the faults and pass a retest. For diesel vehicles (or any petrol/diesel cars), failing elements like the exhaust system or emissions can also cause MOT failure; hence, maintenance remains essential whether your car is electric or diesel.

Key Takeaways

• Electric cars need an MOT once they reach three years old, then every year the same as diesel or petrol cars.
• Because electric vehicles lack an exhaust system, the emissions test and exhaust-system check are skipped for EV MOTs.
• Safety items such as lights (hazard lights, brake lights), brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, mirrors, seatbelts, and body structure are still checked, and MOT focuses on road-worthiness.
• If a car fails its MOT, whether electric or diesel, you cannot legally drive it until the issues are fixed and it passes re-inspection.
• Even though EVs skip emissions and exhaust checks, MOT remains vital to keep all vehicles safe for the road and legal to drive.

Conclusion

Whether you drive an electric car or a diesel vehicle, getting an MOT remains essential. The MOT test checks lights, brakes, tyres, suspension, steering, and other safety-critical items to make sure your vehicle is safe for you and others on the road.

Even though electric cars skip emissions and exhaust checks, that does not reduce the legal or safety need for a valid MOT certificate. Keeping your MOT up to date helps you stay legal and confident that your vehicle meets roadworthiness standards.