Does a Category S car need a new MOT? Explained

1. DOES A CATEGORY S CAR NEED A NEW MOT?

2. WHY DOES A CAT S CAR REQUIRE A NEW MOT? While there isn't a specific legal requirement (so long as its current MOT certificate hasn't expired), Category S write- offs are classified as such because they pose certain risks to road safety — beyond the value of the vehicle itself, might we add. For example, structural damage to a car can affect its handling and stability, making it potentially dangerous to drive if not repaired correctly.

3. HOW SOON AFTER BUYING A CAT S CAR SHOULD I GET A NEW MOT? REAL ESTATE LISTINGS PRESENTATION After purchasing a Category S (Cat S) car, we recommend getting an MOT test done immediately, or as soon as possible. Otherwise, you won't be able to purchase a new insurance policy on it. And proof of insurance cover is a prerequisite to paying road tax and registering it with the DVLA. Besides the MOT, consider getting an independent inspection from a professional service like the AA. This will provide an additional layer of assurance that the car is safe and that all repairs have been done to a high standard. It will also verify the engine, clutch, and gearbox on the salvage car are in working order — three components not tested during the MOT. 03–15

4. COMMON ISSUES FOUND DURING A CAT S CAR MOT REMAINING STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS Signs of poor structural repairs, like misaligned panels or uneven surfaces, will be flagged during the MOT. The repairs must restore the structural integrity to ensure safety in case of another accident . BRAKES REAL ESTATE LISTINGS PRESENTATION SUSPENSION AND STEERING Given the nature of structural damage, the suspension and steering components are closely inspected for any issues such as wear, damage, or improper alignment. EXHAUST AND EMISSIONS An MOT will check for worn brake pads, discs, and any other components that might affect braking performance. Issues like uneven braking or noises during braking lead to a failure . The exhaust system must be intact without leaks, and the vehicle must meet emission standards. 05–15

5. WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR A CAT S CAR MOT? For a Category S car to pass its MOT, it will go through the main inspection for all Class 4 vehicles, including a range of checks on the vehicle's structure and safety features. After the repairs, the Cat S car must be re-registered with the DVLA. Ensure you have all the necessary documentation, including a new V5C logbook that reflects the vehicle’s Cat S status.

6. ARE THERE SPECIFIC TESTS FOR CAT S CARS DURING THEIR MOT? The MOT test is only a basic safety check and does not provide a comprehensive examination of the vehicle's condition. As such, there are no specific tests for Cat S cars during their MOT. This means the MOT test itself is not a guaranteed safeguard against shoddy repair work. While it will certainly catch some issues, it won't tell you if the car has been repaired correctly or whether it's in overall good condition. If you're buying or selling a salvage car, we strongly recommend having it independently tested by a reputable third party before purchasing or listing it to ensure no underlying issues .

7. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CAT S CAR FAILS ITS MOT? When your car fails its MOT, you'll receive a VT30 ‘Refusal of MOT Certificate’ that details the reasons for the failure. The issues can be categorized as dangerous, major, or minor defects. Dangerous defects render the vehicle unroadworthy. You cannot legally drive it anywhere, even directly to a repair garage to make the fixes. Major defects also need to be fixed, but you may drive the car if your current MOT certificate is still valid or if you're going straight to a pre-booked repair garage. Minor defects do not cause an MOT failure but should be addressed within the next year. Depending on the defects, you can choose to have the vehicle repaired at the test centre or another garage. If you leave the car at the test centre for repairs, it can be retested for free within 10 working days.

8. HOW OFTEN SHOULD A CAT S CAR GO IN FOR AN MOT? Your MOT certificate expires one year after the test date. However, you can get your MOT done up to a month (minus one day) before the expiration and still keep the same renewal date. If you take it in before this, you'll get a new MOT certificate with an expiration date 12 months from the test's original date.

9. WHAT IMPACT DOES CAT S STATUS HAVE ON CAR VALUE? Category S cars almost always have a lower market value compared to similar cars without such a designation. This is mainly due to the stigma attached to salvage vehicles and potential issues that may arise from previous significant structural damage. Accident history in general decreases a car's value, as it may affect its safety and reliability. A Category S insurance write-off is essentially saying, "The structural damage was so severe that it would have cost us more to repair than it would to just replace the car." To your typical buyer, that isn't a good sign.

10. CAN I SELL A CAT S CAR WITHOUT A NEW MOT? While it's perfectly legal to sell a car without an MOT (write-off history or otherwise), there are several reasons why you shouldn't do it. First and foremost, savvy buyers will most likely ask why the car doesn't have a valid MOT and what repairs it needs. Without an MOT certificate or regular servicing records, you'll struggle to convince them the vehicle is safe. The buyer also won't be able to tax the car, insure it, or drive it on public roads without a valid MOT. This means they will need to arrange for the car to be transported post-purchase. This generally reduces the car's already-diminished resale value as it adds tremendous inconvenience for the buyer. Note: You are legally obligated to inform the buyer that the car is a Category S vehicle. Failure to do so can result in legal action from the buyer. 12–15

11. WHERE CAN I GET AN MOT DONE FOR MY CAT S CAR? You can get your MOT test done at any one of the UK's 23,000+ MOT test centres. The maximum cost for an MOT is set by the government at £54.85, but the actual price can vary from centre to centre (and by make and model). You may also want to consider any additional costs for repairs or retesting if your car fails its first MOT. Since you may not be able to leave the garage for repairs, you want to choose a test centre that has a reputation for fair-priced, high-quality repair work.

12. THE BOTTOM LINE Remember that the MOT test (while required) is just a basic test of vehicle roadworthiness and environmental standards. It does not provide a comprehensive examination of the car's condition, including its assessment of prior structural damage. If you plan to buy or sell a Cat S car, the best way to maximize its value and ensure you get the best deal is to have it professionally inspected by a third party. This will give you a more accurate idea of its condition and any potential issues that may affect its value or safety. Check the MOT status and history of any vehicle using our free MOT checker. 04–15

13. GET MORE INFO HERE REAL ESTATE LISTINGS PRESENTATION https://www.car.co.uk/media/blogs/mot/does-a-category-s-car-need-a-new-mot-explained CONTACT US www.car.co.uk www.facebook.com/car.co.uk 15–15