MOT vs Full Service: What’s the Difference and Do You Need Both?

If you own a car in the UK, keeping it roadworthy isn’t just about ticking a legal box — it’s also about avoiding unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs. That’s where MOTs and car servicing come in.

But what’s the difference between them? Are they both essential? And is it better to book them together?

This guide breaks it down clearly so you can make the right choice for your car, your budget, and your peace of mind.

Mechanic inspecting car for MOT and full service in UK garage.jpg

What Is an MOT?

An MOT test is a legal requirement for most vehicles over 3 years old in the UK. It’s a safety inspection to check that your vehicle meets the minimum road safety and environmental standards set by the government.

The test is carried out by authorised garages and must be renewed every 12 months.

An MOT typically checks:

Brakes
Lights and indicators
Tyres and wheels
Windscreen and wipers
Steering and suspension
Exhaust and emissions
Seatbelts and horn

You’ll either pass (with or without advisories) or fail, meaning repairs must be completed before the car can legally be driven again — except to a garage for repairs or retesting.

What Is a Full Car Service?

Unlike an MOT, a car service is not a legal requirement. However, it plays a vital role in the ongoing health and performance of your vehicle.

A full service is usually recommended once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.

A typical full service includes:

Oil and oil filter change
Air and pollen filter replacements
Fluid top-ups (coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid)
Brake check and adjustments
Tyre pressure and tread checks
Battery testing
Visual inspection of engine components

Some garages offer different service levels (e.g. interim, full, or major) depending on your car’s age, mileage, and usage.

Do I Really Need Both?

Yes — an MOT and a car service do very different things, and skipping either can put your vehicle and wallet at risk.

Here’s how they differ:

An MOT is a legal requirement for most vehicles over 3 years old. It checks whether your car meets minimum safety and environmental standards on the day of the test.
A full car service is not legally required, but it’s strongly recommended to keep your vehicle in good running order and avoid breakdowns or costly repairs.
An MOT focuses on safety-critical components like brakes, lights, and tyres. It won’t check your oil quality, air filter, or battery performance.
A service looks at your car’s wear and tear, including engine health, fluid levels, and overall performance.
The MOT helps you stay on the road legally. The service helps your car run efficiently and reliably.

In short: an MOT checks if your car is safe to drive, but it won’t keep it running smoothly — that’s where a full service comes in.

Can I Book Them Together?

Absolutely — and in many cases, it makes financial sense.

Many UK garages offer MOT and service packages, often with discounted rates. Booking them together:

Saves time and hassle
Can reduce labour costs
Gives a more complete view of your car’s condition

Look out for “MOT + Full Service” deals, especially around winter or holidays, when providers tend to run promotions.

How Much Do They Cost?

Prices vary depending on your location and car type, but here’s a rough guide:

MOT test: £35–£55 (maximum set by the government: £54.85)
Full service: £150–£300
MOT + Full service bundle: Often around £180–£350

You can often save £20–£50 by booking both at the same time.

When Should I Book Each?

Your MOT must be done every 12 months (check your certificate or GOV.uk)
Your full service should be booked every 12 months or 12,000 miles, even if your car seems fine

If your MOT and service dates are close, it’s worth combining them for convenience and value.

FAQs About MOTs and Car Servicing in the UK

Do I need a service if my car passed its MOT?
Yes. An MOT doesn’t check the condition of things like oil, filters, or battery health. A service covers these and more.

Can I drive without a valid MOT?
No — unless you’re on the way to a pre-booked MOT test. Driving without an MOT is illegal and could invalidate your insurance.

Is a full service the same as a major service?
Not quite. A major service usually includes everything in a full service, plus extras like spark plug replacement and fuel filter changes.

Does a service include an MOT?
No — unless you book a combined package. They’re separate services, but often offered together for convenience.

Is it cheaper to service an electric car?
In many cases, yes. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, so servicing tends to cost less — but they still require checks and maintenance.

Final Thoughts

An MOT checks if your car is legally safe to drive, while a full service ensures it stays reliable and efficient.

Skipping either can cost you in the long run — whether that’s fines for driving without an MOT, or unexpected repair bills due to poor maintenance.

For most drivers, booking both at the same time once a year is the most cost-effective and hassle-free option.