# The Deregulation (Motor Vehicles Tests) Order 1996, Note: Explanatory note


(This note is not part of the Order)
Section 47 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 makes it an offence for a vehicle to which the section applies to be used on a road unless a MoT test certificate has been issued for it within the previous twelve months. The section does not in general, apply to any vehicle until a specified period after it is first registered, the specified period being 3 years in some cases and one year in other cases. However, where a vehicle is tested within one month (two months in the case of a public service vehicle) before the expiration of a current certificate, the twelve month period is extended to twelve months from the expiration of that certificate.
This Order amends the 1988 Act so that where a vehicle is tested within one month (two months in the case of a public service vehicle) before the date by which it is first required to have a certificate, the twelve month period is extended to twelve months from that date.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/1700/note (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/deregulation-motor-vehicles-tests-order-1996/note
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.