How does the Portuguese IPO (MOT) system really work?

analogman · Post by **analogman** » Fri May 25, 2007 4:06 pm

Can anyone help me to understand how the Portuguese IPO (MOT) system works? I have a car which I put through the IPO test in November 2005. The pass was issued but was only valid until August 2006. I was told that it runs until the anniversary of the original registration of the vehicle, not for a 12 month period as it would in the UK.

As it expired last August I have not got around to retesting the car and have hired a car when visiting. I would like to retest in June as we are on holiday for 3 weeks but does this mean it will only be valid for 2 months and would need another test at the end of July?

If anyone who knows how this really works and could shed some light on it, it would be much appreciated. I am getting conflicting stories from everyone I ask. Thanks.

bife73 · Post by **bife73** » Fri May 25, 2007 5:17 pm

The MOT test runs from month of registration to month of registration...so my van is registered 05/2001 so every year until the end of May I have to get it tested, and is valid for 12months...

Al Garb · Post by **Al Garb** » Fri May 25, 2007 11:53 pm

First test at 4 yrs, then every two years to 8 yrs then yearly and yes runs to anniversary of registration irrespective of when you took it in to be tested

analogman · Post by **analogman** » Sat May 26, 2007 7:43 am

Thanks both, for the replies. So I guess my next question is: If I take the car for a test on June 15th and use it during my 3 week holiday when is the "window" of oppurtunity to take it again so that it remains tested for an entire year until August 2008? Can I take it again in the first few days of July before I leave? Do I have one month prior to expiry? If, as bife73 says, it runs month to month then can I assume there is a one month "window"?

bife73 · Post by **bife73** » Mon May 28, 2007 12:57 pm

In my experince you can go roughly 2 weeks prior to the month of registration. I have been told that things change from one testing station to another. I use the one in Porches, but have told the one in Portimão is a bit more flexible??

Al Garb · Post by **Al Garb** » Mon May 28, 2007 2:54 pm

Yes, agree , though I know of non residents who have persuaded test centres to stretch things a bit. If you can prove you have an appointment it is possible to drive direct to the centre without a certificate on a subsequent visit. The police will accept that if you are pulled over. Also if your car has been tested previously take the full certificate to the test centre along with your other papers

analogman · Post by **analogman** » Wed May 30, 2007 6:36 am

Thanks again, this is exactly what I wanted to find out. So it seems you can go before the registration month, but how much before is a bit ill defined, now why doesn't that surprise me?! It looks like I'll just need to convince them that three and a half weeks before is OK! If anyone else has managed to get their car IPOed this much in advance of the registration month for a whole year I would really appreciate hearing about it. Thanks.