When is my MOT due?

Your vehicle’s annual MOT is a legal requirement once it is 3 years or older. 

But, keeping track of exactly when that test is, can be tricky. So you may end up asking yourself that common question - when is my MOT due? 

Luckily, if you are not sure when your MOT expires, there are a few easy ways to find or work out when you will need to take your car for its MOT.

What is an MOT?

The MOT test is an annual requirement for all vehicles (with some exceptions) that are 3 year or older. 

The testers evaluate your vehicle across a number of the vehicle’s components to ensure that it is safe and roadworthy.

Some of the key parts that are tested include the car tyres, braking and fuel systems, seatbelts, windscreen wipers, mirrors, lights, and the exhaust system.

Exemptions from official emissions testing include:

• Two- and three-wheeled vehicles
• Vehicles with two-stroke engines
• Hybrid vehicles
• Quadricycles
• Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
• Electric vehicles

How to find your first MOT due date

The very first MOT for your car will need to take place 3 years after its first registration date.

If you are unsure when your car was registered, the best place to check this is in the V5C logbook for the car. 

How to check MOT due date

For older cars that have already had their first MOT, the date can vary over time. If you have the pass certificate from the previous MOT, this will include the date the MOT took place. 

However, if you have misplaced the certificate, or have recently purchased the car and did not receive the certificate during the process, you can check on the .gov website.

Using the DVLA checker on the .gov site, you can enter your registration number into the vehicle lookup tool. You will then be asked to double check the details of the car they have information on. 

Once you confirm you have entered the right number, you can find the date your current MOT expires and the tax status of the vehicle.

Can I MOT my car early?

To keep the same renewal date, it is possible to book an MOT for your vehicle a month (minus 1 day) before your due date.

If you were to book an MOT earlier than this, then the renewal date the following year will change to 12 months from the date of the test, minus one day. I.e. if the test is taken on the 12th August 2024, the renewal date will be the 11th August 2025.

Do I get a reminder when my MOT is due?

There is no automatic reminder in place for an MOT due date. However, the .gov website does provide a service that you can choose to opt into.

Go to the Government's website and sign up for a free reminder. You can have this sent to you by either text or email. The service will send you a reminder one month before your car, van or motorcycle MOT is due.

Is an MOT valid on the due date?

Yes, you can still drive your car on the day that the MOT is due. The certificate is valid up until midnight on the date of the expiry. 

Driving without an MOT

If you are caught driving without a valid MOT certificate, this can result in a police caution. It can also lead to fines of up to £2,500 and points on your license. In severe circumstances you can also be disqualified from driving. 

Frequently Asked Questions: MOT

What happens if my car fails its MOT?

You'll receive a VT30 form detailing the failures. You can't legally drive the car on the road until these are rectified and a retest is passed. Further testing and repairs will incur additional costs.

Are there different MOT standards for different vehicle types?

Yes, the specific tests and requirements vary slightly depending on the vehicle type (car, van, motorcycle, etc.), age, and engine type. However, the core safety checks remain similar.

What do I do if I've lost my V5C?

You can apply for a replacement V5C from the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) online or by post. There's a fee involved.

How much does an MOT cost?

Costs can by location and garage. On average an MOT booking costs between £55-£75 typically.

What constitutes a driving disqualification?

This would involve repeated offenses, serious safety breaches (e.g., severely dangerous braking system), or deliberately attempting to deceive the MOT tester. It's at the discretion of the court.