When is my MOT due?

Everything you always wanted to know about the MOT*

(*but were too afraid to ask)

Ok, so we're not Woody Allen, and it's highly unlikely that this is going to turn into a ‘cult' blog post. However, there are plenty of questions involving motoring basics and mot status that our customers get a little flushed or embarrassed about asking.

We're here to put that straight.

One of the popular phrases (or clichés, if you like) in assemblies, brainstorms, consultancies or development meetings, is…

There's no such thing as a stupid question

When it comes to the health of your car, which let's face it, is paramount in the safety and well-being of your passengers (family and friends alike), so if there's even the smallest detail that you're unsure of, and need to know more about—you must ask.

To get ahead of the curve, we've decided to help out the shyest among you with all the MOT basics we think you need to know.

We hope they help—and spare those blushes when dealing with your mechanic or Fixter garage.

What does MOT stand for?

MOT stands for Ministry of Transport test. The Ministry of Transport was one of the government departments to precede the current Department for Transport. The test was introduced in 1960 under the Road Traffic Act 1956.

The MOT (test) is an annual test of vehicle safety, roadworthiness and a check of vehicle emissions. Your certificate lasts one year from the time of testing.

The MOT test applies to most passenger vehicles, including private cars, vans, and ambulances, as defined by UK regulations.

When is my car MOT due?

Your MOT certificate will show the mot expiry date that your MOT runs out. The original expiry date is important because testing too early can affect the new certificate's validity period. The MOT certificate expires at midnight on the test date shown, so knowing your next test date is crucial for compliance. It is essential to check accurate mot expiry date information, as provided by the DVLA, to avoid any legal issues and ensure you are always up to date.

Booking the test in plenty of time is always a good idea. Scheduling your MOT close to the current expiry date helps maintain your renewal cycle. Booking your MOT early, but within the allowed window, can extend your coverage for up to 13 months. However, if you book your MOT earlier than a month minus a day before the expiry date, the new expiry date may not preserve the same renewal date for the following year. To keep the same renewal date for the following year, you should book your MOT test within a month minus a day of the current expiry date. Booking your MOT at the right time ensures your renewal date remains consistent for the next year. If your car needs work to get it up to scratch, there may be parts to order or an additional appointment required to carry out the necessary repairs or replacements.

Use our MOT reminder tool to find out when your MOT is due and set up reminders so that you never forget!

Does my car need an MOT?

Every car over 3-years-old needs a valid MOT certificate by law. You must have a valid MOT certificate to legally drive your car on public roads.

Don’t panic, though—there are around 20,000 garages in Great Britain that are licensed to carry out the test and award the certificate.

Drivers in Northern Ireland will need to find a DVA test centre (Driver and Vehicle Agency) to carry out the inspection. The DVA is the equivalent of the GB DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).

When do new cars need an MOT?

A new car does not require an MOT for the first three years after registration, as it is expected to perform to the correct level of roadworthiness during this period.

The first MOT is required on the third anniversary of the vehicle's registration in most of the UK. However, in Northern Ireland, the first MOT is required on the fourth anniversary of registration.

After those 3 years (or 4 years in Northern Ireland), your car will need testing just like everyone else’s, so put a reminder in your diary. Your MOT is held on a digital database, so if you don’t have one, or yours has expired, it’s an easy spot for the police.

Driving without an MOT carries a heavy fine

Driving without an MOT is illegal and carries a £1000 fine for those who choose to break the law. Having a valid vehicle's MOT certificate is a legal requirement and is necessary for tax and insurance purposes. The only exception to the rule is if you’re driving to a pre-booked MOT test appointment.

Even if you’re not driving the car, it’s illegal to park it on public highways (roads to you and I) without a valid certificate.

Has my car got an MOT?

Whenever you buy a car, you should be provided with all of the relevant paperwork—including the MOT document.

If you didn’t receive one, don’t panic! Here’s how to check for an MOT online. The Government allows you to perform an MOT check and check your mot status of your vehicle online. To access your vehicle's MOT status and vehicle's MOT history, simply enter your vehicle's registration or vehicle's registration number. This will provide you with a list of information about your car, including whether a valid MOT is in place.

The page shows you when your MOT is due. If the MOT has expired, it will tell you when it happened. Reviewing your vehicle's MOT and vehicle's MOT history is important for understanding your vehicle's history and ensuring compliance.

If you’d like to delve a little deeper, you can check the vehicle’s mot history for any tests in England, Scotland or Wales since 2005. You’ll need the vehicle's registration number and the 11-digit log book number (document V5C).

When does my MOT run out?

Your MOT will run out at midnight on the date of expiry. The date your vehicle was tested determines the start of your new MOT period. However, if you have your car retested in the month prior to its MOT renewal date, you are awarded the full 12 months from its expiry date.

Knowing when your next test is due helps you plan ahead and avoid missing the deadline. So, there’s absolutely no reason for leaving the test until the last minute. Use our free tool to find out when your MOT is due.

How long does an MOT take?

The average testing time for an MOT is between 45 minutes and an hour. Depending on the garage, and if they're prepared to carry out any required repairs as they find them, it could take a little—or a lot—longer. It all depends on the work your car needs to earn a pass.

Is my car taxed and MOT’d?

If you run your car through the Government vehicle checker, it will also reveal the tax status of your car. You can find out when your tax is due, and if you need to tax your vehicle, you can do that online too.

What are the checks on an MOT?

There are a multitude of tests and checks carried out on your car. The following list outlines the main areas:

• Vehicle identification

• Brakes

• Bodywork

• Doors and openings

• Exhaust and emissions

• Horn

• Lights

• Seats and seatbelts

• Steering

• Tow bar (where applicable)

• Wheels and tyres

• Windows and mirrors

The most common fails are with lights and signals (29.6%), suspension (20.2%) and brakes (17.2%).

Over 10 million vehicles failed the MOT test in the year following May 2018—that's over a third of all the cars tested.

Is my car MOT exempt?

When a car reaches the grand age of 40-years-old, it becomes exempt from the MOT test. A vehicle qualifies for MOT exemption if it meets certain government criteria, such as being over 40 years old and not having significant modifications. The exemption might be discounted if a vehicle has undergone significant modification during the past 30 years.

The exemption also includes vans and motorbikes as well as cars.

Trucks, lorries, other large goods vehicles, kit cars and self-built vehicles will require a valid MOT, however old they are.

There are a few other exceptions: electric powered goods vehicles, tractors, track-laying vehicles, hackney carriages or private-hire vehicles licensed by local authorities, vehicles designed not to exceed 15mph and more.

For the full list, check out Form V112; page 2 covers all the exceptions.

How much does an MOT cost?

For the grand finale, here's the big question on everyone's lips…

The maximum fee that a garage is allowed to charge for the MOT test is £54.85 for a car and £29.65 for a motorcycle.

Many test centres will often charge significantly reduced rates, as the associated repairs to many vehicles will make up for any loss. It's an excellent way to get extra work into their garage.

At Fixter, prices start from £39, so book your car in today for its next MOT!

What if there’s a mileage error on my MOT?

Spotting a mileage error on your MOT certificate or in your vehicle’s MOT history can be worrying, but it’s more common than you might think. Sometimes, a simple typo or a misreading of the odometer at the test centre can lead to incorrect mileage being recorded. This can affect your vehicle’s history and even its resale value, so it’s important to get it sorted.

If you notice a mileage discrepancy, contact the approved MOT test centre where your vehicle was tested as soon as possible. They can update the records if the error is genuine and provide you with a corrected MOT certificate. You’ll need to provide evidence of the correct mileage, such as service records or previous MOT certificates, to support your claim.

Remember, keeping your vehicle’s MOT history accurate helps maintain its value and ensures that future buyers or insurers have the right information. Always check the mileage recorded on your MOT certificate before leaving the garage, and if you spot a mistake, act quickly to have it corrected.

Why is the MOT important for road safety?

The MOT test isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a crucial part of keeping our roads safe for everyone. Each year, MOT tests check that your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards set by law. This includes vital components like brakes, tyres, lights, and steering, all of which are essential for safe driving.

A valid MOT certificate means your car has passed these checks and is considered roadworthy at the time of the test. Regular MOTs help catch potential issues before they become dangerous, reducing the risk of accidents caused by faulty vehicles. For UK drivers, staying on top of your MOT due date is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself, your passengers, and other road users.

By ensuring your car is tested at an approved MOT test centre and making any necessary repairs, you’re playing your part in keeping the roads safer for everyone.

MOT and the environment: what’s the impact?

MOT tests aren’t just about safety—they also play a key role in protecting the environment. During your MOT, your vehicle’s emissions are checked to make sure they meet legal limits. This helps reduce harmful pollutants released into the air, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.

If your car fails the emissions test, you’ll need to make the necessary repairs before you can get a valid MOT certificate. This ensures that only vehicles meeting environmental standards are allowed on the road, helping to improve air quality and reduce the impact of motoring on the environment.

Regular MOTs encourage drivers to maintain their vehicles properly, which can also improve fuel efficiency and save money in the long run. So, keeping up with your MOT isn’t just good for your car—it’s good for the planet too.

Does my MOT affect my car insurance?

Having a valid MOT certificate is essential not just for staying road legal, but also for your car insurance. Most insurers require your vehicle to have a current MOT if it’s over three years old. If your MOT expires and you’re involved in an accident, your insurer may refuse to pay out, as your car would not be considered roadworthy.

Some insurance policies may even become invalid if your MOT has lapsed, leaving you unprotected. Always check your MOT expiry date and book your next MOT test in advance to avoid any gaps in cover. If you’re unsure about your MOT status, simply enter your vehicle’s registration number into the government’s free check service to confirm your renewal date.

Keeping your MOT up to date is a simple way to make sure your insurance remains valid and you’re fully protected on the road.

Let Fixter find the best option to MOT a car in your area

We’ll provide you with a range of options for your MOT. Some from as little as £39.

Many of our prices save our customers up to 30% against the prices of our competition. Why not give our instant quote request a try?

It’s a stress-free service, as we will collect and deliver your car back to you once the work is complete.