How do I find out when my MOT is due?
The quickest way to find your MOT due date is to use the free official GOV.UK MOT checker. Enter your vehicle registration number and confirm the vehicle details to see its current MOT status and expiry date.
For most cars in Great Britain, the first MOT is required by the third anniversary of registration. After that, an MOT is normally required every 12 months. Different rules apply to some vehicles and to cars registered in Northern Ireland.
You can usually renew your MOT up to one month minus one day before it expires without changing your existing annual renewal date. If your MOT has already expired, do not assume you have extra time to continue driving.
What do I need?
Your vehicle registration number is normally all you need to check the MOT expiry date online.
Is it free?
Yes. Checking your MOT status and expiry date through the official GOV.UK service is free.
When should I book?
Book before the expiry date. You can preserve your existing renewal date by testing within the permitted early-renewal window.
Use the official government service rather than paying a third-party website simply to look up your MOT date. You can also check your MOT history and arrange free reminders to help avoid missing future deadlines.
A valid MOT certificate does not mean your vehicle is automatically safe to drive throughout the year. You remain responsible for keeping tyres, brakes, lights, steering and other safety-critical parts in a roadworthy condition.
How to check when your MOT is due
You can find your car's MOT expiry date online in just a few minutes. The official GOV.UK service is free, and you do not need to create an account or pay a company to look up the date.
All you normally need is your vehicle registration number. The checker uses the vehicle's recorded details to show whether an MOT is currently valid and when the certificate expires.
1. Open the official checker
Visit the GOV.UK MOT status service. Make sure you are using the official government website.
Open GOV.UK MOT checker →2. Enter your registration
Type your car's registration number exactly as shown on its number plates or V5C log book.
3. Confirm the vehicle
Check that the vehicle make and other displayed details match your car before continuing.
4. Read your MOT expiry date
Look for the MOT status and expiry date. Save the date and arrange your next test before the certificate runs out.
The government MOT checker is available at check-mot.service.gov.uk . You can also access it through the GOV.UK MOT status page.
You do not need to enter your bank card details simply to check an MOT expiry date.
What if you cannot remember your registration number?
Check your V5C log book, vehicle insurance documents or another document showing your registration. You can also read the number directly from your vehicle's number plates.
If the registration has recently changed because of a private number plate transfer, allow for possible record updates and check that the displayed vehicle details are correct.
What does the MOT checker tell you?
The MOT checker helps you understand whether your vehicle currently has a valid MOT certificate and the date on which that certificate expires.
The result should be checked against your actual vehicle. Do not assume a certificate is valid simply because the car was recently bought, serviced or inspected.
Your MOT is still in date
The vehicle has a recorded MOT certificate that has not yet reached its expiry date. Note the date and book the next test in good time.
Your MOT has run out
The recorded certificate has expired. If your vehicle requires an MOT, normal driving is not permitted without a valid certificate.
No current test is shown
This may happen if a vehicle has not yet required its first MOT or if there is no matching test record. Check the registration and the vehicle's circumstances.
MOT status is not the same as MOT history
Your current MOT status tells you whether a certificate is valid and when it expires. MOT history provides information about previous tests, including recorded failures, defects, advisories and mileage readings.
You can view available MOT history using the separate official government service: Check a vehicle's MOT history on GOV.UK →
Do not estimate your MOT date from when you bought the car, last visited a garage or paid for a service. The recorded expiry date is what matters.
When is your car's first MOT due?
In Great Britain, most new cars need their first MOT by the third anniversary of their registration. After that, they normally need an MOT every 12 months.
For example, if a new car was first registered on 15 March 2024, its first MOT would normally be due by 15 March 2027. The test must be completed before the applicable deadline.
Most new cars in Great Britain
First MOT by the third anniversary of registration, followed by a test normally every 12 months.
Private cars in Northern Ireland
The first MOT is normally due when the car reaches four years old. Subsequent tests are generally annual.
Some vehicle types differ
Taxis, ambulances, certain commercial vehicles and other vehicle categories may have different testing ages or requirements.
Check its first registration date and MOT status before agreeing to buy. A car approaching its first MOT may need a test sooner than you expect.
Does a car need an MOT before it is three years old?
Most ordinary new cars in Great Britain do not need a routine MOT during their first three years. However, this does not remove the owner's responsibility to keep the vehicle safe and roadworthy.
Certain vehicles have different testing rules, so check the requirements for your specific vehicle rather than assuming the standard car rule applies.
How often does a car need an MOT?
Once a standard car in Great Britain has reached its first MOT deadline, it normally needs another MOT every 12 months. The expiry date shown on the official checker tells you when the current certificate ends.
You do not need to wait until the final day to book your next test. Booking ahead gives you more time to arrange repairs if the car does not pass.
Check the date
Use the GOV.UK checker to find your exact MOT expiry date.
Book in advance
Arrange your appointment early enough to avoid leaving the test until the certificate is about to expire.
Keep a reminder
Use the government's free reminder service or add the expiry date to your calendar.
Does servicing renew your MOT?
No. A vehicle service and an MOT are different. A service involves maintenance, while an MOT is a legally required inspection for vehicles covered by the testing rules.
Even if a garage has recently serviced your vehicle, the MOT expiry date remains unchanged unless a qualifying MOT test has been completed.
Tyres, brakes, lights and other safety-critical parts can become defective between annual tests. Keep your vehicle roadworthy throughout the year, not just on MOT day.
How early can you book an MOT?
In Great Britain, you can normally have your MOT carried out up to one month minus one day before the current certificate expires and keep the same annual renewal date.
This means you do not have to wait until the last day of your existing certificate. Testing within the permitted window allows the new certificate to run until the usual renewal anniversary the following year.
Keep your renewal date
If you pass within the permitted early-renewal window, the new certificate normally keeps your existing annual expiry date.
Your date may change
If you have the test earlier than the permitted window, the new MOT expiry date is normally calculated from the new test date.
Driving becomes restricted
If the old certificate expires before you arrange a test, you cannot continue ordinary driving simply because you intend to book an MOT.
Example: MOT expires on 15 November
If your current MOT expires on 15 November 2026, you can normally renew it from 16 October 2026 and preserve the 15 November annual expiry date.
If the vehicle passes on 20 October 2026, the new certificate would normally expire on 15 November 2027. If you tested much earlier, outside the permitted window, you would normally receive a different expiry date.
Check your expiry date first, then choose an appointment within the permitted renewal window. This gives you time to address problems without unnecessarily bringing forward your usual MOT anniversary.
Can you still drive if you book an MOT early?
If your existing MOT remains valid, you can generally continue driving while it is in date, provided the vehicle is roadworthy and no other legal restriction applies.
However, a failed MOT can identify dangerous defects that make the vehicle unsafe to drive, even when an earlier certificate has not yet expired. Never continue driving a vehicle with dangerous defects.
MOT renewal dates explained with examples
Your MOT expiry date determines when you need your next test. In Great Britain, testing within the permitted early-renewal window normally allows you to keep your existing annual expiry date.
The important rule is one month minus one day. If you test earlier than that window, your next expiry date will normally be calculated from the new test date.
MOT expires on 15 November
Existing expiry date: 15 November 2026.
Earliest date to preserve the renewal anniversary: 16 October 2026.
Pass within the permitted window and the new expiry date will normally be 15 November 2027.
MOT expires on 30 June
Existing expiry date: 30 June 2027.
Earliest date to preserve the renewal anniversary: 31 May 2027.
Pass within the permitted window and the new expiry date will normally be 30 June 2028.
MOT expires on 10 December
Existing expiry date: 10 December 2026.
Earliest date to preserve the renewal anniversary: 11 November 2026.
Pass within the permitted window and the new expiry date will normally be 10 December 2027.
What happens if you test more than one month early?
You can arrange an MOT earlier than the usual renewal window, but the new certificate will normally run for 12 months from the new test date rather than preserving your previous expiry anniversary.
For example, if your MOT expires on 15 November 2026 but you pass a new test on 1 September 2026, the new expiry date will normally be 1 September 2027.
Find your exact expiry date on GOV.UK before booking. If keeping your existing renewal anniversary matters, arrange the test within the permitted early-renewal window.
What happens if your MOT runs out?
If your MOT expires and your vehicle requires a valid certificate, you cannot continue using it for normal journeys on the road.
There is no legal MOT grace period in Great Britain. An appointment booked for next week does not allow you to continue driving normally while you wait.
Stop ordinary driving
Do not continue commuting, shopping or making routine journeys in a vehicle that legally requires an MOT but no longer has one.
Arrange an MOT test
Contact an authorised MOT test centre and arrange a confirmed appointment. Keep the booking details available.
Check roadworthiness
An expired MOT does not remove your responsibility to ensure the vehicle is safe before any legally permitted journey.
Can you drive the day after your MOT expires?
Not for an ordinary journey if your vehicle requires an MOT. The certificate's expiry date is not followed by an extra seven-day, 14-day or 30-day grace period.
Limited legal exceptions exist for certain journeys, such as travelling to a pre-arranged MOT test. These exceptions do not permit general driving without a valid certificate.
What if you forgot to renew your MOT?
Check the official MOT record, stop using the car for normal journeys and book a test as soon as possible. If the vehicle is unsafe or cannot legally be driven, arrange suitable transport or recovery.
Booking a future MOT does not make an expired certificate valid again. The permitted journey must meet the relevant legal exception, and the vehicle must remain roadworthy.
What is the fine for driving without an MOT?
In Great Britain, you can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle that requires an MOT without a valid certificate, unless a legal exception applies.
More serious consequences can arise if the vehicle is also in a dangerous or unroadworthy condition. A valid MOT certificate does not protect a driver from penalties for dangerous vehicle defects.
Maximum fine: £1,000
Driving without a required MOT certificate can result in a fine of up to £1,000 in Great Britain.
More serious penalties
Driving a dangerously defective vehicle can lead to a fine of up to £2,500, three penalty points and a possible driving ban for a car.
The driver must check
Do not assume the vehicle is legal because a garage, seller or previous owner said the MOT was still valid.
Can the police check whether your MOT has expired?
Yes. Police can check vehicle MOT records electronically. You should not assume that an expired MOT will go unnoticed simply because you are not carrying a paper certificate.
Does an expired MOT automatically invalidate insurance?
Not necessarily. The effect of an expired MOT on insurance depends on the policy terms, circumstances of the incident and applicable law. Do not assume that cover automatically disappears, or that every claim will be accepted.
You must still comply with the law, maintain valid insurance where required and keep your vehicle roadworthy. Contact your insurer if you are unsure about your policy conditions.
A vehicle may have a valid MOT certificate and still be illegal to drive because it has developed a dangerous fault. Equally, an expired MOT is a legal problem even if the car appears mechanically sound.
For the official rules and penalties, see GOV.UK — Getting an MOT →
When can you drive without a valid MOT?
In Great Britain, there are limited exceptions allowing a vehicle that requires an MOT to be driven without a current certificate. These exceptions are not permission to use the car normally.
The vehicle must still be roadworthy and safe to drive, and any journey must satisfy the relevant legal conditions.
Pre-arranged MOT appointment
You may drive to a pre-arranged MOT test appointment where the legal exception applies. Arrange the booking before travelling.
Qualifying repair journey
Certain journeys to or from a place of repair are permitted under the relevant MOT rules. Check that your circumstances qualify.
Ordinary everyday journeys
An MOT appointment does not authorise unrelated trips to work, shops, school or other destinations.
Can you drive to an MOT test with an expired certificate?
Yes, where the legal exception applies, you can drive to a pre-arranged MOT appointment without a current certificate. The vehicle must still be roadworthy, and other legal requirements must be met.
Keep your booking confirmation available in case you need to explain the journey. Do not use the appointment as a reason to make unrelated stops or trips.
Can you drive home after a failed MOT?
It depends on the defects found, whether an earlier certificate remains valid and whether the vehicle is roadworthy. A dangerous defect means you must not drive the vehicle until the defect has been repaired.
If the vehicle is unsafe, arrange repairs at the test centre or suitable vehicle recovery rather than driving it away.
Can you drive without an MOT if your car is taxed?
Vehicle tax and an MOT are separate legal requirements. Having valid vehicle tax does not allow you to drive normally without a required MOT.
Similarly, an MOT certificate does not replace the need for vehicle tax or insurance where those are required.
A legal MOT exception does not make dangerous brakes, defective tyres, serious steering faults or other unsafe conditions acceptable. If the car is not roadworthy, use recovery or arrange repairs before driving.
Check the latest rules on the GOV.UK MOT information page before travelling without a current certificate.
How much does an MOT cost in the UK?
In Great Britain, the maximum permitted MOT test fee for a standard car with up to eight passenger seats is £54.85. This is the maximum test fee, not a fixed price that every garage must charge.
Many authorised MOT test centres charge less than the maximum. The price you pay can depend on the garage, local competition and any promotional offers available.
MOT testing arrangements and fees differ in Northern Ireland, where tests are carried out through the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA).
Maximum car MOT fee
£54.85 is the maximum permitted test fee for a standard Class 4 car.
A test centre may charge less, but it cannot exceed the applicable maximum fee.
Repair costs are separate
The MOT fee covers the inspection. It does not automatically include repairs needed to correct defects or obtain a pass.
Ask for a clear quotation before authorising additional work.
Retest fees can vary
Depending on the defects, the work completed and when the vehicle returns, a retest may be free, subject to a partial fee or require another full test.
Confirm the applicable retest arrangements with the test centre.
What does the MOT test fee include?
An MOT checks whether the vehicle meets the applicable minimum roadworthiness and environmental standards at the time of inspection.
The test includes relevant checks of components such as brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, lights, seat belts and emissions. The exact requirements depend on the vehicle.
An MOT is not the same as a full service, mechanical health check or guarantee against future breakdowns.
Should you choose the cheapest MOT?
A lower test price can be worthwhile, provided the garage is an authorised MOT test centre and explains its charges clearly.
Compare the test fee, appointment availability, retest arrangements and any separate repair charges. Avoid assuming that a low advertised MOT price includes repairs.
GOV.UK publishes the maximum MOT test fees and provides a service for finding authorised test centres in Great Britain.
How to get a free MOT reminder
You do not need to rely on remembering your MOT expiry date yourself. GOV.UK offers a free MOT reminder service that can help you remember when your next test is approaching.
The service is optional. Do not assume you will automatically receive a reminder unless you have registered for an applicable reminder service.
Open the reminder service
Visit the official GOV.UK MOT reminder page. The service is free to use.
Register your vehicle
Follow the service instructions to identify your vehicle and provide the contact details needed for reminders.
Keep your details updated
Check that your email address or mobile number is correct and update your reminder preferences when necessary.
When will the MOT reminder arrive?
The official reminder service sends notifications before the MOT is due, according to the service's current arrangements and your registered contact method.
You should still check the official expiry date yourself. A missing, delayed or overlooked reminder does not extend the legal deadline.
Can you receive MOT reminders by text or email?
The GOV.UK reminder service supports electronic notifications, including text messages or email where available for your vehicle and circumstances.
Follow the official registration instructions to see the options available to you.
Register through the official government service rather than paying a third-party website simply to remind you when your MOT is due.
Even if you register for reminders, you are responsible for ensuring that your vehicle has a valid MOT when one is legally required.
What to check before booking your MOT
Once you know your MOT expiry date, the next step is to arrange a suitable appointment and carry out a few simple vehicle checks.
These checks do not replace an MOT or professional inspection, but they can help you identify obvious problems before test day.
Lights and indicators
Check headlights, brake lights, indicators, rear lights and number plate lights. Replace defective bulbs where appropriate and safe to do so.
Tyres and wheels
Check tyre pressures, visible damage and tread depth. Most cars must have at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre around its entire circumference.
Wipers and washers
Make sure the washers work, the reservoir contains fluid and the wipers clear the windscreen effectively.
Registration plates
Ensure the number plates are secure, readable and not obscured by dirt or damage.
Warning lights
Check for dashboard warning lights that remain illuminated when they should go out. Do not simply reset a warning without identifying its cause.
Brakes and steering
Pay attention to unusual braking noises, pulling, vibration or steering faults. Have safety concerns checked before driving to the test.
Simple MOT booking checklist
- Check your exact MOT expiry date on GOV.UK.
- Choose an authorised MOT test centre.
- Book within the early-renewal window if you want to preserve your expiry anniversary.
- Confirm the test fee and any retest arrangements.
- Check tyres, lights, wipers, washers and registration plates.
- Arrange repairs for known safety defects before driving.
- Keep your appointment confirmation available.
- Set up a free MOT reminder for future renewals.
If your vehicle has a serious braking, steering, tyre or suspension defect, arrange appropriate inspection or repair before further driving.
A booked MOT does not make a dangerous vehicle safe.
What should you do next about your MOT?
The right next step depends on your current MOT status, how close the expiry date is and whether the vehicle is safe to drive.
Use the table below to decide whether you should check your date, arrange a routine renewal or stop driving until the legal requirements are met.
MOT status and next-action decision table
| Your situation | What it means | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| You do not know your MOT date | You have not confirmed when the current certificate expires. | Use the free official GOV.UK MOT checker before driving or arranging a renewal. |
| Your MOT is valid for several months | The certificate remains in date, provided no other legal or safety issue prevents driving. | Record the expiry date, set a reminder and continue normal maintenance. |
| Your MOT expires within the renewal window | You can normally renew without changing the existing annual expiry anniversary. | Book an MOT appointment before the certificate expires. |
| Your MOT has expired | Ordinary driving is not permitted if the vehicle legally requires an MOT. | Stop routine driving, arrange a pre-booked test and follow the applicable legal journey restrictions. |
| Your vehicle has dangerous defects | The vehicle may be unsafe and illegal to drive regardless of MOT status. | Do not drive it. Arrange repairs or suitable recovery. |
| Your car has not reached its first MOT age | A routine MOT may not yet be legally required, depending on vehicle type and location. | Check the registration date and the rules applicable to your vehicle. |
Check the official expiry date, register for free reminders and arrange your next test before the current certificate runs out.
If your vehicle has already failed an MOT or has a dangerous defect, prioritise the necessary repairs rather than relying on the previous certificate.
Related UK MOT Guides
Knowing when your MOT is due is only one part of staying legal and keeping your vehicle roadworthy. Continue exploring Motor Vehicle Expert guides covering MOT preparation, missing MOT results, test failures, retests, advisories and used car checks.
MOT Preparation
Failed MOT and Retests
MOT History and Advisories
MOT Not Showing Online?
Had your MOT test but the result is missing? Find out why a recent MOT pass may not appear online, why your expiry date has not updated and how to resolve incorrect MOT records.
If you are unsure when your next test is due, check the official vehicle record before relying on an old certificate, garage receipt or estimated renewal date.
When Is My MOT Due? FAQs
These are six common questions UK drivers ask about MOT expiry dates, renewal deadlines, fines and reminders.
How can I check when my MOT is due?
Use the free official GOV.UK MOT status checker. Enter your vehicle registration number and confirm the vehicle details to see its recorded MOT status and expiry date. You do not need to pay a third-party website for this check.
How early can I renew my MOT without losing my expiry date?
In Great Britain, you can normally renew your MOT up to one month minus one day before the current certificate expires and keep the existing annual renewal date. Testing earlier will normally give you a new expiry date based on the test date.
Is there a grace period after an MOT expires?
No. In Great Britain, there is no legal grace period after an MOT expires. If your vehicle requires an MOT, you cannot continue ordinary driving without a valid certificate. Limited exceptions apply, including qualifying journeys to pre-arranged MOT appointments.
What is the fine for driving without an MOT?
In Great Britain, driving a vehicle that requires an MOT without a valid certificate can result in a fine of up to £1,000 unless a legal exception applies. Driving a dangerously defective car can lead to more serious penalties.
When is a new car's first MOT due?
Most new cars in Great Britain need their first MOT by the third anniversary of registration and normally every 12 months afterwards. Private cars in Northern Ireland generally have their first MOT at four years old. Different vehicle categories may have different testing requirements.
Can I get a free reminder when my MOT is due?
Yes. GOV.UK offers a free MOT reminder service that you can register for using your vehicle and contact details. Reminders can help you prepare, but you remain responsible for checking and meeting the actual MOT expiry deadline.
When Is My MOT Due? Quick Summary
The easiest way to avoid missing your MOT is to check the official expiry date, understand your renewal window and arrange a test before the current certificate runs out.
Check for free
Use the official GOV.UK MOT checker and your vehicle registration number.
Book before expiry
Renew within the permitted early-testing window to keep your existing annual expiry anniversary.
Never ignore safety
An MOT certificate does not guarantee that a vehicle remains roadworthy throughout the year.
Essential MOT deadline checklist
- Check the MOT expiry date using the official GOV.UK service.
- Remember that most cars in Great Britain need their first MOT at three years old.
- Check the separate first-test rules for Northern Ireland.
- Book within the one-month-minus-one-day renewal window if you want to preserve your existing expiry date.
- Do not assume there is a grace period after the certificate expires.
- Keep the vehicle roadworthy regardless of its MOT status.
- Register for free MOT reminders and keep your contact details updated.
If your vehicle requires an MOT and the certificate has expired, do not use it for ordinary journeys. Arrange a qualifying pre-booked test appointment or suitable vehicle recovery where necessary.
Never drive a vehicle with dangerous defects, even if an MOT certificate remains valid.
Make your next MOT easier
Check the expiry date now, set a reminder and plan your next appointment before the deadline. If your vehicle has known faults, have them assessed before the test rather than leaving repairs until the final day.
For further help, explore our MOT preparation guide , MOT retest rules and common MOT advisories guide .