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by Marsh Finance on Aug 28, 2024 10:58:49 AM
You can find out your MOT due date instantly by entering your registration number into the free GOV.UK MOT check tool.
When Is My MOT Due?
Summary: Your MOT occurs one year after its last assessment, or three years after it was first registered.
All vehicles over three years old must legally undergo an MOT test. Your MOT is due one year after its last assessment or three years after you bought your car. Some classic vehicles are exempt from MOT requirements.
Driving without a valid MOT certificate is unsafe and can lead to:
- A fine of up to £2,500
- Points on your license
- Invalid insurance
Luckily, it’s easier than ever to find out your MOT renewal date. Read on to learn more.
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Check MOT Status Online (GOV.UK Service)
Summary: Check your MOT status online at GOV.UK. Make sure you have your registration number.
The quickest way to find your MOT due date is to use the free online GOV.UK MOT check:
- Go to the official GOV.UK MOT status check.
- Enter your vehicle’s registration number.
- See your MOT expiry date, previous results, recorded mileage, and advisory notices.
This is the same data that garages and the DVLA use, so it’s the most accurate source available.
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MOT Certificate: Find The Printed Expiry Date
Summary: Find your MOT expiry date on the top right of your last MOT certificate.
If you have your MOT certificate, it will show the date of your last MOT and the expiry date, which is printed at the top. If you don’t have your current MOT certificate, you can check your MOT due date online. You can book your next MOT test up to one month minus one day before this date and still keep your renewal anniversary.
MOT Reminders: GOV.UK Free Email And Text Alerts
Summary: Enter your registration number online and choose whether to receive an MOT reminder by phone or email.
The government has also implemented a reminder service that sends you a text or email when your MOT is due.
The MOT reminder service ensures you won’t forget to book your vehicle for an inspection, reducing the risk of driving an unsafe vehicle, getting a fine, or points on your driving license.
You simply enter your vehicle registration number and choose how you’d like to be notified of your MOT renewal date.
You can access the MOT due date reminder service here.
It’s important to keep your car’s MOT up to date. Driving without a valid MOT certificate is illegal and can result in fines or penalties.
MOT Booking Window: One Month Before Expiry
Summary: Book your test well in advance to avoid any issues.
You can book your MOT test up to one month minus one day before your current MOT certificate expires. For example, if your MOT expires on June 30th, you can book your next test from June 1st.
It's a good idea to book your MOT early. This way, you can pick a time that works best for you and avoid last-minute problems. Many garages have lots of appointment times, like early mornings and evenings, so you can find a time that fits your schedule.
But don't book your MOT too early. If you book it too soon, your MOT certificate might not last a full year. For example, if your MOT is due on June 30th but you book the test for June 1st, your new MOT will expire on June 1st the next year, and you'll lose 30 days.
So, it's best to book your MOT about one month before it expires. This way, you get a good time and your new certificate lasts a full year.
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MOT Legal Rules: Driving Without A Valid MOT
Summary: Driving without an MOT certificate is illegal. You will face a fine and penalty points on your licence.
⚠️ It’s illegal to drive without a valid MOT.
You could face:
- A fine up to £1,000
- Invalidated insurance
- Penalty points on your licence
The only exemption to this rule is if you’re travelling to the MOT test centre itself for the vehicle's assessment.
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Electric And Hybrid MOT Requirements
Summary: EVs and hybrids need an MOT test every year once they are three years old.
EV vehicles and hybrid cars are required to undergo MOT tests every year once they reach three years of age. EVs and hybrids are specialist vehicles. Consequently, check that the MOT service centre/ garage you have chosen is able and certified to run these tests. If they are not authorised, your MOT will likely not be validated and you'll need to get it done at a specialist EV and Hybrid MOT provider.
MOT Exemptions: Classic Vehicles And Substantial Modification Rules
Some classic vehicles over 40 years old are exempt from MOT testing if they haven’t been substantially modified.
You can check eligibility on GOV.UK before skipping your test.
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How To Check MOT History
Use the GOV.UK MOT history checker to view:
- Past pass or fail results
- Mileage at each test
- Any advisory or defect notices
This helps you spot recurring issues before your next test.
Quick Summary — How to Check When Your MOT Is Due
|
Step |
What to Do |
Where to Go |
|
1 |
Visit the GOV.UK MOT check tool |
|
|
2 |
Enter your car’s registration number |
GOV.UK form |
|
3 |
View MOT due date & history |
Instant online result |
|
4 |
Optional: Sign up for MOT reminders |
GOV.UK reminder service |
Sounding Off On MOTs
If you want to drive your car on the road, it must undergo an MOT check every year. Driving without an updated MOT check can lead to you receiving fines and even penalty points on your licence. With this in mind, keeping up to date with your MOTs is key. The government MOT reminder service is a great way to keep on top of things, sending you reminders when your MOT is due. Make sure you try to book your MOT in advance, to guard against any wait times. Keep on top of your MOTs, and you're free to hit the road with ease.
Are You Looking To Upgrade Your Ride?
Now that you are an MOT master, get on the road to a new car. With our car finance calculator, you can check how much you can borrow without impacting your credit score.
Click here to see how much you could borrow!
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MOT FAQs
What does MOT stand for?
MOT stands for Ministry of Transport, and refers to the tests your car must undergo to be road worthy.
When is my MOT due?
An MOT is due every year, or three years after you first bought the car. From the point of your first MOT, it will then be needed every year. Some classic cars are exempt from MOTs.
What is an MOT check?
An MOT is a mandatory check of cars every year to assess their road safety and environmental impact.
What do they check on an MOT?
An MOT looks at most of the parts of your car, except for the engine, gearbox or clutch. As part of its test, checks will take place on things like your braking, lights, seatbelts and many other vital parts of your car that ensure road safety. MOTs also look at exhaust emissions. If the car emissions are too high, it will fail the MOT.
When does my MOT run out?
If your car has previously had an MOT, its MOT certificate will run out a year after the previous check. At this point, you will need to enter your car for another MOT check. If you have recently purchased a car, it will not need an MOT until three years into your ownership.
How do I check my MOT history?
You can check MOT history with your MOT certificate. This will show you when the renewal date is. If you don't have your certificate, the government provides a free online MOT history checker, which you can find here.
When will a new car need an MOT?
A new car needs an MOT three years after its registration date.