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When Is My MOT Due?

by Marsh Finance on Aug 28, 2024 10:58:49 AM

 

Key Summary

All cars over three years old need an MOT test. An MOT is due one year after it was last checked, or three years after you bought the car. Some old cars, don't need an MOT. If your car does need an MOT and you don't get one when due, you can face punishment and fines. 

Electric and hybrids need MOT tests every year once they're three year olds. Checking for when an MOT is due is easy. You can look at your certificate and see if your car is due one, or go online where there are plenty of MOT checkers.

The government has also introduced an MOT reminder scheme, to make sure you're never caught out.

When booking an MOT, you should always book one month prior to the day before an MOT is due.

👉 Do electric vehicles and hybrid cars require MOTs?
👉 How can I check when my car MOT is due?
👉 MOT due date reminder service
👉 When should I book my MOT?
👉 Am I able to drive without a valid MOT certificate?
👉 Sounding off on MOTs
👉 Are you looking to upgrade your ride?
 

When Is My MOT Due? 

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.

A close up of an electric charging point with a car plugged in.

Do Electric Vehicles (EV) And Hybrid Cars Require An MOT? 

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.

Mechanic lying and working under car at the repair garage.

How Can I Check When My Car MOT Is Due? 

If you have your MOT certificate, it will show the date of your last MOT and the renewal date. If you don’t have your current MOT certificate, you can check your MOT due date online.

The UK government offers a free service called “MOT History Check” on their website. Just enter your vehicle's registration number to check the MOT status and due date of your car. You can use this service to find out when your car's MOT is due here. 

A calendar with dates crossed out, sat on top of folders and pens.

MOT Due Date Reminder Service  

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.

When Should I Book My MOT? 

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.

A person smiles whilst being handed car keys, with a woman sat in the passenger seat smiling and looking on.

Am I Able To Drive Without A Valid MOT Certificate? 

No, if your MOT has run out, it’s illegal to drive your car anywhere or to park it on the road.  

The only exemption to this rule is if you’re traveling to the MOT test centre itself for the vehicles assessment. 

Don’t risk fines, penalties or driving an unsafe vehicle – make sure your MOT is up to date! If you’re unsure when your MOT is due, you can easily check it online using the UK government’s free MOT history checker. 

Sounding Off On MOTs

If you want to drive your car on the road, it must undergo an MOT test 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!
 

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?

If you still have your MOT certificate, it will show you what the renewal date is. If you don't have your certificate, the government provides a free online MOT checker, which you can find here.

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