When do I need to get an MOT test?

 

When your car is three years old from the date of its registration it will need its first MOT test - and then it needs to be retested every year on the anniversary of its last MOT test.

Once passed, you'll get an MOT test certificate with the date of test on it, and the date of expiry so you know when the vehicle requires a new MOT. If you choose, you can get the vehicle retested up to a month (minus a day) before it expires and keep the original renewal date.

If your car fails its MOT, then you can only take your vehicle away if your current check mot history certificate is still valid and no 'dangerous' problems were listed in the new report from the failed MOT. Otherwise, you must get it repaired before you're allowed to drive.

If you decide to take it to another garage to have the failed defects addressed then your car will still need to meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times or you can be fined.

How can I find out when my MOT is due?

If you’ve lost your MOT certificate you can simply use the GOV.uk tool to enter your registration number and vehicle make.

This will check both your check MOT status and tax status in a matter of seconds. You'll also be able to have a fresh MOT certificate sent to you for free to replace the lost one.

Is there a grace period for an MOT?

No. As soon as your MOT has expired it becomes illegal to drive your car on the road. Doing so risks prosecution. You also cannot tax a vehicle without a current MOT certificate.

Can I drive without an MOT?

No. You can’t drive a vehicle without it having a valid mot history certificate. The only exception is that you're able to drive your vehicle to its MOT test, so long as the test has been booked.

If you own a vehicle and are not planning on driving it you must keep it off the road and will have to declare it SORN.

Find out the risks of driving without an MOT in our full guide.

My car has been recalled. Will it fail its MOT?

There are an estimated 2.3 million vehicles in the UK currently subject to outstanding recall notices, but while it’s illegal to sell on a car with a recall notice, there’s no legal requirement for owners to fix their own recalled cars.

To address this, authorities are considering plans to better integrate the check mot and vehicle recall systems, which could lead to vehicles failing the test if a recall fault hasn’t been fixed in the 12 months after its previous test.  

There has been no word from authorities as to if and when this scheme will be introduced, but if you’re concerned your vehicle is subject to a recall, you can check the gov.uk recall database to find out.

How can I prepare for an MOT test?

 

Many vehicles fail an MOT for small issues which could easily been prevented before the test. You might be surprised at what can fail an MOT - some problems are relatively minor.

It’s a good idea to prepare an MOT checklist a couple of weeks before the date of inspection to make sure your vehicle is in the best possible condition it can be, this will allow you to proactively fix the issues and avoid any inconvenient circumstances if the vehicle fails the test.

It is worth clarifying; however, if your car fails its MOT, then you cannot keep your renewal date.