How early can I MOT my car?
Thursday 25th November 2021
Often our MOT and services can creep up on us just at the wrong time – when bills are due, the rest of your summer holiday needs paying off or even when your annual car insurance also needs renewing. Perhaps you want to balance out the outgoings and get ahead of the game this year? Start by booking in your MOT early. But exactly how early can you MOT a car?
How long is an MOT valid for?
A vaid MOT on any vehicle lasts for one year. This means you have exactly one year from your last test until your next one is due. However, there is the option to MOT your car early:
How early can I MOT my car?
You can MOT your car up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out. Although you have renewed early, your renewal date will still stay the same on your certificate for next year.
However, you can renew your car even earlier if required – if you renew your MOT up to more than one calendar month before, the test will then be valid until 12 months from the new test date. For example: If your certificate expires on the 5th April, but you had the MOT test on the 7th March, your new certificate would be valid until 7th March the following year.
What if my MOT has passed its expiry date?
The only exceptions to drive a vehicle that’s passed its MOT expiry date are:
- Driving to or from somewhere to be repaired
- To a pre-arranged MOT test
Remember, if you take your MOT test early and it fails, you shouldn’t be driving this car – even though you may still have an MOT certificate that hasn’t yet reached its expiry date. If your car has failed its MOT, this means the car is dangerous to you, other drivers and other passengers in your vehicle.
Is there an MOT expiry grace period?
There is no official grace period in which you can drive without an MOT. If you are caught driving without an MOT, you will most likely receive a fine – and, in some cases you may receive points on your licence. Learn more about the MOT grace period from our guide now.
The DVSA state your vehicle needs to meet the minimum standards of being roadworthy at all times. You can read more about what makes a car roadworthy in our helpful blog.
Ready to book in your own MOT today? Find out all the information you need to know from Formula One Autocentres today.
