When does a car need its first MOT?

Tuesday 5th May 2020

When does a new car need its first MOT?

In the UK, it is a legal requirement that a vehicle older than 3 years from the date of first registration must have an annual MOT test. This means that, if you have purchased a new car, this car does not need to have an MOT test until it’s 3 years old. However, that MOT test must be conducted no later than the vehicle’s 3rd year from date of registration.

For example, if a car was registered as new on 5th March 2020, its first MOT test would be conducted no later than 5th March, 2023. Past 5th March 2023, your vehicle would require a valid MOT certificate, and it would be illegal to drive without one. Learn more about driving without an MOT now.

It is also possible to MOT your car early, before the end of the 3 years. You can have your MOT test up to one month (minus a day) before the MOT test is due. Find out more about how early you can have an MOT from our detailed guide.

Which vehicles would be exempt from MOTs?

However, there are some vehicle which are exempt from MOTs. These are primarily historic vehicles that were built or first registered over 40 years ago; there haven’t been any ‘substantial changes’ made to the vehicle in the last 30 years; and vehicles that were previously exempt on the basis of being first registered before 1960. Learn more about if your vehicle could be exempt from an MOT from our historic vehicles MOTs guide.

When is my MOT due?

To find out when your MOT is due, simply log on to the GOV.uk site, enter in your registration details and you will be presented with you’re the vehicle’s MOT history.

Now you know when your car needs its first MOT, book in for your MOT test online today. Locate your nearest Formula One Autocentre, or get in touch with a member of our expert team for more help and information.