When does an MOT expire?

Wednesday 29th November 2023

An MOT lasts for a year and is valid until midnight of its expiry date. You can find the date it runs out printed on your current MOT pass certificate.  

When does a new car require its first MOT? 

It is a legal requirement in the UK that a vehicle older than 3 years from the date of first registration must have an annual MOT test. This means that new cars do not need to have an MOT test until they are 3 years old. However, the MOT test must be conducted no later than the vehicle’s 3rd year from the date of registration.  

For historical vehicles, the MOT rules are different. Find out more here.  

Is an MOT still valid on the expiry date? 

Yes, your MOT is still valid on the date of expiry up until midnight. After this, you will only be permitted to drive your vehicle without an MOT if you can prove you are only driving the vehicle directly to an approved test centre for an MOT retest or a garage for repair.  

What happens when an MOT expires? 

It is illegal to drive your vehicle without a valid MOT certificate. If you are caught driving without a valid MOT certificate, you could be fined up to £1,000. Not only is it against the law to drive with an expired MOT certificate, but your vehicle insurance may also become invalid.  

Without a valid MOT certificate, you are also not permitted to park your vehicle on the road and you could get prosecuted if caught.  

How do I find out when my MOT due? 

Your MOT due date is the last day upon which you can have an MOT carried out on that vehicle. If you don’t know when your next MOT is due, you can find this out by checking your MOT history. Simply head to the GOV.uk website and enter your vehicle registration number, here you will find your vehicle’s MOT history as well as further information on your MOT status. 

You can also check the status of your MOT with our free MOT check here at Formula One Autocentres.  

How early can I have an MOT? 

You can MOT your car for 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. For more information about early MOT renewal, find out more here.  

What happens if my vehicle fails its MOT? 

If your vehicle has failed its MOT, you will be issued a VT30 ‘Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate’. This informs the driver that the vehicle has not passed the test and lists the reasons why the vehicle failed its MOT. 

It is your responsibility to address the issues listed and carry out any repairs to your vehicle before it is retested. 

Book your next MOT with Formula One Autocentres 

Ready to book in for your MOT? Find your?local Formula One Autocentre?now and?book your MOT online?with us today. Alternatively, find out more?MOT advice?from our news section, or fill in our online customer service form here.