Your first MOT is due 3 years after your vehicle's date of first registration. After that, it's due every 12 months from the date of the last test. You can test up to one month early without losing the anniversary date.

How can I check my MOT due date?

You can check for free on MOT AI by entering your registration, look at your V5C logbook, check your last MOT certificate, or use the GOV.UK MOT checking service.

What happens if I drive without an MOT?

Driving without a valid MOT is illegal unless you're driving to a pre-booked test. You could face a fine of up to £1,000 and your car insurance may be invalidated.

Can I get my MOT done early?

Yes, you can get your MOT done up to one calendar month before the due date. If you test within this window, you keep the original anniversary date for next year's test.

When is My MOT Due? How to Check Your MOT Expiry Date

Knowing when your MOT is due helps you avoid driving illegally and getting caught out by an expired certificate. Here is everything you need to know about MOT due dates and how to stay on top of them.

When Does My Vehicle Need an MOT?

New vehicles — first MOT is due 3 years after the date of first registration
After the first MOT — every 12 months from the date of the last test
You can test early — up to one calendar month before the due date without losing the original anniversary

How to Check Your MOT Due Date

There are several ways to find out when your MOT expires:

MOT AI — enter your registration on our homepage for a free report showing your full MOT history including the expiry date
Your V5C logbook — check the registration date to calculate the first MOT due date
Your last MOT certificate — the expiry date is printed on it
GOV.UK — the official DVSA service lets you check online

What If I Drive Without a Valid MOT?

Driving without a valid MOT is illegal (unless you are driving directly to a pre-booked test). You could face a fine of up to £1,000. Your car insurance may also be invalidated, which could leave you liable for any damage in an accident.

Get Your MOT Result the Moment It’s Published — MOT Support Agent

Dropping your car at the garage today? Don’t waste time phoning for updates. MOT Support Agent watches the official DVSA record for your vehicle and the instant your result is published — pass or fail — we deliver it. You choose: an instant email or the result rendered live on the page (no refresh required). No other UK site does this.

If it passes, you’ll be offered a MOT History AI Agent (£1.49) — the highlights of years of MOT history, written for you. If it fails, our Failure Research AI Agent (£4.99) sends an autonomous agent to deep-research real UK repair prices for every defect, so you go into the garage conversation forearmed.

Buying a Used Car? Check Its MOT History

If you are buying a used car, checking the MOT history is one of the best ways to verify the mileage and spot recurring problems. Our MOT History AI Agent (£1.49) analyses the full history with charts, a validity timeline, and plain-English explanations — a must before handing over any money.