If do not know when your MOT is due or have forgotten the date then don't worry, this in-depth guide will help you find the date of your car's next MOT. If you are struggling with car maintenance - contact your local mobile mechanic.
Read on to find out more about the MOT, including how to find the due date and how early you can book the test.
When is my car due for an MOT?
Your car's first MOT will be due three years after its first registration date (four years in Northern Ireland).
Your car's original registration date will be provided to you by the dealership or person that sold you the car. It will also be listed on the V5C logbook.
After the first MOT, the car will require a new MOT every 12 months in order to be road legal. Unless you place thr car on SORN, the MOT will be on the same date every year.
You do not need to get an MOT if:
- the vehicle was built or first registered more than 40 years ago
- no ‘substantial changes’ have been made to the vehicle in the last 30 years, for example replacing the chassis, body, axles or engine to change the way the vehicle works
What is an MOT?
The MOT is a legal requirement for most car owners. It tests the vehicle is safe and roadworthy.
The MOT tester will also check that the vehicle meets the required emissions standards.
Read our MOT checklist and comprehensive guide for more information.
How to check your MOT due date
Checking your MOT status is easy, as it will be listed on the certificate that you receive after your car has passed the test.
Alternatively, if you have lost your pass certificate, you can find your MOT due date with the myRAC app.
Free to download, the myRAC app will also show you the MOT history of your vehicle and allow you to set maintenance reminders to make sure you book the next MOT on time.
The DVLA also has a ‘check MOT status’ option, where you will provide information to find your due date.
After your vehicle has passed its MOT test, make sure you keep your pass certificate in a safe place.
How early can you MOT a car?
You can book your MOT a month, minus a day, before your due date. If you do this, your vehicle will keep the same renewal date.
For example, if your MOT runs out on March 10th, the earliest you can get an MOT to keep the same renewal date for next year is February 9th.
And for those drivers who want to get their MOT earlier, the renewal date for the following year will change to one year (minus a day) from the date the vehicle last passed its MOT.
- Money saving MOT tips – help you save money on your next MOT
- Driving without an MOT – what are the risks?
- MOT advisories – all you need to know
When is my first MOT due?
A vehicle’s first MOT is due on the third anniversary of the car's first registration date (fourth anniversary in Northern Ireland).
This information will be on the documents you receive when you buy the car and also listed on the V5C logbook.
Find your MOT due date with the myRAC app
Available to download for free on both iPhone and Android, the myRAC app is the quickest and easiest way to let us know if you have broken down – and to find where the cheapest fuel is in your area.
However, it is also useful to keep track of your MOT due date.
It also helps drivers keep track of insurance, car tax and service dates for those who download the app.
Download now
When is my service due?
When it comes to a car service, there is no exact timings – and they are not a legal requirement like the MOT.
However, there is a general rule that for an interim service, a driver should have it every six months or 6,000 miles – whichever happens first.
And for a full service, this should happen every year, or every 12,000 miles.
Often many car owners will combine the MOT and service in the same trip to the garage. Some places will often offer deals when drivers combine them into the same day they take the car in.
Learn more about a car service and why they are important for all drivers.
When is my car tax due?
Similar to when you check for your MOT due date, a drier can check their car tax status by visiting the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) website and enter in the details of your vehicle.
This useful guide on car tax bands can also help you get the information for this topic.
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