Find out when your MOT is due with our free checker. Learn MOT frequency rules, avoid the �1,000 fine, and understand why there's no grace period.
Knowing when your MOT is due is crucial for every UK driver. Missing your MOT expiry date can result in a �1,000 fine, invalidated insurance, and illegal driving - even if you're just one day late. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about MOT due dates, how to check when yours expires, and what to do if it's coming up soon.
There are several quick and easy ways to find out when your MOT is due:
###Use a Free MOT Checker
The fastest way to check your MOT due date is to use our free MOT history checker. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and get instant results showing:
Check Your MOT Expiry Date Free � (Enter your registration for instant results)
If you have your most recent MOT certificate, the expiry date is clearly printed on it. Look for the section labelled "Expiry date" - this is when your next MOT is due. Keep this certificate in your car so you always have the date to hand.
Important: Your V5C logbook (vehicle registration certificate) does not show your MOT expiry date. Many drivers mistakenly look for this information in their logbook, but it only contains registration details, not MOT information.
The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) offers a free MOT reminder service. You can sign up at gov.uk/mot-reminder to receive email or text reminders when your MOT is due. The service sends reminders one month and two weeks before your expiry date.
Several apps and websites offer MOT reminder services. However, our free MOT checker provides the most comprehensive information, including your complete test history and mileage progression chart to help spot potential issues before your next test.
Understanding MOT frequency rules helps you plan ahead and avoid last-minute panic:
New vehicles require their first MOT test 3 years after the date of first registration. For example, if your car was first registered on 15th March 2022, it needs its first MOT by 14th March 2025.
The 3-year rule applies to:
Note: Motorcycles also follow the 3-year rule, but some commercial vehicles have different requirements.
Once your vehicle has had its first MOT, you need a test every 12 months. The test must be done by the anniversary of your first MOT test, not the registration date.
Example: If your first MOT was on 20th June 2024, every subsequent MOT must be done by 20th June each year.
You can book your MOT up to one month (minus a day) before the expiry date and still keep your original expiry date for the next year. This is a significant advantage because:
You don't lose time - Your next expiry stays the same Avoid last-minute rush - Book when convenient Time to fix issues - If your car fails, you have time to arrange repairs
Example: If your MOT expires on 30th April 2025:
If you book your MOT after the expiry date, you risk:
This is one of the most common myths about MOT tests in the UK. Let's be absolutely clear:
Despite popular belief, there is no grace period for MOT tests. Your MOT certificate is valid until midnight on the expiry date shown. From 12:01 AM the next day, your vehicle is legally not roadworthy.
Myth: "You get 14 days grace after MOT expires" Reality: False. You must have a valid MOT at all times.
Myth: "You can drive on an expired MOT if you've booked a test" Reality: Only to drive directly to a pre-booked MOT appointment - no other journeys.
Myth: "Insurance companies give a few days leeway" Reality: Most insurance becomes invalid immediately when MOT expires.
Driving with an expired MOT, even by one day, can result in:
Fines: Up to �1,000 for driving without a valid MOT Insurance: Your insurance becomes void - you're driving uninsured (another �300 fine + 6 penalty points) MOT Failure: Any accident or police stop will reveal expired MOT Resale: Gaps in MOT history reduce vehicle value Peace of Mind: Stress knowing you're driving illegally
The law allows you to drive to a pre-booked MOT appointment even if your MOT has expired. However:
The appointment must be pre-booked You must drive directly to the test centre No detours or other errands Keep proof of the appointment with you
If stopped by police, you'll need to prove you're driving directly to the test.
##What If My MOT Is Due Soon?
If your MOT is approaching, here's what to do:
As mentioned, you can book up to one month early without losing time. This gives you:
You have many options for booking an MOT test:
Local Independent Garages
Franchise Garages (Halfords, Kwik Fit, etc.)
Main Dealer Garages
Council Test Centres
Booking times vary by season and location:
Before your test, check these items yourself:
Lights: All bulbs working (headlights, brake lights, indicators, number plate lights) Tyres: Tread depth above 1.6mm, no cuts or bulges Windscreen: No cracks or chips in driver's view Wipers: Working on all speeds, blades not torn Fluid levels: Screen wash topped up Horn: Works properly Mirrors: All present and secure Number plates: Clean, legible, correct font Seat belts: All present and functional
Download Our Complete MOT Checklist �
Never miss your MOT due date with these reminder options:
The government's free service sends:
Sign up at: gov.uk/mot-reminder
You'll need:
Add your MOT expiry date to your phone calendar with:
Set these as recurring annual events.
Many garages offer their own reminder services when you book with them. They'll typically:
Various apps track your MOT due date, but be aware:
Our free MOT checker provides the same information without downloading an app or sharing personal data.
Accidentally letting your MOT expire? Here's what you need to know:
From midnight on the expiry date, your vehicle is not roadworthy and you cannot drive it. The only exceptions are:
Driving directly to a pre-booked MOT test Driving to a pre-booked repair appointment to fix MOT failure
Any other driving is illegal.
Most car insurance policies require a valid MOT as a condition of cover. When your MOT expires:
L Your insurance is technically void L You're driving without insurance (separate offence) L Claims may be rejected L Could face additional �300 fine + 6 penalty points
Even if you have an accident that wasn't your fault, your insurer may refuse to pay out.
If caught driving without MOT:
If your MOT has expired:
Alternatively: Use a mobile MOT service (they come to you) or arrange for your car to be collected.
More about driving without an MOT �
Yes, but only until midnight. From 12:01 AM the next day, it's illegal to drive without a valid MOT unless you're going directly to a pre-booked test.
Use our free MOT checker - enter your registration number and get instant results. The DVSA database shows your exact expiry date. You can also check your MOT certificate or sign up for DVSA reminders.
Yes! You can book your MOT up to one month (minus a day) before the expiry date. Importantly, doing this keeps your current expiry date for next year, so you don't lose any time.
If you accidentally miss your MOT expiry date, you cannot drive the car except directly to a pre-booked MOT test. Book a test immediately and arrange not to use the car until it's tested. Driving with expired MOT can result in a �1,000 fine and invalidated insurance.
No. This is a common myth. There is no grace period for MOT tests in the UK. Your certificate is valid until midnight on the expiry date, and after that, driving is illegal.
The DVSA sends reminders if you're signed up to their service - one at 1 month before and another at 2 weeks before. However, it's your responsibility to know when your MOT is due. Check today using our free MOT checker.
Yes, but ONLY if:
Yes. After your first MOT, the expiry date remains the same each year (e.g., if it expires on 15th June 2025, it will expire on 15th June 2026, 15th June 2027, and so on). The only way this changes is if you get a late MOT - then the date moves forward to the new test date.
The easiest way to stay on top of your MOT due date is to check it now and set up reminders. Our free MOT history checker gives you:
Exact expiry date Complete test history Mileage progression chart Previous advisories and failures Instant results in seconds
Don't risk a �1,000 fine or invalidated insurance - check your MOT status today and book your test well in advance. With the ability to test up to one month early without losing time, there's no reason to leave it to the last minute.
Check Your MOT Due Date Free - Enter Your Registration Now �
Remember: There's no grace period. Don't become one of the 3 million UK drivers risking fines by driving without a valid MOT.
Part of
Complete mot guide Guide →Complete guide to driving without an MOT certificate in the UK. Learn about fines, penalties, legal exceptions, and what to do if your MOT has expired.
Getting StartedLearn exactly when your vehicle needs an MOT test. Understand first MOT requirements, annual testing rules, exemptions, and how to check your MOT due date.
PreparationComplete pre-MOT checklist to help you prepare your vehicle and pass first time. Learn what to check before your MOT test and simple DIY fixes you can do yourself.