The short answer
- A car’s first MOT is due on the third anniversary of its registration, or the fourth in Northern Ireland.
- After that it needs an MOT every year.
- You can test up to a month minus a day early and keep the same renewal date.
- The maximum fee for a car is £54.85.
When your MOT is due
| Registered | First MOT due | Then |
|---|---|---|
| 15 May 2023 (Great Britain) | 15 May 2026 | Every year by the expiry date |
| 15 May 2023 (Northern Ireland) | 15 May 2027 | Every year by the expiry date |
| 29 February 2024 | 28 February 2027 | Every year by the expiry date |
The expiry date is on your last MOT certificate, and you can check it online with the registration number.
Testing early and keeping your date
You can have an MOT up to a month minus a day before the current one runs out and keep the same renewal date. If your MOT expires on 15 May, the earliest you can test and keep 15 May next year is 16 April. Testing earlier than that is allowed, but the new certificate runs for a year from the test date, so you lose days.
Book ahead
Book early in the window, so there is time to fix any faults before the old certificate runs out.
Checking a vehicle's MOT history
The DVSA’s free online service shows the MOT history of any vehicle tested in Great Britain since 2005, using only the registration number. It lists each test, the result, the mileage recorded, and any failures, advisories and minor defects. Enter a plate in the calculator for a direct link.
What the results mean
- Advisories
- Things to keep an eye on
- Minor defects
- Fix soon; recorded on the certificate
- Major defects
- Must be repaired and retested
- Dangerous defects
- Do not drive until repaired
How much an MOT costs
| Vehicle | Maximum fee |
|---|---|
| Car (up to 8 passenger seats) | £54.85 |
| Motorcycle | £29.65 |
Many garages charge less than the maximum, especially when combined with a service. A partial retest is often free if done within 10 working days.
Common reasons for failing
- Lights and indicators, including number plate lights.
- Tyres below the 1.6mm legal tread depth or with damage.
- Brakes and suspension.
- The driver’s view: windscreen damage, wipers and washers.
- Warning lights on the dashboard, such as engine management or airbag lights.
If your car fails
- Dangerous defectDo not drive it away
Repair at the test centre or arrange recovery.
- Major defect, old MOT still validYou can drive to have it repaired
Only if the car is roadworthy.
- Within 10 working daysPartial retest
Often free if the car stays at the centre, or a reduced fee.
Vehicles that do not need an MOT
Cars and motorbikes made more than 40 years ago, and not substantially changed, are usually exempt. Electric goods vehicles registered before March 2015 and some other vehicles are exempt too. Exempt vehicles must still be roadworthy, and owners can choose to have a voluntary MOT.
Penalties
Driving without a valid MOT can lead to a fine of up to £1,000. Driving a car with a dangerous defect can lead to a fine of up to £2,500, a ban and 3 penalty points. Your insurance may also be invalid. You can drive a car without a valid MOT only to a pre-booked test or to a garage for repairs.
Using MOT history when buying
- Check the mileage rises steadily from test to test. A fall can mean the clock has been changed.
- Look for repeated advisories, such as corrosion, that may now be due.
- Check the car has had an MOT each year; gaps can mean it was off the road.
Preparing for the test
- Walk round the car and check every light, including brake lights and the number plate light.
- Check tyre tread and pressures, and look for cuts or bulges.
- Top up the screen wash and check the wipers clear the screen.
- Remove clutter that blocks the view, and clean the number plates.
- Make sure no warning lights are on, and that the horn works.
Drivers also need to renew their licence at 70 and every three years after; the licence at 70 calculator gives your renewal date.