When Is My MOT Due? How to Check Your MOT Expiry Date for Free
"When is my MOT due?" is one of the most Googled car questions in the UK and understandably so. MOT certificates don't always come with a reminder, and missing the expiry date can leave you driving illegally without realising it. Here's how to check in 30 seconds, what happens if it lapses, and how to book early without losing any of the year you've already paid for.
How to check when your MOT is due (free, takes 30 seconds)
The quickest way is the official DVSA tool:
- Go to gov.uk/check-mot-status
- Enter your vehicle registration number
- Your MOT expiry date and full test history appear instantly
No account, no payment, no sign-up required. The DVSA database is updated in real time after every test, so the date shown is always current.
Also shows: your full MOT history going back years every pass, fail, advisory notice, and the mileage recorded at each test. Useful when buying a used car to check if the history matches what the seller claims.
When does a car first need an MOT?
A new car needs its first MOT when it turns 3 years old from its original date of first registration. For example, a car registered on 1 March 2023 will need its first MOT by 1 March 2026.
After the first test, an MOT is required every year. The renewal date is the anniversary of your previous MOT certificate not a fixed calendar month.
Can I book my MOT early?
Yes and it's often a good idea. You can have your MOT done up to one calendar month before the expiry date and the new certificate will still run from the original expiry date. You don't lose any of the time remaining on the current certificate.
Example: Your MOT expires on 10 September. You can book it from 10 August onwards. If you have it tested on 20 August, the new certificate will still run until 10 September next year not 20 August.
This is particularly useful during busy periods. March and September are the two busiest months for MOTs in the UK, because a large proportion of cars were originally registered in those months. Booking ahead avoids the rush and gives you more choice of appointment times.
Set a reminder: Once you know your expiry date, add a calendar reminder for 5–6 weeks before. That gives you enough time to book without being caught out.
What happens if your MOT expires?
Once your MOT certificate expires, your car is no longer legally roadworthy. Driving it on a public road (other than to drive to a pre-booked MOT appointment or repair garage) can result in:
- A fine of up to £1,000
- Your car insurance being invalidated leaving you personally liable for any damage or injury in an accident
- The car being seized by police in some circumstances
The exception: you can drive to a pre-booked MOT test or to a garage to get a safety-critical repair done, even on an expired certificate but only if the car is safe to drive and you have a confirmed appointment.
What if your car is parked and not being driven?
If your car is kept off the road and you're not driving it, you can declare it SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) with the DVLA. A SORN vehicle doesn't require an MOT or road tax while it's off the road. The moment you want to drive it again, a valid MOT (and insurance) must be in place first.
Are any vehicles MOT exempt?
Vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1980 are exempt from the annual MOT requirement. This covers most classic cars. Some electric vehicles and certain specialist vehicles also have different rules check gov.uk if you're unsure about your specific vehicle.
Note: MOT exemption doesn't mean the vehicle doesn't need to be roadworthy. It still must meet the legal standards for use on a public road.
What's new for MOTs in 2026?
From April 2026, every MOT test must include an uploaded photograph of the vehicle. Tyre inspections now also require digital tread depth gauges measuring at multiple points across the tyre. These changes don't affect the cost or booking process for you, but they do mean testers are carrying out more detailed checks. See our full guide: New MOT rules 2026 what's changed?
How to prepare once you know your date
Once you've confirmed your MOT is coming up, a few simple checks at home can reduce the chance of a failure:
- Check all exterior lights are working (including brake lights get someone to help or use a reflective surface)
- Check tyre tread depth the legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. The 20p coin test: if the outer band of the coin is visible when inserted into the tread, the tyre is at or below the limit
- Check windscreen washer fluid is topped up and wipers clear the screen properly
- Make sure your horn works
- Check the number plate is clean and clearly legible
Full pre-MOT checklist: How to prepare for your MOT 10 checks to do at home →
Book your MOT in Ashford
We're at 32–34 Feltham Road, Ashford TW15 close to Staines, Feltham, Sunbury and Stanwell. Call us or book online to get your MOT sorted before the expiry date catches you out.