An MOT test checks that your vehicle meets the minimum road safety and environmental standards. We can perform this test for you at any of our three test centres.
When to get an MOT
Unless you have a vehicle which is exempt, you must get an MOT for your vehicle:
- at the third anniversary of its first registration date *
- on the anniversary of its last MOT, if your vehicle is 3 years old or over
* Depending on your vehicle type, you may need an MOT test at the first anniversary of its first registration date. To view the types of vehicles that need to be tested at one year old, take a look at the MOT fees table on the GOV.UK website.
How long it lasts
An MOT lasts for a calendar year. The date it expires is printed on your current MOT certificate.
Booking your next MOT
The earliest you can book an MOT to preserve the previous expiry date is one calendar month (minus a day). For example, if your MOT runs out on the 15th May, the earliest you can get an MOT to keep the same renewal date for next year is the 16th April.
What if the MOT has run out?
You cannot drive your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught.
The only exceptions are:
- to drive the vehicle to or from somewhere to be repaired
- to take the vehicle to a pre-arranged MOT test
Please note: you can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate.