Unlike car tax, you will not get a reminder when your car's MOT test is due. That is why we have put together this handy guide to help you find out when your vehicle's MOT is due.
Are you 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 the 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 and no ‘substantial changes’ have been made to the vehicle in the last 30 years.
How to check your MOT due date
The MOT due date will be on your car's MOT pass certificate.
You can also check the your car's MOT due date with the RAC MOT checker. All you need to do is enter your vehicle's registration to check its renewal date and view its MOT history.
You can also find your MOT due date with the myRAC app.
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 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.
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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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