When Is My Car MOT Due? UK Driver’s Guide for 2025
If you’re asking yourself “when is my car MOT due?” — you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of UK drivers miss their MOT renewal date without realising the consequences. Driving without a valid MOT certificate is illegal and can cost you up to £1,000 in fines, as well as invalidating your insurance. The good news is checking your MOT due date is completely free and only takes a few seconds. This guide explains how to check it, what happens if you miss it, and how to make sure you’re never caught out.
What Is an MOT?
An MOT (Ministry of Transport test) is an annual safety check required for most vehicles in the UK once they are three years old. It ensures your vehicle is safe to drive and meets environmental standards.
It checks key components such as:
- Brakes
- Tyres
- Lights
- Suspension
- Steering
- Exhaust and emissions
Without a valid MOT, your vehicle is not road legal unless you are driving it to a pre-booked MOT appointment.
How to Check When Your MOT Is Due
1. Use the Official GOV.UK MOT Check Tool
The easiest and most reliable way to find out when your MOT is due is by using the government website.
Steps:
- Go to gov.uk/check-mot-status
- Enter your vehicle registration (number plate)
- Click Continue
- The MOT status and expiry date will be shown instantly
- Alternatively you may use CarExamer mot check tool
You’ll also see:
- Full MOT history
- Mileage records
- Past advisories and failure notes
All this information is available 24/7 and free to use.
2. Check Your Last MOT Certificate
If you have the last MOT test certificate, the expiry date is clearly printed on it. You can renew the MOT up to one month less a day before it expires and still keep the original renewal date.
Example:
If your MOT expires on 15 October, you can book the next one from 16 September without losing the renewal date.
What If I’ve Just Bought the Car?
If you’ve bought a used car and are unsure about the MOT, use the GOV.UK tool to check it instantly. You only need the number plate — not the VIN or any paperwork.
If the car is brand new, it does not need an MOT until it is three years old. After that, it must be tested every year.
Can I Drive Without an MOT?
No. Once the MOT expires, it is illegal to drive the car unless you’re on your way to a pre-booked MOT test.
Driving without an MOT can result in:
- Up to £1,000 fine
- Your insurance being invalid
- Penalty points on your licence
- Your car being seized in serious cases
What Happens If My MOT Is Overdue?
There is no grace period. The MOT expiry date is the final day you are legally allowed to drive (except to a booked MOT). If your MOT has expired:
- Do not drive the vehicle
- Book an MOT immediately
- Only drive to the test centre on the day of the appointment
If you are caught, even by ANPR cameras, you can be fined on the spot.
How to Set a Free MOT Reminder
Avoid forgetting by signing up for the UK government’s free MOT reminder service.
Go to: gov.uk/mot-reminder
You will receive:
- A text message
- An email reminder
- Alerts one month and two weeks before your MOT is due
When Should I Book My MOT?
You can book your MOT test up to one month (minus one day) before it expires. This allows you to keep the original renewal date even if you test early.
Example:
If your MOT expires on 5 December, you can book from 6 November and still keep your December renewal date.
Buying a Used Car? Always Check MOT First
Before you buy any used car, checking the MOT is one of the most important steps. The MOT history gives you clues about how well the car has been maintained. You’ll see:
- If it’s currently legal to drive
- What issues came up during previous tests
- Mileage history year by year
But remember — an MOT only checks road safety and emissions. For a full picture of the vehicle’s condition, book a CAREXAMER pre-purchase inspection. Their expert inspectors check over 100 key areas, including engine, gearbox, brakes, electrics and more.
Final Word
Knowing when your car MOT is due keeps you legal, safe and protected. It’s fast and free to check the status online, and with the right reminders in place, there’s no excuse for forgetting.
Whether you’re driving daily or buying a used car, always check the MOT date — and if in doubt, get your vehicle checked professionally by a trusted inspection service like CAREXAMER
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