When is My MOT Due? A Guide Understanding Your MOT Schedule

In this guide, we’ll explain how to find out when your MOT is due, what happens during the test, and tips to ensure your vehicle passes. Knowing when your MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is due is crucial for staying compliant with UK law and ensuring that your vehicle is roadworthy. The MOT test is an annual inspection that checks the safety, roadworthiness, and emissions of vehicles over three years old. Driving without a valid MOT certificate can result in fines, penalty points, and even invalidate your insurance.

What is an MOT Test?

The MOT test is a mandatory annual inspection for vehicles over three years old in the UK. It ensures that your vehicle meets the minimum safety and environmental standards required by law. The test covers various aspects of your vehicle, including brakes, lights, steering, suspension, and emissions.

How to Find Out When Your MOT is Due

There are several ways to determine when your MOT is due:

1. Check Your Previous MOT Certificate

Your most recent MOT certificate will indicate the expiry date of your current MOT. This date is crucial because your next MOT must be completed before this expiry date to ensure continuous coverage.

2. Use the GOV.UK MOT Reminder Service

The UK government offers a free MOT reminder service that sends you an email or text message a month before your MOT is due. You can sign up for this service on the GOV.UK website by providing your vehicle’s registration number and a contact method.

3. Check Online

You can check your MOT status and due date online by visiting the GOV.UK MOT history service. Simply enter your vehicle’s registration number, and the service will display your MOT history, including the due date of your next MOT.

4. Contact Your Local Garage

If you’re unsure when your MOT is due, you can also contact the garage where you last had your MOT test. They should have a record of your previous test and can confirm when your next one is due.

How Early Can I Take My MOT?

You can have your MOT test done up to one month (minus one day) before your current MOT certificate expires without losing the original expiry date. This means that if your MOT is due on 30th June, you can have the test from 1st June onwards, and if your vehicle passes, the new MOT certificate will be valid until 30th June the following year.

What Happens If My MOT Expires?

Driving without a valid MOT certificate is illegal and can lead to:

• Fines: You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving without an MOT.
• Points on Your Licence: You may receive penalty points on your driving licence.
• Invalidated Insurance: If your vehicle doesn’t have a valid MOT, your insurance may be invalidated, leaving you unprotected in the event of an accident.
• Unable to Tax Your Vehicle: Without a valid MOT, you won’t be able to renew your vehicle’s road tax, leading to additional fines and penalties.

However, you are allowed to drive your vehicle to a pre-booked MOT test or to a repair shop to fix issues identified during an MOT, provided it’s roadworthy.

Tips to Ensure Your Vehicle Passes the MOT

To avoid the inconvenience of a failed MOT, here are some tips to prepare your vehicle:

1. Check Lights and Indicators

Make sure all your lights and indicators are working correctly, including headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Replacing a faulty bulb is an easy and affordable fix that can prevent a failed MOT.

2. Inspect Tires

Check the tread depth of your tires. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but it’s recommended to replace tires before they reach this limit. Also, ensure that your tires are free of cuts, bulges, or other damage.

3. Test Brakes

Your vehicle’s brakes are a critical safety component. Listen for any unusual noises, and make sure the brake pedal feels firm when pressed. If you’re unsure, have a mechanic check the brakes before your MOT.

4. Check Windscreen Wipers and Washers

Ensure that your windscreen wipers are in good condition and that the washer fluid is topped up. Wipers that are worn or damaged can cause your vehicle to fail its MOT.

5. Inspect the Exhaust System

Look for any visible damage or leaks in the exhaust system. Excessive noise or smoke from the exhaust could indicate a problem that needs to be addressed before the MOT.

6. Ensure Seat Belts Are Functioning

Check that all seat belts in your vehicle are working correctly and that there are no signs of damage or wear.

Knowing when your MOT is due is essential for staying legal and ensuring your vehicle is safe to drive. By keeping track of your MOT expiry date and preparing your vehicle in advance, you can avoid the stress and potential penalties associated with an expired MOT. Regular maintenance and pre-MOT checks can help ensure your vehicle passes the test with flying colors, keeping you on the road and compliant with UK regulations.

Buying a used VW. Buying used vauxhall, BMW, Jaguar, Ford, Volvo, Range rover, Bentley, Aston Martin, Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Hyundai, Tesla, Honda, Pagani