MOT Frequently Asked Questions

You can find out when your car's MOT is due by checking your current MOT certificate or by entering your vehicle registration number into our MOT Checker.

It's a good idea to set a reminder for yourself a few weeks before the due date so you can book your MOT test in advance. You can do this by signing up to our free MOT reminder service.

No, you cannot tax a car without a valid MOT certificate. You need a valid MOT to ensure your vehicle meets the minimum safety and environmental standards required to be driven on UK roads.

An MOT certificate is typically valid for one year from the date it was issued. However, you can renew your MOT up to one month before it expires without losing any of the previous certificate's validity.

You can find out if your van's MOT is due by checking your current MOT certificate or by entering your vehicle registration number into our MOT Checker.

A new car needs its first MOT test three years after the date of its first registration. After the first MOT, you'll need to renew it annually.

If you're concerned about a vehicle that might not have a valid MOT, you can report it to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) online. You'll need to provide the vehicle's registration number and any other relevant information, such as the make and model of the car and the location where you saw it.

No, you can only get your car's MOT tested up to one month before its expiry date. If you get your vehicle tested 1 month before the due date, you won't lose any validity on the existing certificate, meaning you can essentially have an MOT that lasts up to 13 months.

Exhaust emissions tests are included in MOT tests to ensure that vehicles meet environmental standards and do not produce excessive pollutants. This helps to improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions that contribute to climate change.

Yes, electric cars still need an MOT test, although some components specific to petrol or diesel cars, such as the exhaust system, are not checked. The MOT will cover other safety-critical items, such as brakes, tyres, and lights.

The cost of a motorcycle MOT test can vary depending on the test centre, but the maximum fee set by the government is £29.65. You can often find test centres offering MOTs at lower prices, so it's worth shopping around.

Driving without a valid MOT can invalidate your car insurance and may result in a fine of up to £1,000. Additionally, if your vehicle is deemed unroadworthy due to a lack of MOT, it could be seized by the police.

You are generally not allowed to drive a car without a valid MOT certificate. However, there are a few exceptions:

• Driving to a pre-booked MOT test at a nominated test centre.
• Driving to a garage for repairs required to pass the MOT test.

Even in these cases, your vehicle must still be roadworthy, and you should have proof of your MOT appointment or garage booking.

Whether your caravan needs an MOT depends on its age and weight. Caravans weighing up to 3,500kg and first used before 2012 are generally exempt from MOT testing. However, it's still crucial to ensure your caravan is well-maintained and safe to tow.

Yes, your MOT certificate expires at midnight on the expiry date printed on the certificate. It's essential to ensure you have a valid MOT before driving your vehicle after this time.

Unfortunately, there isn't a central system for checking MOT cancellations. Your best bet is to contact local garages directly and inquire about any cancellations or last-minute openings. Some garages may have waiting lists you can join, so it's worth asking about those as well.

You don't need to bring any specific documents to your MOT test. However, it's helpful to have your vehicle's V5C registration certificate (logbook) handy, as the tester may ask to see it.

You don't receive penalty points on your driving licence for having no MOT. However, you can be fined up to £1,000 and your insurance may be invalidated.

No, there is no grace period for an expired MOT. Driving without a valid MOT is illegal, even if it expired only a few minutes ago.

Yes, you can declare your vehicle exempt from MOT testing online if it meets the criteria for exemption, such as being a classic car over 40 years old. You'll need to provide your vehicle details and the reason for exemption.

No, you cannot park your car on the road without a valid MOT. Without an MOT, the vehicle is considered off-road and must be kept on private property.

Yes, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras can check if a vehicle has a valid MOT. The police use ANPR cameras to identify vehicles that are not complying with road regulations, including those without a valid MOT.

A Cat S car (a car that has been previously written off by an insurance company due to structural damage) does not necessarily need a new MOT if it already has one that is still valid. However, it's crucial to ensure that any repairs have been carried out to a satisfactory standard and that the car is roadworthy before driving it.

Similar to a Cat S car, a Cat N car (a car that has been written off due to non-structural damage) does not need a new MOT if it has a valid one. However, it's important to ensure that the car is roadworthy and that any repairs have been carried out correctly.

A chipped windscreen may fail an MOT if the chip is in the driver's line of sight or is larger than a certain size. The tester will assess the severity of the chip and determine if it poses a safety risk

A cracked windscreen can fail an MOT if the crack is in the driver's line of sight or is larger than a certain size. The exact location and size of the crack that will result in failure depend on various factors, including the type of vehicle and the position of the crack.

You can get a replacement MOT certificate online from the government's website for a fee of £10. You'll need to provide the vehicle's registration number to access and print the replacement certificate.

Need more information about MOTs? You’ve come to the right place. Learn more about MOTs in the guides below:

• What Does MOT Stand For? MOT Terms Explained
• Your complete MOT checklist
• When do I need an MOT?
• Motorcycle MOTs: All you need to know
• Can You Insure a Car Without an MOT?
• Can You Tax a Car Without an MOT?
• What MOT Class is My Vehicle?
• How long does a MOT take?
• Drive without an MOT - what you need to know
• Free MOT History Check - try our MOT Checker

Everything you need to know about cars and the insurance policies which cover them. Explore more topics in our Car Insurance Guides.

• Car Insurance Groups [A Complete Guide]
• Car Insurance Group Checker
• Your guide to Cat S car insurance
• If my car is written off what happens to my insurance-policy?
• When does my car insurance run out?
• Can you use a no claims bonus on two cars?
• Car insurance for non UK residents
• How much voluntary excess should I pay on car insurance?
• Can you drive a SORN car to an mot without insurance?
• What are car insurance occupation categories?
• Car insurance change of address: what to know
• Car insurance without a black box: what to know
• Car insurance cancellation laws in the UK

Read more car guides

Learn more about the ins-and-outs of cars through our car guides:

• UK car tax changes 2025: what you need to know
• New registration plates for 2025: UK number plates explained
• How to change a car battery
• What does a car service include?
• How much oil does my car need? A handy guide
• Car warranty cover: What to know
• What is ESP on a car?
• How long do car tyres last?
• How long does a car battery last?
• Wrong fuel in your car? Here’s what to do
• All the Info You Need on Your V5C Log Book
• V5C New Keeper Slip: How to Change a Car’s Registered Keeper
• What is a V11 reminder?
• SORN my car: How to declare your vehicle as off road

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