When is My Car MOT Due?
Enter your registration number to check the MOT due date
Verify the expiry date of a car with a free CarVeto DVLA check
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Find Out My MOT Renewal Date?
You can find your MOT renewal date by entering your vehicle registration into CarVeto’s free MOT check tool, which connects directly to the DVLA database. This retrieves your car’s official MOT expiry date, most recent test result, and road legality status.
The MOT renewal date, or the MOT expiry date, is the final day your vehicle can legally be driven without a valid MOT certificate.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) maintains this data, which is updated every time your vehicle passes an MOT test at a certified test centre.
Every vehicle must pass an MOT test once a year after its third birthday unless it qualifies for exemption.
Driving without a valid MOT can result in fines and penalty points.
✅ Two Ways to Check Your MOT Due Date
1. Use CarVeto’s MOT check tool
Enter your number plate to access real-time DVLA data:
- MOT expiry date
- Test result
- Odometer reading
2. Refer to your last MOT certificate
- The document includes your expiry date but may be outdated if a recent test hasn't yet synced with the DVLA.
- DVLA records typically update within 24 hours, which may take up to 5 days.
📌 Key MOT Date Facts
- Your MOT due date is 12 months after the last valid test.
- You can test your vehicle up to 1 month early, retaining the same renewal date.
The first MOT is due 3 years from the vehicle's original registration date.
Can I Drive Without an MOT?
You cannot drive a vehicle on public roads without a valid MOT certificate, except when travelling to a pre-booked MOT test or a repair centre following an MOT failure.
Outside these exemptions, driving without an MOT is illegal under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and may result in fines, penalty points, or vehicle seizure.
An MOT certificate confirms that a vehicle meets the minimum legal safety and environmental standards set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). It is a legal requirement once the car is over three years old.
The MOT status is recorded in the DVLA’s vehicle database and can be checked instantly using CarVeto’s free DVLA-linked MOT checker.
🚫 When Can You Legally Drive Without an MOT?
1. To a pre-booked MOT test
- You must have a confirmed appointment.
- Travel must be direct to or from the test centre.
2. To or from a repair garage after failing an MOT
- The vehicle must be roadworthy.
- Police may stop the vehicle and inspect it.
⚠️ What Happens If You Drive Without an MOT?
Situation | Penalty |
|---|---|
No MOT | Up to £1,000 fine |
Driving an unroadworthy car | Up to £2,500 fine + 3 points |
Insurance invalidated by MOT expiry | Claim refusal or prosecution |
Fault in an accident with an active MOT | Fault liability and financial penalty |
Is My Car Insurance Valid if My MOT Has Expired?
Car insurance is usually invalid if your MOT has expired and the vehicle is driven on public roads. Without a valid MOT certificate, the car is legally classed as unroadworthy, which breaches the conditions of most UK insurance policies.
A valid MOT certificate confirms that the vehicle meets the safety and environmental standards required by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Insurers rely on this certification to verify that a vehicle is fit to drive. If an accident occurs while the MOT is expired, your insurer can:
- Deny your claim
- Refuse to cover injuries or damage
- Pursue reimbursement if third-party payments are made
Even a comprehensive insurance policy does not override legal requirements. Most insurers state that a vehicle must be MOT-compliant to maintain coverage.
⚠️ MOT Expiry: Insurance Consequences by Scenario
Scenario | Insurance Outcome |
|---|---|
MOT expired, vehicle not driven, SORN in place | Road insurance is not required if the car is SORNED |
MOT expiry, vehicle driven, no accident | Policy breach risk subject to cancellation |
MOT expired, an accident occurs | Claim likely refused, full driver liability |
MOT expired, third-party injury | Legal prosecution and cost recovery are likely |
✅ How to Protect Your Insurance Coverage
- Use CarVeto’s DVLA-integrated MOT check tool to confirm your expiry date
- Book your MOT up to 1 month early to maintain renewal continuity
Do not drive a vehicle after the MOT has expired, even briefly
Can I Get a New MOT in Advance of the Due Date?
Yes, you can book an MOT before your current certificate expires, but testing more than one month early will reset your MOT expiry date.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) permits early testing, but only within a defined window if you want to retain your existing renewal cycle.
📅 DVSA Rules for Early MOT Testing
You can test your vehicle up to 1 month (minus a day) before its expiry and keep the same renewal date.
Test Timing | MOT Expiry Outcome |
|---|---|
Within 1 month before expiry | New certificate starts from the old expiry date |
More than 1 month early | New expiry = test date + 12 months |
Example: If your MOT expires on 12 August and you test on 14 July, the new certificate will still expire on 12 August next year. But if you test on 10 July, the new expiry will be 10 July, shortening the previous cycle.
⚠️ Important: MOT Failure Before Expiry
If your vehicle fails an early MOT, it is immediately classed as unroadworthy, even if the old MOT certificate is still valid. You cannot legally drive it until repairs are completed and it passes a retest.
✅ Best Practice for Early Testing
- Use CarVeto’s MOT checker to verify your eligibility window
- Avoid testing too early unless necessary (e.g. travel, known issues)
- Always confirm the renewal rules with your test centre if you are unsure
Use our DVLA MOT Checklist to ensure your car passes its test immediately.
When Does a Car Need Its First MOT?
A car needs its first MOT test exactly three years after its registration date, not the date of purchase or delivery.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) enforces this legal requirement under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
The due date for the first MOT marks the start of the vehicle’s mandatory annual testing cycle. Once this threshold is reached, the car must pass an MOT test to remain road-legal.
Failure to do so results in legal penalties and may invalidate your insurance.
Vehicle Registration Date | First MOT Due Date |
|---|---|
10th July 2022 | 10th July 2025 |
5th January 2023 | 5th January 2026 |
The MOT test can be taken up to 1 month (minus a day) early without changing the renewal date.
Tip: Use CarVeto’s DVLA-linked MOT checker to verify when your vehicle’s first MOT is due instantly.
🚫 What Happens If You Miss It?
- £1,000 fine for driving without an MOT, even for the first time
- Vehicle may be seized if found unroadworthy
- Insurance may be invalidated in the event of a claim
There is no grace period once the due date has passed.
✅ Are Any Vehicles Exempt from the First MOT?
- Historic vehicles over 40 years old, not substantially modified
- Certain electric vans under weight limits
- Vehicles declared off-road (SORN)
For a complete exempt list, visit the CarVeto MOT Exemption guide.
Is There a Tax MOT and Insurance Check?
Yes, you can check Car MOT Status, road tax, and insurance presence using CarVeto’s DVLA-linked vehicle lookup tool.
The service sources data from the DVLA and references the askMID Motor Insurance Database (MID) to help confirm whether a car is legally eligible for road use.
In the UK, it is a legal requirement that a vehicle:
- Has a valid MOT certificate
- Is taxed or Declared SORN
- Is insured under a current motor policy
Failure to comply with any of these conditions may result in:
- Fixed penalty notices
- Vehicle seizure by enforcement officers
- Insurance claim denial
- Legal prosecution under the Road Traffic Act 1988
What Does CarVeto’s Compliance Checker Cover?
- MOT expiry date and pass/fail history
- Tax status (active, expired, or off-road)
- Insurance presence flag (via MID references)
- Vehicle data: reg date, fuel type, Co2 emissions, body type
MOT and tax data are official and retrieved from the DVLA. Insurance confirmation is based on MID indicators, but you should verify your policy details directly with your insurer.
🔍 Why Combined Checks Matter
- Verifies your vehicle meets all road-legal requirements
- Prevents fines, invalid insurance, and license penalties
- Supports used car buyers and sellers with instant due diligence
- Helps ensure MOT and tax deadlines are never missed
🚗 How to Check All Vehicle Compliance Data
- Visit CarVeto’s MOT and Tax Check page
- Enter your vehicle registration number
- Instantly access MOT status, tax record, and insurance presence
Register for reminder alerts or export the report for record keeping.
Use our free MOT Check by registration.
Can I Sign Up for a Car Tax and MOT Reminder Service?
Yes, you can sign up for free MOT and vehicle tax reminders from both GOV.UK and CarVeto. These services help you comply with legal deadlines by sending alerts before your MOT expires or your tax is due.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) offers official reminders through GOV.UK.
CarVeto provides a separate system that connects to DVLA data and offers added benefits like vehicle insights and optional service notifications.
🔔 Reminder Service Comparison
Provider | Features |
|---|---|
GOV.UK | Free email and SMS alerts for MOT and tax renewal dates |
CarVeto | DVLA-linked reminders, expiry alerts, optional service insights |
Both services require only your registration number and email or mobile number. No login or account setup is needed. You can opt-out at any time.
✅ Benefits of Vehicle Reminder Alerts
- Avoid MOT expiry fines and late tax penalties
- Maintain continuous insurance validate
- Track due dates across multiple vehicles
- Receive early alerts to ensure on-time renewal
📩 How to Register with CarVeto
- Visit CarVeto’s MOT and Tax Check tool
- Enter your vehicle registration
- Submit your email address
- Get alerts before your MOT or tax is due
What's Included in CarVeto’s Free Car Tax and MOT History Tool?
CarVeto offers a free DVLA-linked service that provides instant access to key vehicle compliance data.
Just enter your registration number to check:
- MOT due date and renewal status
- MOT history, including pass/fail records and advisories
- Mileage logs from past MOT tests
- Vehicle tax status: active, expired, or SORN
- Road tax cost, based on emissions and vehicle class
- CO₂ emissions output (used for tax banding and ULEZ zones)
Export status (whether the car is registered for UK road use) - Insurance presence, indicated via askMID database reference*
*CarVeto does not verify insurance policies. Check your Vehicle Insurance Status Online or contact your insurer directly.
✅ Key Use Cases
- See exactly when your MOT is due
- Identify past test failures and advisories
- Estimate tax costs based on emissions
- Check for exported or deregistered vehicles
- Confirm likely insurance status before driving
No login or payment is required. The tool is free and uses verified data from the DVLA and MID.
How to Book a Same-Day MOT Test?
If your MOT is due today or has expired, you can still book a same-day test, provided it’s pre-arranged and your vehicle is roadworthy. Many MOT centres and national garages offer last-minute appointments for urgent situations.
You are legally allowed to drive only:
- To a pre-booked MOT test
- Or directly to a repair centre
Any other journey without a valid MOT is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Same Day Booking Options
- Local MOT centres – Call directly for same-day availability.
- Councils - Local Authority MOT Test Centres
- Fast-fit chains – Book online with providers like Kwik Fit or Halfords.
- Comparison sites – Search multiple garages for immediate openings.
- Mobile testers – Available in select areas for roadworthy vehicles. Clickmechanic Offers a Next Day Service and reasonable MOT prices.
Check Your MOT Status First
Use CarVeto’s free MOT due date checker to confirm whether your vehicle’s certificate has expired or is due today. If your MOT has lapsed, the tool can help you quickly take the next legal step, whether booking a test or receiving reminders to avoid future lapses.