When Is My MOT Due? How to Check Your MOT Date for Free

Meta description: Find out when your MOT is due with a free GOV.UK check. Learn how long an MOT lasts, when you can test early and how to manage dates for several vehicles.

To find out when your MOT is due, check your vehicle’s registration on the free GOV.UK MOT history service. It shows the expiry date and previous test results, usually in under a minute. In Great Britain, most cars and light vans need their first MOT by the third anniversary of registration, then a test every year.

Check your MOT date in 60 seconds

You’ll need the vehicle’s registration number. The official checker is free to use.

1. Go to the GOV.UK MOT history checker.
2. Enter the vehicle’s registration number.
3. Find the next MOT due date in the results.

The record comes from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). You can also see past test results and recorded mileage. If you just want to check whether a vehicle currently has a valid MOT, use the separate GOV.UK MOT status checker.

How long does an MOT last?

In Great Britain, an MOT is normally valid for one year. The exact expiry date is shown in the online record and on the MOT certificate, if you have it.

Most cars and light vans need their first test by the third anniversary of their registration. After that, they need an MOT by the anniversary of the previous test. Some types of vehicle have different requirements, so check the rules for yours on GOV.UK.

If your MOT has expired, you generally must not drive or park the vehicle on a public road. GOV.UK lists limited exceptions, including driving to a pre-arranged MOT test. Make sure you understand the current rules and that the vehicle is safe to drive. Driving without a valid MOT can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

Don’t assume you’ll get extra time because you didn’t receive a reminder. It’s your responsibility to check the date and arrange a test.

Can you get an MOT early?

Yes. In Great Britain, you can usually get the test up to one month minus a day before your current MOT expires and keep the same renewal date for the following year.

For example, if your MOT expires on 15 May, you can test from 16 April and keep 15 May as your renewal date. If you test earlier than that, the next expiry date will usually be based on when the vehicle passes its test instead.

This can be useful if you want time to deal with a repair before the existing certificate runs out. Check the GOV.UK guidance on when to get an MOT before booking, especially if your vehicle was last tested in Northern Ireland and is now being tested in Great Britain.

What if the vehicle is off the road?

If a vehicle is kept off public roads, you can declare it off the road with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). A SORN vehicle must be kept off public roads, and you can only drive it on a public road in limited circumstances, such as going to or from a pre-booked MOT test.

If the vehicle isn’t SORN, you generally need to keep it taxed and insured, even if you’re not using it. Check the current GOV.UK SORN guidance if you’re unsure what applies.

MOT rules in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland uses the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) for vehicle testing, and the age rules differ. As a general guide, cars and motorcycles usually need their first test at four years old, while light goods vehicles need one from three years old. Different requirements apply to some other vehicles.

Use nidirect’s MOT scheme guidance for current Northern Ireland rules and booking information. The GOV.UK MOT history service can show test records, but check with DVA about the applicable test and booking arrangements.

Keeping track of several MOT dates

Checking one vehicle is simple. The admin grows when you’re managing several: a family with three cars may have three separate MOT anniversaries, plus vehicle tax and insurance renewals. A tradesperson with several vans has those dates to track across every work vehicle, too.

GOV.UK’s checker looks up one registration at a time. That means a separate search for each vehicle, and another lookup whenever you need to confirm a date. A list or shared calendar can help, but you’ll need to keep it updated.

Motorlane Fleet pulls MOT dates from the DVSA for every vehicle on your account and sends reminders 30, 14 and 7 days before expiry. You can also record tax, insurance and service dates in the same place. Find out how vehicle reminders work, or read our guide to keeping on top of dates for every vehicle.

A reminder helps you keep track; it doesn’t make a vehicle legal or roadworthy. Owners and drivers remain responsible for checking their vehicles and acting on due dates.

More help with looking after your vehicles

You can also read our guides to vehicle tax checks, MOT advisories and van walkaround checks. Motorlane Fleet also includes driver checks, guided accident reporting and vehicle cost tracking. It’s designed for families, small businesses and growing fleets; if you need help after a collision, see our guide on what to do after an accident.

This is general information, not legal advice. Check GOV.UK for current rules and ask your insurer about your cover.

Try Motorlane Fleet free for 14 days, with plans from £4.99 a month. Drivers don’t need to download an app; see plans and pricing.