MOT test due – book up to a month early and keep your renewal date

Cars over 3 years old need an MOT every year. You can get it up to a month (minus a day) before your current MOT runs out and keep the same renewal date. Driving without a valid MOT can mean a fine of up to £1,000.

Deadline

Depends on a date you enter in the app

Last checked

Checked against the official source: 20 October 2026

What if you miss the deadline? You cannot drive or park your car on the road once the MOT has run out, except to a pre-booked MOT test or to a repair. You can be fined up to £1,000. You also cannot renew your vehicle tax without a valid MOT.

In Great Britain, a car needs its first MOT by the third anniversary of its registration. After that, it needs an MOT every year by the anniversary of its last MOT. An MOT lasts for a year. Northern Ireland has different rules for cars registered there.

How to do it

1. Check your MOT expiry date on the GOV.UK 'Check MOT history' service or on your current MOT certificate.
2. Enter that date in the app so you get a reminder.
3. Book a test at an approved MOT centre – look for the blue sign with 3 white triangles.
4. Go for the test up to a month (minus a day) before the expiry date. For example, if it runs out on 15 May, the earliest date to keep the same renewal date is 16 April.
5. Sign up for free MOT reminders on GOV.UK as well, if you like.

Common questions

How early can I get an MOT without losing my renewal date?

Up to a month (minus a day) before your current MOT runs out. If you go earlier, your next renewal date will be one year (minus a day) from the date your car passed.

How much does an MOT cost?

Test centres can charge up to a maximum fee. For a car, the maximum is £54.85. Many centres charge less.

What is the fine for driving without an MOT?

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

Official source: gov.uk (opens in a new tab)

This information is not legal or tax advice.