When Is Your Car Due an MOT? MOT Expiry Dates Explained
Missing your MOT deadline is easy to do — and illegal. Here is how to check when your MOT expires, how far in advance you can book, and what happens if you let it lapse.
How Long Is an MOT Valid?
An MOT certificate is valid for exactly 12 months from the date it is issued. If your MOT was passed on 15 March 2026, it is valid until 14 March 2027 at 11:59 PM. At midnight on 15 March 2027, the certificate expires and the car can no longer be legally driven on public roads.
How to Check When Your MOT Is Due
Your MOT certificate
The expiry date is printed clearly at the top or bottom of the document. This is your definitive source.
DVSA website (gov.uk)
Enter your registration number on the DVSA MOT check service. It shows your current MOT status and expiry date.
Your insurance documents
Insurance papers often reference the MOT expiry date as it is a requirement of cover.
Your garage or garage paperwork
The garage that performed your last MOT has records and can tell you the expiry date.
VEHIXA
Run a vehicle history report — it displays MOT expiry and full history at a glance.
When Should You Book Your Next MOT?
Book your MOT as soon as you know the date. You do not need to wait until the last minute. You can book an MOT up to one month in advance without any penalty.
Pro tip:
If you book early and pass, the new certificate is valid for a full 12 months from the new test date — not from your old expiry date. This gives you a fresh 12-month window. So if your MOT expires 15 March but you test on 20 February, you will have until 20 February 2027.
What If Your MOT Is About to Expire?
If you are within 28 days of expiry:
- Book immediately — call a local garage or use online booking sites
- Book an appointment ASAP — popular garages fill up quickly at the end of the MOT month
- Get a quote — MOT fees are capped at £54.85 for cars, but prices vary
- Prepare for potential failures — if you know there are issues, have them ready to fix
What Happens If Your MOT Expires?
You cannot legally drive the car. Penalties are severe:
- £1,000 fine minimum (up to £2,500 if prosecuted)
- 3 penalty points
- Vehicle impound — police can seize it
- Insurance invalid — your cover is void; claims will be denied
- Cannot tax the vehicle — DVLA will not issue tax without a valid MOT
Exceptions: When You Can Drive Without a Valid MOT
There are very limited cases where you can legally drive without a current MOT:
- Driving directly to a pre-booked MOT appointment — on the day of the appointment only
- Driving to a retest after a failure — at the same or different garage to retest failed items
- Driving a newly purchased car home the day of purchase — one journey only, from the seller to your home
Any other journey with an expired MOT is illegal.
MOT Reminders
Many garages and online services send automatic reminders via text or email when your MOT is due. Set a personal calendar reminder 2–4 weeks before your expiry date so you have time to book.
Bottom Line
Check your MOT expiry date regularly. Book your next test well in advance, at least 2–4 weeks before expiry. Never let it lapse — the penalties are severe and insurance becomes invalid. Use VEHIXA to check your current MOT status instantly.