When is my MOT due?

Your MOT due date is the day your current certificate expires. After that, driving the vehicle on public roads is generally illegal unless a limited exception applies. This guide explains how to find the exact date, when a new car needs its first MOT, and how that fits with tax and insurance.

Quick answer

Enter the registration on our free MOT check or on the official GOV.UK MOT status service. Both use DVSA records. You will see the current expiry (due) date when a valid test is on file.

When is the first MOT due?

In Great Britain, cars, motorcycles and light vans normally need their first MOT by the third anniversary of the date they were first registered. After that, an MOT is required every 12 months. GOV.UK’s “Getting an MOT” guidance is the authoritative source for this rule; always check there if your vehicle class is unusual.

Example: a car first registered on 10 June 2023 needs its first MOT by 10 June 2026. You can usually get the test done up to a month early and keep the same anniversary date — confirm the current early-test rules on GOV.UK before you book.

How to read the due date on a free check

1. Open the Used Car Checker homepage.
2. Enter the UK registration and run the check.
3. Look for the current MOT status and expiry / next due date on the result card.
4. Scroll the history: past passes and fails help you judge whether the car is likely to need expensive work before the next test.

If you are buying, do not take the seller’s word alone. Pull the history yourself and compare mileage readings across tests — see our mileage check guide.

MOT vs tax vs insurance

These are three different legal requirements with three different dates:

• MOT — roadworthiness test and certificate expiry.
• Vehicle tax — check separately (we also offer a free tax status explainer; official checks are on GOV.UK).
• Insurance — your policy dates; most insurers expect a valid MOT where one is required.

Northern Ireland

MOT / roadworthiness records for Northern Ireland have different start dates and certificate rules. Use the official NI guidance linked from GOV.UK if the vehicle is NI-registered, and treat GB-focused wording on third-party sites carefully.

If the MOT has already expired

Do not drive as normal. Limited exceptions (for example driving to a pre-booked MOT) are described on GOV.UK — read them carefully before you move the vehicle. See also our guide on what to do when a car fails its MOT.

Frequently asked questions

Can I check someone else’s car?

Yes. MOT history for a registration is public. That is why it is useful before viewing a private sale.

Does SORN change the due date?

A SORN means the vehicle is off the road and untaxed under that declaration. It does not invent a new MOT anniversary by itself. Gaps in history need a clear story — see our upcoming SORN guide once published, and ask the seller for evidence.

Is your checker official?

No. We are independent. We display MOT history from official data sources and add buyer-focused tools such as comparison and a reliability score. For government services, use GOV.UK.