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How early can you MOT a car?

9th May 2025

Is your car’s MOT test coming up soon? If your vehicle is over three years old, you must have a valid MOT certificate to drive legally on UK roads. In this guide, we’ll cover how early you can MOT your car, the advantages of booking in advance, and what to do if your MOT has already expired. 

 

 

When can I MOT my car?  

Your vehicle’s MOT certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of your last test. That means you must get a new MOT before the current certificate expires to continue driving legally on UK roads. If you're planning ahead, you can book your MOT test early. 

 

What are the benefits of booking an MOT test early?  

  • Avoiding  the disappointment of not being able to book your MOT test before its expiry date.  
  • You have peace of mind that your car is roadworthy  
  • You won’t need to rush to get your MOT done at the last minute, as this can be stressful!  

What happens if you MOT your car early?  

You can book your test one month minus one day earlier than the expiry date without altering the date of future renewals. For example, if your current MOT expires on the 12th of June, the earliest date you can book your car’s MOT test is the 13th of May.  If you need to book even earlier than a month before you can, but you will not be able to keep the existing expiry date for your subsequent MOT tests. 

 

How long is my MOT certificate valid for?  

An MOT certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. If you are unsure of your vehicle’s MOT status you can check here https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-status, simply enter your registration number and follow the prompts. You can drive your vehicle legally up to midnight on its expiry date. After that, unless you have a pre-booked MOT appointment, your car must not be driven. 

What happens if I’ve lost my MOT certificate?  

If you’ve lost your MOT certificate, you can get a replacement online via the GOV.UK website for free.   

Alternatively, you can obtain a replacement MOT certificate in person by visiting any MOT centre across the UK. However, it doesn’t need to be the original centre that conducted the MOT to obtain your replacement certificate. The centre issuing your MOT certificate can charge you up to £10 for a duplicate certificate.  

What you’ll need to bring to the centre to get your replacement MOT certificate is:  

  • Vehicle registration (number plate)  
  • The logbook (V5C) reference number  

What if my MOT has expired?  

Driving without a valid MOT certificate is illegal (unless you’re on your way to a pre-booked MOT test or pre-booked garage appointment that is connected to remedying faults that caused your vehicle to fail its MOT test in the first instance). 
If you're caught, you could face: 

  • A fine of up to £1,000 
  • Points on your driving licence 
  • Invalidating your car insurance 

It is also illegal to park your car on a public road if the MOT has expired. It must be kept on private property, such as on a driveway or in a garage. To avoid issues, make sure you book your MOT before your current certificate runs out. 

 

What should I check before my MOT test?  

  • Lights: Check all headlights, brake lights, and indicators are working. 
  • Brakes: Listen for unusual sounds and check braking responsiveness. 
  • Windscreen and wipers: Make sure the windscreen is clear and the wipers work properly.  
  • Fluid levels: Top up oil, screen wash, and brake fluid if needed. 

 

Book your MOT with Merityre today  

Are you wondering when your car’s next MOT test is due? Find out when your next MOT test is due through our vehicle registration checker. Are you taking your car for its first MOT? Our guide covers everything you need to know about what’s checked during an MOT test. Book your next MOT test at your nearest Merityre branch today.