![Cover image for the article "How Early Can I Have an MOT Test for My Car? [Updated 2024]"](https://smartcarcheck.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/How-Early-Can-I-Have-an-MOT-Test-for-My-Car.jpg)
Every driver in the UK must get an MOT test each year once their car is more than three years old. The MOT makes sure your car is safe and meets the rules for being on the road. Many drivers worry about the timing. Some ask, “How early can I get an MOT?” Others wonder if it is okay to test before the due date.
In this guide, you will learn when you can book an MOT, the benefits of early testing, what happens if you test too soon, what to do if your car fails, and more.. At the end, we show you how to check if your MOT is up to date.
If you’re curious about knowing what your vehicle’s MOT status is and when the MOT test is due, use our MOT check tool. You will also get an option to check the full MOT history, mileage records and more.
————————-
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- You can take an MOT test up to one month early without losing your current expiry date.
- There’s no grace period for an expired MOT, and driving without one can lead to fines.
- A new car needs its first MOT at three years old, then every year after to stay legal and safe.
—————————
When Can I MOT My Car?
You can take your car for an MOT up to one month minus one day before the current MOT expires. If you test within this time window, you keep the same renewal date for next year. For example, if your MOT expires on 30 June, the earliest you can test and keep the same date is 1 June.
You can also test your car earlier than the one-month window. This is allowed. But if you do this, your new MOT certificate will start on the day of the test, not your old renewal date.
This means if your MOT expires on 30 June, you decide to test on 1 May. If your car passes, the new MOT will run from 1 May to 1 May next year, not from 30 June.
Benefits of Booking an MOT Test Early
There are many good reasons to book your MOT test early, as long as it’s within the one-month window. Here are some of the advantages that come with early MOT test:
Avoid Last-Minute Stress
Test stations can get very busy, especially in March, April, September, and October. Booking early helps you avoid rushing and gives you more choice of dates and times that work for you.
More Time to Fix Problems
If the MOT test station finds a problem, booking early gives you extra time to repair it before your MOT expires. This helps you avoid driving without a valid MOT and getting fined.
Reduce the Risk of Driving Illegally
If you wait until the last moment and your car needs repairs, you might end up without a valid MOT. This can lead to fines and even issues with your insurance.
Plan for Trips or Long Drives
If you have a holiday, work trip, or long drive coming up, testing early helps you avoid any MOT issues while travelling.
Good for Car Sales and Insurance
If you plan to sell your car soon, a fresh MOT makes it more attractive to buyers. Some insurance companies may also ask about your MOT when you change or update a policy.
Keep Your Renewal Date
Booking within the allowed timeframe means you keep the same renewal date for future tests. This consistency simplifies vehicle management.
What Happens If You MOT Your Car Early?
| MOT Result | What It Means | Examples of Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Pass ✔️ | Your car is safe to drive and meets MOT rules. You keep the same renewal date. | Working lights, good brakes, safe tyres, solid body structure, no major leaks |
| Fail ❌ | Your car is not safe or legal to drive. You must fix the issues and take a retest. | Worn tyres, faulty brakes, broken lights, major rust, steering problems, serious leaks |
When you book your MOT early, two things can happen:
- Pass: Your car is found safe and roadworthy. You keep the same renewal date, so you don’t lose any time on your current MOT.
- Fail: Your car has problems that must be fixed. You’ll get a list of the issues, and you must repair them before the car can pass a retest. The good part is that testing early gives you extra time to handle repairs without stress.
If your car fails its MOT, you cannot legally drive it until the problems are repaired and the car passes a retest.
READ ALSO: What UK Drivers Need to Know About MOT Retest
What If My Car Fails an Early MOT?
What happens when your car fails depends on the type of faults the test finds. The MOT has three fault levels:
Dangerous Faults
If your car has dangerous faults, you cannot drive it at all until it is fixed. Even if your old MOT has not expired yet, you still cannot drive the car. Doing so can lead to a heavy fine and make the car unsafe.
Dangerous faults mean the car is not safe for the road. You must repair it in the garage or have it towed.
Major Faults
If your car has major faults, but your old MOT is still valid, you can drive the car only if it is still roadworthy and safe. You must fix the faults before your next test.
If your old MOT has already expired, you cannot drive the car except to a pre-booked repair or MOT appointment.
Minor Faults
Minor faults do not cause an MOT failure. The garage will let you know about them so you can fix them soon.
What Should I Check Before My MOT Test?
Checking your car before the MOT helps you avoid easy failures. These small checks can help you pass your MOT the first time. Here is a simple checklist anyone can follow.
- Lights and Indicators: Check that all lights work, including headlights, brake lights, reverse lights, and turn signals.
- Tyres: Look at tyre tread depth. It must be at least 1.6 mm. Also check for cracks, nails, or bulges.
- Brakes: Listen for strange noises. Make sure the brakes feel firm and not soft.
- Windscreen and Wipers: Check for cracks, chips, or broken wipers. The wipers must clean the screen clearly.
- Horn: Press the horn to make sure it works.
- Mirrors: Side mirrors and the inside mirror should be unbroken and clearly attached.
- Number Plates: Number plates must be clean and easy to read.
- Fluids: Check oil, coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid.
How Long is My MOT Certificate Valid For?
An MOT certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of the test. If you test early within the one-month window, your new certificate runs for 12 months from the old expiry date, not from the test date. If you’re unsure about when your next test is due, our online MOT checker can help you find out quickly.
For instance, if your MOT expires on 15 September, and you test on 20 August, your new MOT expires on 15 September next year, not 20 August. If you test too early (more than one month before expiry), the MOT will start from that new test date.
What Happens If I’ve Lost My MOT Certificate?
Losing your MOT certificate does not affect your MOT status. You can still drive if your MOT is valid. Here’s how to get a replacement:
Get a Free Copy Online
You can download or print a copy for free from the UK government MOT history website. You just need your vehicle’s registration number and the 11-digit reference number from your log book (V5C).
Ask the MOT Test Centre
The test centre where you did your last MOT can reprint the certificate for a small fee, usually around £10. So, losing the paper does not mean losing your MOT because the information is stored electronically..
What If My MOT Has Expired?
If your MOT has expired, you cannot drive your car unless you are driving to a pre-booked MOT test. Driving with no MOT can lead to:
- A fine of up to £1,000
- Problems with your insurance
- Being stopped by the police
- Unsafe driving conditions
If your MOT has run out, book a test as soon as possible. You can only drive to the test if you can prove the booking. If your car is unsafe or has major issues, you may need to tow it.
Check If Your MOT Is Up to Date
It is easy to check if your car has a valid MOT. You can check online using just your registration number.
You will access the following information:
- MOT expiry date
- Past failures
- Advisory notes
- Mileage history
- Pass and fail history
This helps you keep track and avoid driving illegally by mistake. Many drivers set reminders on their phones or mark their calendars so they never forget MOT dates. Keeping your MOT up to date is part of being a safe, legal driver.
How Early Can You Do An MOT Common Questions
Is there a grace period for an expired MOT?
There is no grace period for an expired MOT. Once it runs out, you cannot drive the car unless you’re going to a pre-booked MOT test. Driving without a valid MOT can lead to fines and legal problems.
Does an early MOT test cost less than a standard test?
No, an early MOT test costs the same as a regular MOT. The price does not change based on when you take the test. Testing early simply gives you more time and helps you avoid a last-minute rush.
Can I drive if my MOT has expired?
You cannot drive a car with an expired MOT unless you are on your way to a pre-booked MOT test. If you drive without a valid MOT, you could be fined, stopped by the police, or have your car taken off the road.
When will a new car need its first MOT?
A new car needs its first MOT when it becomes three years old. After that, it must be tested every year to stay legal on the road. This check helps make sure the car is safe and meets UK standards.
Is the MOT retest free?
An MOT retest can be free if repairs are done at the same test centre within 10 working days. If the car goes elsewhere or misses this window, a partial or full retest fee may apply.
