How Early Can You MOT a Car?

If you’re new to driving, you might have some questions about the MOT – what’s it for, when do you need to get one, and what happens if you don’t get one?

As well as answering some of these general questions, in this post we’ll discuss how early you can MOT your car. Do you need to get it on the same day each year, or can you get it sooner?

What Is an MOT and What Is It For?

The MOT is a test to confirm that your car meets essential road safety standards, along with certain emissions standards.

Read our full guide to what’s tested during an MOT.

You have a legal requirement to get an MOT for your car by either:

The third anniversary of its registration.
The anniversary of your last MOT, if your car’s more than three years old.

But drivers often wonder – do you need to wait until the anniversary of your last MOT, or can you get an MOT sooner?

How Early Can You MOT a Car?

Technically, there is no minimum time period between MOT tests. If you want to get an MOT test just one month after your last test, there’s nothing stopping you from doing so! However, MOT certificates are only valid for one year from the date of the test. If you get your MOT early, it will only be valid for one year from the date you had the test.

So to summarise – you can get an MOT as early as you like, but you need to bear in mind how this will affect your renewal date.

Can You Get an Early MOT and Keep The Same Renewal Date?

Is there a way to get an early MOT while keeping your original renewal date? Sort of.

The DVSA allows for a certain grace period when it comes to MOTs. Essentially, you can get your MOT up to one month, minus a day, before it expires, while still keeping your original renewal date.

So, for example, if your renewal date is 29 September, you can take your MOT as early as August 30 without affecting your renewal date. This would effectively make your MOT certificate valid for 13 months.

Why Would You Want an Early MOT?

There are a number of reasons why you might want an early MOT, but the two main ones are:

You’re selling your car. An up-to-date MOT can make it easier to sell a car, because it makes it clear to potential buyers that the car’s in a good roadworthy condition.
You’re going away for an extended period. If you know you’ll be away when your MOT’s due, you may wish to get an earlier test. Sorting everything out before you leave for your trip will give you fewer things to worry about when you return.

What are the Penalties For Driving Without a Valid MOT?

There are some severe penalties for driving without an MOT:

A fine of up to £1,000.
Your car could get impounded.
You could get points on your licence, if it’s found that your car needs repairs. This is because it’s an offence to drive a car that’s not in a roadworthy condition.
If you’re involved in an accident while driving without an MOT, your car insurance may be invalid.

Is It Ever Legal To Drive Without an MOT?

There are some rare scenarios when it’s legal to drive without an MOT. For example, if you’re driving your car to a prearranged MOT appointment, or you’re driving to or from a garage for repairs.

As we mentioned above, most brand new cars won’t need an MOT until they’re more than three years old. Certain classic cars may be exempt from MOTs, too.

But in the vast majority of cases, it’s illegal to drive without an MOT. So don’t risk it!

How To Remember Your MOT Renewal Date

You can sign up on the Gov site to get free text reminders of when you MOT is due. You can also check your MOT details yourself on the government’s website. Write the renewal date on your calendar or set a reminder on your phone.

If you’re a new driver and get six points on your licence in the first two years of driving, you’ll lose your licence. You simply cannot afford to get caught driving without a valid MOT.

Learn more about our new driver car insurance and find out how our comprehensive policy is designed with you in mind.