When the first MOT is due
- Cars: by the third anniversary of registration (GOV.UK).
- Motorcycles up to 200cc: at 1 year. Motorcycles over 200cc: at 2 years (GOV.UK fees table).
- Northern Ireland: cars and motorcycles are due their first test at four years old, and cars are tested annually after that (nidirect).
How often and how early
- An MOT lasts for a year. After that you renew it by the anniversary of your last MOT.
- You can test up to a month (minus a day) before it expires and keep the same renewal date. If it expires on 15 May, the earliest day is 16 April.
How to check the date
- Use GOV.UK Check MOT history with the number plate. It shows pass or fail, mileage at each test and when the next MOT is due.
- For England, Scotland and Wales, the 11-digit number on the V5C log book also shows test locations and lets you download certificates.
- Results go back to 2005 for cars, motorcycles and vans, and to 2017 for Northern Ireland.
Maximum fee
- Car with up to 8 passenger seats: £54.85.
- Motorcycle: £29.65. Motorcycle with sidecar: £37.80.
- These are the maximums on GOV.UK and no VAT is charged. The page shows no date for them.
Driving without an MOT
- You can be fined up to £1,000 and prosecuted.
- The exceptions are driving to or from a repair, or to a pre-arranged MOT test.
Exemptions
- A vehicle built or first registered more than 40 years ago does not need an MOT if no substantial changes have been made, such as replacing the chassis, body, axles or engine in a way that changes how the vehicle works.
- It must still be roadworthy: dangerous condition can bring a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points.
- Vehicle tax is separate. The historic tax class uses a different date: vehicles built before 1 January 1986.