When Will a New Car Need Its First MOT Test? | GVE London – Blog

Congratulations! You’ve just got yourself a new car, and we hope you’re having the time of your life with it. However, as we’re all bogged down by the requirements imposed upon us by the government, you must find yourself wondering, “When will my new car need its first MOT test?” After all, without a valid test certificate, you cannot drive your car legally on the road. So, in this blog post, let’s learn when your car’s very first MOT test is due.

What is an MOT Test?

So, for anyone unfamiliar, an MOT test is a yearly check to ensure your car is roadworthy and meets minimum safety and environmental standards. It is a legal requirement, and this test must be cleared by all vehicles in the UK that are three years or older. However, since new cars are, well, new, they’ve got some time before they need to worry about it—three years, to be exact, from the date of registration, So, if you bought a new car on 1st March 2025, your first MOT test won’t be due until 1st March 2028, which is exactly three years after the car was registered. 

How Can You Prepare for the MOT Test?

These are basic checks, but they can go a long way in ensuring a smooth MOT test experience.

While it shouldn’t be too tough for a new car to clear the MOT test, unless you’ve been off-roading with the thing all these three years, it’s still a good idea to make sure it’s actually ready for the test. You can do so by looking out for:

• Condition of your tyres: Ensure that they meet the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.
• Check that all the lights on your vehicle: Headlights, taillights, indicators, etc., are all functioning properly.
• Wipers: They should not be worn, and washers should be in working condition.
• Brakes: Ensure they’re responsive, and check that your brake fluid levels are sufficient.

These are merely the basic checks, but it is also recommended to read about the common reasons for failure and how to avoid them.

What Happens if Your Car Fails the MOT Test?

Let’s imagine a very unlikely scenario wherein your car ails its first MOT test, is that the end for your new vehicle? Time to dump it? Not really. You’ll be given a list of components that failed the test, get them repaired and your car will pass the test. You can take it to a trusted garage for repairs and many even offer a free retest within 10 working days, so it’s worth getting the necessary repairs done quickly.

Read Also: How Regular MOT Tests Enhance Your Supercar’s Resale Value?

Should You Consider a Supercar Service Centre for Your New Car?

If you’ve bought a luxury or performance car, you might wonder whether you need to take it to a supercar service centre for its MOT test, and it is a valid thought. You see, every garage isn’t capable of handling the MOT requirements for a high-end machine, so they might not be able to properly assess your car’s condition. Furthermore, if you opt for a supercar service centre like GVE London, not only can you get an MOT test there, but in case the car fails in any department, repairs can be made right there and will be performed by the best technicians in the country using OEM or OEM-equivalent parts (your choice).

Conclusion

Three years from the date of registration, your car will be due for its very first MOT test. It is worth preparing early to avoid any surprises.

Get in touch with us here at GVE London, a luxury MOT centre in Uxbridge, and we’ll ensure that your car isn’t only capable of clearing the test but stays in top-notch condition for the years to come.  Furthermore, For all your service, wrapping, repair, detailing, or modification requirements, contact GVE London!