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When is Your Car Due for MOT? A Simple Checklist | GVE London – Blog

Wondering when your car is due for an MOT test? Use this simple checklist to ensure road safety, and avoid fines with timely inspections.

The Ministry of Transport, also simply called the MOT, conducts a test that cars aged three years and older must take. It is mandatory, and drivers must have their car clear if they intend to legally drive their cars on the roads of the UK. With that said, it can sometimes be rather inconvenient to keep track of exactly when your car’s MOT test is due. So, let’s make it easier.

What Is an MOT Test?

Here’s a refresher on what an MOT test is. It is conducted by the Ministry of Transport and is a legal requirement in the UK for cars that are older than three years. The test has a pre-defined standard for safety and emissions, and if a car meets it, it passes the test. These standards are set by the government and are part of the UK’s green initiative and, of course, promote road safety as well.

Here’s the Checklist

So, without further delay, let’s take a look at the checklist that will help you keep track of when your MOT test is due:

Check Your MOT Expiry Date

Whenever you clear the MOT exam from an authorised MOT centre like GVE London, it gives you a certificate upon which the expiry date is mentioned. Even if you no longer have the physical copy, you can get the same information online using your vehicle’s registration number. The DVSA website has a handy service that lets you check the MOT status of your car. Whenever it expires, that’s when your test is due.

MOT History

If you’re not sure when your last MOT was, check the online MOT history service. You can see when your car was last tested and whether it passed or failed. It’s also a good way to check for any advisory notes that may need attention before the next test.

Vehicle Registration Date

Imagine your car was registered on December 1, 2023. An MOT test is due the day your car turns three, so December 1. 2026 is when your car must take the test. To figure out when your car was first registered, check the V5C registration document.

Book Your MOT Early and Look for Common MOT Failures

MOT slots can get booked up quickly, especially around holiday times. Booking early ensures you don’t miss your test and gives you plenty of time to fix any issues that come up.

Before booking your MOT, check the basics: lights, brakes, tyres, and exhaust system. These are the most common reasons cars fail their MOT. A quick check beforehand will give you time to get everything up and running and you won’t fail to test.

Conclusion

This simple checklist will help you not only book an appointment on time but also help you clear the exam with ease, now that you have some time to prepare your car. Servicing your car regularly is a recipe for clearing the MOT test anytime, anywhere; GVE London can help with that. From supercar servicing to specialised services for clearing the MOT test, detailing, and PPF, we can do it all for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS MY MOT APPOINTMENT?

If you miss your appointment, you must reschedule it asap to avoid any fines. Also, missing an appointment entails not having the certificate of clearing the exam; a car isn’t road-legal till it has cleared the exam.

CAN I MOT MY CAR BEFORE THE EXPIRY DATE?

Yes, you can book your MOT up to a month before it’s due. The new certificate will still start on the original due date, so you won’t lose any time.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CAR IS LIKELY TO PASS THE MOT?

If your car is well-maintained and has no major issues, it’s likely to pass. Check common failure points like lights, tyres, and brakes before the test. Potentially, for some extra caution, consider taking a pre-MOT check at a garage nearby.