How Early Can You Do an MOT? UK Rules & Best Times ➤ AUTODOC CLUB

You can get an MOT for your vehicle up to one month (minus one day) before the current certificate expires, while keeping the same renewal date. For example, if your MOT expires on 15 October, the earliest date you can have the test and keep the same renewal date would be 14 September.If you test earlier, the new certificate will be valid for 12 months from the new test date rather than extending from your previous expiry date. Testing up to a month early gives you time to address any issues found before your current MOT expires.

What is the MOT test?

The MOT test is a mandatory annual safety and environmental inspection for vehicles in the UK that are over three years old. It examines crucial components including brakes, lights, steering, suspension, tyres, and emissions to ensure vehicles meet minimum safety and environmental standards. The test, conducted by approved centres, costs between £45 and £55 and is a legal requirement for driving on UK roads. You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a car without a valid MOT certificate.

Booking an MOT test in advance

Booking an early MOT test is a smart strategy for UK vehicle owners. You can schedule your test up to one month minus a day before expiration while keeping the same renewal date. Early booking provides peace of mind and allows time to address potential issues. Most centres offer online booking systems, reminder services, and combined service-MOT packages for convenience and potential savings.

Rules and regulations for early MOT testing

Early MOT testing allows vehicle owners to test up to one month (minus a day) before expiration while maintaining the same renewal date. Testing earlier is permitted, but your new certificate will be valid for 12 months from the test date instead. This flexibility helps avoid driving illegally with an expired MOT. Remember that once an MOT expires, you can only drive to a pre-booked test appointment.

Benefits of getting an MOT test done early

Provides time to fix any identified issues before your current MOT expires
Eliminates the stress of last-minute booking when test centres are busy
Allows you to remain legally on the road without interruption
Gives you opportunity to compare prices for necessary repairs
Can be combined with regular servicing for convenience and potential savings
Ensures your vehicle is safe and roadworthy
Helps avoid fines of up to £1,000 for driving without a valid MOT

How many days or weeks early can you book an MOT?

You can book an MOT exam at any time but, as mentioned above, timing affects your renewal date. Testing within one calendar month, minus a day, before expiration preserves your existing renewal date. Another way of saying this would be one day after one month before. For example, if your MOT expires on the 20th of June, testing from the 21st of May onwards would maintain the 20 June renewal date for the next year. Testing earlier is permitted, but your new certificate will be valid for exactly 12 months from that test date instead. If your old renewal date is 20th June 2026 and you test on 20th May 2026, your new renewal date will be 20th May 2027.

Tips for scheduling your MOT test in advance

Check your current MOT certificate or the online MOT history service to know when to renew

Book one month minus a day before expiration, or later, to maintain your renewal date
Use online booking systems to compare prices and availability across testing centres
Choose mid-week or mid-month appointments when test centres are typically less busy
Set MOT reminders in your calendar or sign up for garage notification services
Combine your MOT with regular servicing for convenience and potential discounts
AUTODOC technicians recommend checking basic items like lights, wipers, and tyre pressure before your appointment

What is the earliest you can book an mot

Pre-MOT checklist

Item to check	What to look for
Lights	All working and properly aligned
Horn	Functional and audible
Windscreen	No cracks in driver’s line of sight
Wipers	Good condition, clear screen effectively
Washer fluid	Topped up and nozzles working
Tyres	At least 1.6mm tread depth, no damage
Registration plates	Clean, visible, correct format
Fuel and engine oil	Sufficient levels
Seats and seatbelts	Secure, not frayed or damaged
Mirrors	Secure and not damaged

FAQs

What happens if my MOT expires before I get a new one?

Once your MOT expires, it’s illegal to drive your vehicle on public roads except when driving directly to a pre-booked MOT test appointment. There is no grace period, so make sure to renew before expiration.

Can I drive my car if it fails its MOT?

If your current MOT certificate is still valid, you can continue driving even if the vehicle fails a new test, unless there are “dangerous” problems listed. If your MOT has already expired and your vehicle fails, you can only take it to have the problems fixed and then to a pre-booked MOT retest.

How can I check my vehicle’s MOT history?

You can check your vehicle’s MOT history, including test dates, MOT expiry date, mileage readings, and details of any failures or advisories, through the official GOV.UK website with your vehicle registration number.

Conclusion: ensuring your vehicle is safe and legal

Maintaining a valid MOT certificate is essential for both legal compliance and road safety. Regular vehicle maintenance throughout the year, not just before testing, helps ensure your car meets necessary minimum standards. The penalties for driving without a valid MOT are severe, including fines and penalties, insurance complications, and potential prosecution. Prioritise your MOT renewal to enjoy peace of mind and worry-free driving.

Den

a smiley technician with plenty of experience starring in AUTODOC's video tutorials; Never seen without his goggles; races his BMW X5 E53; dreams about receiving a Gold Play Button for getting 1,000,000 subscribers on YouTube.