How early can you MOT a car?

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) administers a mandatory exam for vehicles on UK roads. This annual test ensures that all cars and vans are functional, safe, and up to par with current environmental regulations. All vehicles must possess a valid MOT certificate to legally drive on UK public roads.  

MOT certificates last one calendar year. You can renew your car’s MOT approximately one month before your current MOT expires. Early renewal gives you ample time to address any issues before the expiry date. This proactive approach to vehicle maintenance promotes safety and helps keep you legally on the road.

Vehicle MOT status can also have a big impact on price if and when you choose to sell your car. Since it’s illegal to drive without an MOT certificate, buyers may be wary of cars or vans that aren’t up to date on their MOTs. Will you still may be able to find a buyer for an MOT-less vehicle, it will most likely be a tougher sell.  

Not sure your car’s MOT status? Check out our free MOT Checker tool for instant information on your MOT certificate, expiry, and more. You can even set calendar reminders so that you’ll never forget your MOT expiration date again! 

• MOT timing
• Benefits of early MOT testing
• What happens if you MOT your car early?
• Check if your MOT is up to date
• FAQs
• Is it time to sell your car?

MOT timing

All vehicles over a certain age driving on public UK roads are required to pass an annual MOT exam. In England, Scotland, and Wales, cars and vans that have been registered for three or more years are subject to annual MOT testing. The policy in Northern Ireland is slightly different: only after vehicles have been registered for four years do they need to get the annual MOT exam.

This timeline is based on safety and regulatory concerns and is designed to ensure that all vehicles are roadworthy and up to the latest emissions standards. New cars therefore are typically not required to undergo the MOT for their first few years on the road.  

MOT certificates are valid for one calendar year from the date of issue. There is no grace period once your expiration date has passed: if you do not have a renewed MOT, from then on out you are driving with an expired certificate, which is illegal. This can result in fines, points on your licence, and even car impoundment in the most extreme circumstances.

Drivers must keep track of their MOT validity and schedule annual testing to avoid being on the road illegally. The official window for early MOT testing allows car owners to schedule their test up to one month (minus a day) before their current MOT certificate expires.

Benefits of early MOT testing

Early MOT testing is a great option for car owners as it allows you to: 

• Detect and address issues promptly – MOT tests identify issues with core components that threaten the safety and functionality of your vehicle. Early testing gives you time to address any issues and schedule an MOT retest after repairs, ensuring your car remains roadworthy before its current certificate expires. 
• Avoid last-minute booking stress – Booking your MOT test early allows you to secure an appointment slot that works for your schedule, avoiding the rush and stress that often accompanies last-minute arrangements. 
• Have peace of mind – Knowing your car is up-to-date with its MOT provides peace of mind, reducing worry about potential safety or compliance issues, as well as the fear of driving unlawfully.
• Ensure legal compliance – Early testing helps you avoid the legal penalties associated with driving without a valid MOT certificate, including fines and penalty points on your licence.
• Keep the same renewal date – Scheduling your MOT test up to a month (minus a day) before your current certificate runs out allows you to keep the same renewal date. That’s one less new date to memorise! 

What happens if you MOT your car early?

Cars and vans that pass their annual MOT exams can immediately hit the road after receiving the new certificates. 

Bringing your car or van in for an early MOT test offers several advantages, regardless of if your vehicle passes or fails. 

✅ Pass	❌ Fail
– Preserves existing MOT expiry date – Confirms vehicle roadworthiness – Detects underlying problems with core vehicle components, helping drivers to address minor issues to prevent them from worsening and causing lasting damage – Lets you continue to drive legally	– Detects and grants time for necessary vehicle repairs, including some issues which may be unknown to drivers – Allows time to schedule an MOT retest before the MOT expires. This helps drivers avoid crowds and long booking cues   – Reduces risks of driving illegally with an expired MOT certificate, including fines and points on your licence

Check if your MOT is up to date

Knowing the status of your MOT is a key part of responsible vehicle ownership. And with our new MOT Checker tool, it’s never been easier! 

Simply enter your vehicle registration number into our free tool and tap the ‘Check MOT’ button. You’ll get an immediate response saying if your MOT is valid and giving you a countdown until your certificate runs out.  

You can also explore your vehicle’s full MOT history and, if your car possesses a valid MOT certificate, set reminders for when to schedule your next exam. 

FAQs

Is there a grace period for an expired MOT?

No, there is no grace period for an expired MOT. After the clock hits midnight on your MOT’s expiration date, you will be considered to be driving illegally. Vehicles without proper MOT certification cannot be driven at all, unless they are on their way to a pre-booked repair appointment or MOT retest. 

Driving without a valid certificate can lead to heavy fines of £1,000+ and penalties as these vehicles may no longer be safe to operate. It is therefore crucial to renew your MOT before it expires to ensure legal compliance and automotive safety.

How much does an early MOT test cost?

The cost of an early MOT test is the same as a standard test, typically ranging from £45 to £55, depending on the test centre. However, prices vary based on location, so it’s advisable to ask your local testing facility for a more accurate quote.

Does my car have to get annual MOT tests for its entire lifespan?

This depends. While in general it is illegal to drive without a valid MOT, there are a few exceptions. Your car or van may be exempt from annual testing if it is brand new, over 40 years old and considered a historic vehicle, a qualifying heavy goods vehicle, or on its way to a pre-booked repair or MOT appointment.

Can you sell a car without an MOT?

Technically, you can sell a car without a valid MOT. However, expect this to be much more difficult. At the very least, buyers are looking for safe used vehicles. Lacking an MOT certificate will likely reduce both your potential buyer pool and your vehicle’s sales price. 

Cars with expired or invalid MOT certificates carry an added element of risk since their safety and functionality has not been verified. Similarly, cars that have failed their MOT are more likely to be classified as Cat D write-offs and could be dangerous! 

If your car fails the MOT test and you’re looking to get rid of it, another option could be to sell it for scrap. 

Who will buy a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate? 

There is still a market for vehicles without valid MOT certificates. The biggest buyers of MOT-less cars and vans tend to be online trade dealers and car-buying services. These dealers usually have access to removal services and are able to collect vehicles relatively cheaply and without much hassle. Private buyers, alternatively, may struggle to find suitable vehicle collection methods without being able to drive them.

At Motorway, we work directly with 5,000+ verified dealers and scrap buyers to get the best price for all our customers. For more information, enter your reg on our homepage today.

Is it time to sell your car?

Want to learn more about owning, maintaining, and selling your car, including your vehicle’s MOT status?

Explore more of our guides covering everything from finding buyers and negotiating a good price to completing payment safely and try our free MOT Checker tool today.   

• Sell my car
• Track your car value 
• Can you sell a car without an MOT?
• The ultimate MOT guide
• How to replace lost car documents
• How to check if your car or van’s MOT is up to date
• How much does it cost to get an MOT?
• How long does an MOT take?
• How old does a car have to be to be MOT exempt?
• When will a new car need its first MOT?