How to Check Your MOT Expiry Date

Driving without a valid MOT is illegal in the UK and invalidates your insurance. Yet thousands of drivers each year forget their expiry date until it is too late. Checking your MOT status takes less than a minute and helps you book ahead at /services/mot-testing before the last-minute rush.

Check online via GOV.UK

The official DVSA MOT history service at GOV.UK lets you check any vehicle's MOT status and full test history using the registration number. You will see the expiry date, previous results, mileage at each test, and any failures or advisories recorded. This is the most reliable source — third-party reminder apps often pull from the same data but the government site is always free and up to date.

When should you book your next MOT?

You can book an MOT up to one month (minus a day) before your current certificate expires without losing any days from the existing expiry date. For example, if your MOT expires on 15 March, you can test from 16 February and receive a new certificate valid until 15 March the following year. Booking early gives you the best choice of appointment times at /booking.

Is there a grace period?

No. There is no grace period after your MOT expires. Driving without a valid MOT is an offence punishable by a fine of up to £1,000. The only exception is driving directly to a pre-booked MOT test or repair appointment. Police ANPR cameras and mobile checks can detect expired MOTs automatically.

Set a reminder

Add the expiry date to your phone calendar with a reminder two to four weeks beforehand. This gives you time to carry out basic checks — lights, tyres, wipers — or book a pre-MOT inspection if your car has not been serviced recently. Our guide on how to prepare your car for its MOT covers the essentials.

New cars and first MOT

Brand-new cars do not need an MOT until the third anniversary of their registration date. If you bought a used car, check the MOT history online to confirm when the next test is due and review any recurring advisories that might need attention.

Book your MOT in Reading

Pickwell Autohub is a DVSA-approved MOT testing station with branches at 173 Cardiff Rd RG1 8HD and 12 Long Barn Ln RG2 7SZ. We offer same-day slots, free retests within ten working days, and while-you-wait appointments. Book at /booking in around sixty seconds — do not leave it until the expiry date.