MOT Date Calculator

All vehicles in the UK over 3 years old must have a valid MOT certificate. The MOT test checks roadworthiness including brakes, lights, steering, suspension, tyres, exhaust emissions and bodywork. The maximum fee is set by the DVSA at £54.85 for a standard car (2026/27). Many garages charge less as a loss leader.

You can check your MOT due date for free using the DVLA's online service with your registration number. Your MOT can be done up to one month before the expiry date without losing any days from the next certificate — the new MOT will run from the old one's expiry date.

Common MOT failure items include blown bulbs (£5-£15 to fix), worn tyres (£60-£120 each), damaged windscreens (£75-£350), worn brake pads (£100-£250 per axle) and emissions failures (£100-£500+ depending on cause). This calculator estimates the cost of your MOT plus likely repairs based on your vehicle's age and type.

When does my car need an MOT? First MOT: 3 years from first registration date. After: annually on anniversary of last MOT or expiry. Check yours via gov.uk/check-mot-status with registration number. New rules from 2024: no MOT exemption increase to 4 years (it was proposed but rejected). Mileage and condition checks at MOT, plus emissions, brakes, lights, tyres, suspension, steering, seatbelts.

Failing the MOT — your options. Vehicle marked 'dangerous': cannot drive away. 'Major' fail: cannot drive until repaired and retested. 'Minor' fail: advice given, vehicle still road-legal. Retest within 10 working days at same garage: free. Beyond 10 days: full retest £54.85. Driving an MOT-failed vehicle on roads (except to/from agreed repair garage): £1,000 fine, no insurance cover.

MOT exemptions. Vehicles older than 40 years (registered before 1986 as of 2026) are MOT exempt UNLESS substantially modified. Electric goods vehicles under 3.5 tonnes registered before March 2015 exempt from emissions testing. Vehicles used solely for hire/reward (taxis): need annual checks plus MOT. Tractors and agricultural vehicles: separate testing regime.

Combined MOT, service, and tax. Cheapest combined: book MOT at independent garage (£30-£54.85 — government cap) + interim service (£100-£200). Some chains offer 'service + MOT' bundles. Avoid: dealer MOT (often £80-£120, no advantage), MOT-only chains without service expertise (may miss developing issues). VED (car tax) renewal: separate from MOT, but you cannot tax a car without valid MOT (DVLA checks).