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Can an MOT Test be Conducted Early?

Yes. You can have the MOT done up to one month minus a day before the current certificate expires. If it passes, the new expiry date stays the same anniversary. It does not start from the day of the early test.

If the MOT expires on 15 March, the earliest test that keeps that date is 16 February. The new certificate then runs until 15 March the following year.

Why test early?

If the car fails, there is time to arrange repairs before the old certificate expires.

What the test covers

The test looks at safety and emissions items, including:

  • Brakes
  • Lights, including headlights, rear lights, brake lights and indicators
  • Suspension
  • Exhaust emissions
  • Tyres and tread depth
  • Body structure, including corrosion in prescribed areas

The MOT check shows the expiry date and past results for a registration. It does not book a test.

Frequently Asked Questions

An MOT is the annual test for most vehicles over three years old. It checks that the vehicle meets the minimum safety and emissions standards for the road.

Items include brakes, lights, tyres and emissions.

Enter the registration. The MOT check shows the status and history for that vehicle: expiry, test dates, pass or fail, advisories, and mileage at each test.

It does not book a test.

Enter the registration on the MOT check. The expiry date is on the record when one is held.

The maximum fee is £54.85 for a car and £29.65 for a motorcycle. Test centres can charge less than the maximum.