MOT AdviceIf you're not sure what your MOT expiry date is, you can check your MOT date for free. You just need your vehicle's registration number (the number plate) and our clever Automyze system will check when the MOT is due for you.
Yes - though you'll still need your DVLA reminder (V11) or your Registration Certificate (V5C) plus a valid MOT, a (V62) is also available at any Post Office that deals with vehicle tax. Find a local branch that can sort out vehicle tax with our Branch Finder.
If you've lost your MOT certificate, you can get a replacement by contacting any MOT centre and giving them your vehicle registration number and your V5C reference number. The MOT centre will then provide you with a replacement certificate. It's also a good idea to order a new V5C if you've misplaced yours.
The MOT certificate confirms that your vehicle at the time of its test met the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards required by law. It doesn't mean that the vehicle is roadworthy for the life of the certificate and isn't a substitute for regular maintenance.
Also known as a V5C, a vehicle logbook is a document required by the DVLA. It tracks the registration and taxation history of a specific vehicle. In other words, the logbook serves to link a person to a specific vehicle, by demonstrating who keeps the car.
A vehicle registration certificate (or V5C document) is issued by DVLA and contains information about the vehicle and the keeper that the registration certificate pertains to. The vehicle registration number is a number and letter combination that's unique to each vehicle. This is shown on the registration certificate.
In case you have lost or damaged your MOT certificate, you may apply for a new one at any DVA Test Centre. Completing section 5 of the Application for a vehicle test certificate VT3 (MOT) form. A link is provided under 'Documents to Use' section which you can use to download the form.
Although motorists are now able to get a free duplicate of their MOT certificate online, MOT centres will still be able to provide this service for people who need it.
An MOT can be carried out up to one calendar month prior to the expiry date of the existing MOT certificate, while still preserving the anniversary of the expiry date. If a test is carried out a month before the due date, the MOT is effectively valid for 13 months.
You can book your test up to 1 month before the due date and still keep the existing expiry date. This will essentially result in a 13-month MOT, as oppose to 12.
If Your Vehicle Fails Due to Other ItemsIn any other case a full retest is required and the full MOT test fee will be charged. Only one free partial retest is permissable per full examination.
You can get an MOT up to a month, minus a day, before it expires - and still keep the same renewal date. If you own a brand new car then you don't have to get an MOT until the third anniversary of its registration. After that, you have to get your vehicle tested every 12 months.
If your MOT has expired then you need to get the car booked in for a fresh test and not drive it until the test has been completed. Remember that you are allowed to drive the car to a pre-booked test appointment.
Earliest date for MOTYou can MOT your car up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out. Although you have renewed early, your renewal date will still stay the same on your certificate for next year.
Just like with a car, any motorbike over three years old needs to have a valid MOT certificate. This means you'll need to get it tested every year to ensure that the bike is roadworthy and fit to ride. You can check the MOT status of your bike here. For MOT purposes, motorbikes come in two classes.
Can you get an MOT done in an approved private garage in Great Britain if your car is registered in Northern Ireland? Yes, an official MOT vehicle test certificate issued within the UK is valid in Northern Ireland.
Bookings can be made online at: book-motvehicle-test-online(external link opens in a new window / tab) by ringing the booking line on 0345 2472 471 or in person at a Test Centre.
It is assumed by many people that they have 14 days 'grace' after their MOT test Certificate expires to obtain a renewal - This is not the case. However, the MOT test regulations do make the provision for early testing by up to a calendar month to ease the renwal process.
