When should you book your MOT?
You can have an MOT up to one month minus one day before your current certificate runs out, and the new certificate keeps the same renewal date. If your MOT expires on 15 May, any pass from 16 April onwards is valid until 15 May the following year. Test earlier than that and the new certificate starts from the day of the test, so you lose the days in between.
That makes the earliest no-loss date the best day to book. It gives you a whole month to fix anything that fails while the old certificate still covers the car.
How the calendar reminder works
The Add to calendar button downloads a small calendar file (.ics). Opening it adds two all-day events: one on the first day you can test without losing time, and one on the expiry date. It works with Google Calendar, Apple Calendar on iPhone and Mac, and Outlook. Nothing is sent to us and we never ask for an email address or phone number, so there is nothing to unsubscribe from.
First MOT on a new car
A new car in England, Scotland or Wales needs its first MOT by the third anniversary of its registration. In Northern Ireland it is the fourth anniversary. After that the test is every year. The tool works out the first due date for you if you choose the registration-date option.
What if you miss it?
There is no grace period. From the day after expiry, the car can only be driven to a test that is already booked or to a garage for repairs needed to pass. Driving without a valid MOT can lead to a fine of up to £1,000, and you cannot tax a car without one.
Sources
Rates and rules last checked 15 October 2026. These figures are a guide. For a decision that matters, confirm with the official source.