When is your first MOT due?

Loving Your New Car? Driving around in your new car, you have no worry in the world until the rules and regulations catch up with you.

It can be easy to forget to book a first test when you are not used to getting your car tested every year. Check MOT due date using the button below:

Check MOT Due Date

Yes, we're talking about the legislation that places an emphasis on the condition and roadworthiness of your vehicle.

When your car is still brand new, you can safely assume that the roadworthiness of the car will not be in question. It is very easy to go about your business and forget to have your car's first MOT test done in time. Read more about Can I drive without MOT

The biggest issue with driving your car when it is past due for its first MOT test is the traffic police. They are paying increased attention, and it's not a matter of whether or not they will verify your car's MOT status but when.  Also, read Penalty for driving without MOT Certificate

You can also set up reminders using our online Tool:

Set up reminders

When is my MOT due?

If you are unsure when your MOT is due, no worries!  you can use our MOT Checker to find out the date. Simply click on the button below and enter your reg:

MOT Checker

My MOT is due soon, how do I book?

Many of our garages in the Protyre network offer MOT testing. You can book MOT for your vehicle by using the button below and our local expert will be  there to help you !

Book MOT Online

You can also, click the image below to book yours now:

As a driver, you want to know when your car needs it's very first MOT test. And also, how often it is a legal requirement after that. These are some of the questions that are  answered in this article.

What exactly is an MOT and why is it so important?

MOT tests are all about testing the roadworthiness of a vehicle.

MOT stands for Ministry of Transport, a defunct government department that is one f the ancestors of the Department of Transport.

With a set of national standards, the test is designed to establish that your car is safe for you, as well others on the road. An MOT test is straightforward. It is easy to find any problems quickly and give you an accurate assessment of vehicle's roadworthiness.

Find out more about the MOT test and Top 10 things to check before an MOT test here

The obligation rests with you, the car owner, to ensure that you take your vehicle to a centre which is approved and regulated by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. To book your MOT into one of our garages click the button below:

Book MOT

It is easy to identify a proper DVSA approved centre, look for the standard markings, a blue sign with three white triangles (see example below).

The centre needs to openly displays the necessary DVSA information, which must include contact details and pricing schedule. These signs should all be in an area where it is easy for visitors to the centre to see and read.

What is an MOT certificate?

An MOT certificate is the official document that certifies a vehicle has passed the MOT test. For any vehicle that is over three years old, undergoing and passing an annual MOT Test is a legal requirement. The MOT status for your vehicle must always be current and is required to be renewed before it expires. For more information on the penalty for driving without a valid MOT certificate, click here.

How do I get an MOT certificate?

To get an MOT certificate for your vehicle, follow the steps below:

  • Get in touch with an MOT centre, it doesn't even need to be the one that carried out the MOT Test

  • Provide the centre with the vehicle registration number and the V5C (log book) reference number

  • The MOT centre can then provide you with a replacement certificate

Unfortunately you cannot apply for a new MOT certificate online.

How much will it cost?

It will cost £10 to get an MOT certificate but this cost may vary for heavy goods and public service vehicles.

Do I still need my MOT certificate?

You should keep a copy of your MOT certificate on file in case you wish to sell your vehicle in the future and to save you having to pay to get a replacement if you lose it.

How long does an MOT Test last?

A car MOT can be completed in as little as an hour. Protyre's MOT-certified garages are usually very busy so it is advisable to pre-book your appointment, either online, or, over the telephone. If you want a particular day or time, we advise making the booking at least a month before the MOT expires to ensure you get the appointment slot you require. For more information on MOT Tets time and tips on when the best time to book is, click here.

How much does an MOT Test cost?

The maximum cost of an MOT in the UK for cars, vans and 4x4 vehicles is £54.85. Garages can charge a maximum of £29.65 Motorcycle MOT Tests. Protyre offer fantastic deals on MOT Tests at our range of MOT-certified garages across the UK with prices starting at just £29.95 for cars, vans and 4x4 vehicles. Online booking is available for all Class 4 MOTs, click here to book your vehicle in today.

Class 7 MOTs are available at a selection of our garages, these can be booked via an enquiry form here.

What happens if my vehicle fails its MOT Test?

If your vehicle fails its MOT test then don't panic, Protyre are here to help. Following a failed MOT Test, you will be given a document (VT30 Certificate) highlighting the problems which caused your vehicle to fail. If you fix the issues which caused the vehicle to fail its MOT you will be entitled to a Free MOT Re-test...find out more here!

When does my car need to undergo MOT testing for the first time?

The very first MOT test requirement only comes into effect when your new car is three years old.

At Protyre Autocare, we provide thorough MOT testing to ensure your vehicle meets all safety and environmental standards. During your MOT, it's crucial to have tyres that are in good condition. Explore our range of tyre types, including premium car tyres, rft tyres, best summer tyres, and winter snow tyres. We also offer a variety of trusted premium tyre brands such as Goodyear all season tyres, Michelin tyre, Pirelli tyres, Bridgestone turanza, Conti tyres, and many more. Ensuring you have the right tyres can make a significant difference in passing your MOT and maintaining your vehicle’s safety and performance.

Before that, you are not obligated to take your car in for testing. Check your vehicle's papers to determine the exact date first the car was registered or use our MOT Checker below to find out when your MOT certificate expires.

MOT Checker

The time of registration is the guideline from which you need to count three years forward to provide the date for the first MOT.

In the case of a new car if the car was registered as new on 1 February 2013, then the first MOT will have to be done not later than 1 February 2016.

If you're driving an imported car, however, and you have no clue about the exact registration date, then you have to find out the date of manufacture. You will take the year of manufacture and count three years forward. So if a car was manufactured during 2013, then the first MOT test will have to be done before the 31 December 2016.

If you have purchased a secondhand car, you will need to contact the DVSA to verify the previous MOT test history.

Keep in mind that certain types of vehicles such as ambulances, taxis and private passenger vehicles, will need to be tested every year from registration.

Another way to check your car's age is to look at the V5C form or logbook of the car as it is commonly known. This form always includes details about the car's registration date. It gives the month and year that the car was first registered. Your logbook is a valid document which you can present to prove your car's registration date.

When and how often do I need to have my car MOT tested again after the first test?

Once your car has reached three years of age and successfully underwent its first MOT test, you now have the responsibility of keeping up to date with subsequent testing.

This has to be done on an annual basis, and you need only count the 12 month period from the date indicated on your MOT test certificate. Meaning you do not have to look at the exact date when the car was tested initially, but only pay attention to the expiry of your MOT.

With each MOT test, a new certificate will be issued and it will have a new expiry date to keep in consideration. This information is useful to allow you to have ample time to test before the next expiry date. Remember though that if you test early within a 28 day period, your test certificate will be valid for 12 months from the date of issue which is usually the same date as the actual test if the vehicle passes.

If you are unsure you can check your vehicle's MOT status at any time online.

Further information about MOT testing can be found at:

Be sure to check that the testing centre clearly displays the current maximum fee for your MOT test. Remember that testing centres have to be approved by the DVSA and they are not allowed to charge anybody more than the nationally regulated maximum fee of £54.85. Protyre is willing to offer discounts and reduce the fee. Book your initial Protyre MOT test starting at just £29.95!

MOT Expiration - what do I need to know?

Your MOT Test Certificate is valid for 12 months after your vehicle passes its MOT. You can book your vehicle in for its next MOT Test a minimum of one month prior to its renewal due date. Driving without a valid MOT is illegal and will result in a £1000 fine unless you are driving to a pre-booked appointment at an MOT test garage. Another useful point to remember is that if your vehicle does not have a valid MOT certificate, then it is not legal to park it on the road.

For more information on MOT validity and the steps to take to ensure you are not penalised, browse the pages below:

How can I check a vehicle's MOT history?

The government has made it possible to digitally check the MOT history of a vehicle but before you can do so you will need the following information:

  • The vehicle’s registration number

  • The 11-digit number from the vehicle’s log book

Results will be available once the MOT centre has recorded the MOT Test result and you will be able to see the location of the MOT Test 14 days after it has been carried out.
 
Once you have collated this information you will be able to view the past results of a vehicle’s MOT tests. These include:

  • Whether the vehicle passed or failed the MOT Test

  • The mileage that was recorded at the time of the MOT Test

  • The location of each test

  • Why the vehicle failed at each MOT Test and if any of the parts had minor problems

  • The date of the vehicle’s next MOT Test

One point to note is that you will only be able to check results for test that have been carried out in England, Scotland or Wales from 2005 onwards.

Click the button below to get started: