Check your car's MOT due date
- Check when your MOT certificate expires
- MOT Check by Registration number plate
- MOT Reminders
Free MOT Due Date Checker
Check when your MOT certificate expires
If you've forgotten your MOT Due Date, you can retrieve it instantly using Regit's free MOT checker. Simply enter your car's registration to get started.
MOT Check by Registration number plate
Our service enables you to quickly retrieve your due date by registration. Unfortunately, without this we cannot check your date. However, you can still avail of our unique reminder service.
MOT Reminders
To always have a valid MOT certificate, we will set timely reminders to let you know when it expires in the future. We'll also throw in exclusive deals enabling you to get you through your MOT with less hassle and less expense.
MOT Deals
We partner with the biggest MOT testers in the country, including dealerships and the 'quick fits' you'll find in any retail park. We bring you exclusive discounts taking the pain out of the MOT process.
Things you need to have for passing the MOT test
The appointment letter
Many garages use an electronic sign-in system, but if you're in a hurry, having a printed copy of your appointment confirmation with any essential details could speed up the procedure.
Vehicle service log book
It's better to have your vehicle service log book with you, especially if this is your car's first MOT. This keeps track of your car's service history, with the mechanic stamping or writing completed services in your log and indicating when the next one is due.
Not mandatory, but recommended to have are: previous MOT certificate; driving license; proof of address.
Unless you've paid in advance, you'll need to pay the test fee at the garage. By law, test centers can only charge up to £54.85 - the official maximum fee.
How the MOT Due Date Checker Works
Check your MOT status, see when it's due, and book your next test in seconds with Regit's free MOT checker. Here's how it works:
1. Enter your registration number
Just type your car's registration plate into the search box at the top of the page. Our tool connects directly to official DVLA records, giving you instant access to your MOT status.
2. Add your details
Fill in your name, email address, and postcode to create a free Regit account. This helps us customise your MOT results and suggest trusted MOT test centres nearby.
3. View your MOT results
You'll instantly see your MOT status, expiry date, and a list of nearby approved MOT garages where you can book your next test.
4. Set up free reminders
Add your car to your Regit digital garage to receive timely MOT and road tax reminders, ensuring you never miss a renewal and stay fully road-legal.
What You'll See in Your MOT Check Results
When you do a free MOT check with Regit, you'll get a detailed, easy-to-read overview of your vehicle's MOT status right away. Our digital results include:
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Car details Check out your vehicle's make, model, engine size, and other important specifications.
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MOT status Clearly indicates whether your vehicle currently has a valid MOT certificate or if it has expired.
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MOT expiry date Discover the exact date your MOT runs out and how much time you have left before it needs renewing.
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Your nearest MOT centres Browse a list of approved MOT test centres close to you and easily book your next MOT online.
With Regit's free MOT check service, you can stay compliant with UK law, plan your MOT renewal ahead of time, and avoid penalties for driving without a valid certificate.
What Is an MOT? UK Legal Requirement Explained
An MOT, or Ministry of Transport test, is the annual vehicle safety and emissions check required in the UK. It's designed to ensure that your car, van, or motorcycle is safe to drive and meets environmental standards set by UK law. The test is named after the old Ministry of Transport, but these days, it's overseen by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
When Do You Need an MOT?
In Great Britain, most vehicles need to:
- Undergo their first MOT test when they turn three years old from the date they were first registered.
- Be tested every year after that to keep their MOT certificate valid.
What's Checked During the MOT Test?
The MOT test follows strict standards approved by the DVSA, focusing on crucial safety and environmental aspects, including:
- Brakes and tyres
- Lights and indicators
- Steering and suspension
- Windscreen, mirrors, and wipers
- Exhaust system and emissions
To pass, your vehicle must meet the minimum legal requirements. Driving without a valid MOT certificate, unless in specific situations, is against UK law and could lead to fines or penalties.
Legal Consequences of Driving Without a Valid MOT
Driving without a valid MOT certificate is against the law in the UK, and it can lead to hefty fines, penalty points, and complications with your insurance. If your vehicle is over three years old, you need to have a current MOT to legally drive it on public roads.
What Happens If You Drive Without an MOT
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Fines up to £1,000 You could face a fine of up to £1,000 for driving a car that doesn't have a valid MOT certificate. In serious situations, this fine can rise to as much as £2,500, especially if your vehicle has dangerous defects.
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Points or a Driving Ban If you have no MOT and your vehicle is deemed to be in a dangerous state, you might end up with penalty points on your license or even a driving ban.
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Invalidated Insurance Driving without an MOT can void your insurance policy. This means that if you have an accident and need to make a claim, your insurer might refuse to pay out. If the accident results in injury or damage, you could face even more legal and financial troubles.
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Exceptions You can only drive without an MOT if you're heading to or from a pre-booked MOT test or taking your car to a garage for repairs after failing the test. Even in these cases, your vehicle must be roadworthy and safe to drive. Failing to meet these conditions could lead to prosecution and additional penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an MOT test?
A Ministry of Transport test is a yearly check-up where the important parts of your vehicle are examined to ensure they meet legal standards relating to safety, roadworthiness and emission levels. A car's MOT test is mandatory for all vehicles older than 3 years in the UK.
How do I check when my MOT is due?
You can check when your MOT is due by entering your registration number in the box above. You need to have an MOT before your car's third anniversary, and every year thereafter.
Can I drive home if my car fails its MOT?
If you take the MOT test early while your car's MOT status stays valid, you're free to drive home. The one exception is if your car has failed the MOT test due to a dangerous defect, at which point it might present a significant risk and would be prohibited.
How long does an MOT take?
An MOT test takes between 45 to 60 minutes. Consider the fact that you may only drive your car back home if it passes the MOT with no significant issues. A Major issue will let you drive the car only to a garage where repairs will be conducted, while a dangerous defect will prevent you from driving the car altogether.
How early can I get an MOT?
You may get your MOT test up to a month in advance, minus one day. Despite renewing early, the duration will count down from the date your MOT was scheduled to expire, so don't worry about 'losing' any days of coverage.
When does my vehicle need its first MOT?
Your car requires an MOT starting with its third year in the UK, and the fourth year in Northern Ireland. If the car hasn't been driven at all, the starting date is considered the day of manufacture, otherwise, a car's MOT is needed three years after the year of its manufacture.
Penalty for driving without an MOT certificate?
You may be fined up to £1000 for driving with a negative MOT status. If your car is considered to have a dangerous defect, you may be fined up to £2500, be banned from driving and receive 3 penalty points.