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What happens if my MOT expires while I’m waiting for a test?

If your MOT has expired, you cannot legally drive the vehicle except when travelling directly to a pre-booked MOT appointment - or to a garage for repairs after a failed test.

It is important to note that everyday use of your vehicle - with an expired MOT - is not permitted. Even if you already have an appointment booked.

To avoid any scheduling issues when trying to get a new MOT test, you can book an MOT appointment up to one month (minus a day) before the end of your current certificate.

For instance, if your current MOT certificate expires on 15th September 2025, the earliest you can take your next MOT test - while keeping the same renewal date - is 16th August 2025.

If you test it on that date (16th August), your new MOT will run until 15th September 2026.

So, by testing within that one-month window, you don’t ‘lose’ any time from your next certificate. The renewal date will still run from the expiry of your existing MOT, so you won’t lose any days by testing early.