...searching
Most cars in the UK need to have an
MOTevery year once they are more than three years old.
This annual test is a legal requirement to ensure your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.
The first MOT is due three years after the car’s first registration date, and then every 12 months after that.
You can check your car’s
MOT status online and book the test up to one month (minus a day) before the current certificate expires without affecting your renewal date.
However, there are a few exemptions. Cars are exempt from MOT testing for the first three years of their life. Beyond that, certain vehicles may also be MOT-exempt, including:
If you believe your vehicle qualifies for an exemption, you still need to declare it with the DVLA and ensure it's kept in a roadworthy condition at all times.
Even if your car is exempt, you can be fined or face penalty points if it's found to be unsafe on the road – so regular maintenance is still essential.