MOT validity
How long does an MOT last?
Most MOT certificates last 12 months in Great Britain. Learn how expiry dates work and when you can test early without losing your anniversary date.
Last reviewed 2026-10-02
The usual 12-month period
When a car passes its MOT in Great Britain, the new certificate is typically valid for 12 months. The expiry date is shown on the MOT certificate and in digital MOT records.
Validity runs until the end of the expiry date (until midnight on that day). On the following day, the MOT is no longer in force unless a new pass has been recorded.
Use an MOT expiry check to see the exact date and how many days remain for a given registration.
Testing up to one month early
GOV.UK explains that you can get an MOT up to one month (minus a day) before the current certificate expires and still keep the same renewal date for the following year. That helps if you want time to fix issues before the anniversary.
Rules can differ for the first MOT on a new vehicle. Always read the current getting an MOT guidance if your situation is unusual (for example a brand-new registration or a vehicle returning from SORN).
If the vehicle fails before expiry
A fail does not extend the old certificate. If the MOT is still in date, you may be able to drive in limited circumstances while repairs are arranged — but dangerous defects must not be driven until fixed. Check GOV.UK and speak to the testing station for your case.
After repairs, you need a retest. Partial retest fees and time limits depend on where the fail happened and how soon you return. Do not assume the old expiry date gives unlimited time to pass.
How to track your expiry date
Digital reminders are easy to miss if your email or phone number is out of date. The reliable approach is to look up the registration on GOV.UK check MOT history or on MOTCheckers before long journeys or when tax and insurance renewals come up.
Our guide what happens if an MOT expires covers the practical and legal risks of letting a certificate lapse.
Frequently asked questions
Does an MOT last exactly 365 days?+
The expiry date is set according to MOT rules when the pass is recorded, which usually aligns with a 12-month period. Always use the official expiry date on the certificate or online record.
If I test early, do I lose days on my old MOT?+
If you test within the allowed early window and pass, GOV.UK states you can keep the same renewal date next year. Testing outside that window may reset the expiry date to one year from the new test date.