MOT timing guide

How early can I get an MOT?

In England, Scotland and Wales, you can normally take an MOT up to one month minus a day before it expires and keep the same annual renewal date.

What if I test earlier?

You can have an MOT earlier, but the renewal date for the following year will change. It will normally become one year minus a day from the date the vehicle passes.

Is there an exception?

Yes. If the previous MOT was in Northern Ireland and the next test is in Great Britain, the retained-renewal rule does not apply. The renewal date will be based on the Great Britain MOT test.

What if the MOT has expired?

You cannot drive or park a vehicle on the road when its MOT has run out. GOV.UK lists limited exceptions, but the vehicle must remain roadworthy. Read the official guidance rather than relying on a calculated date.

Source: GOV.UK — When to get an MOT, checked 24 August 2026.