When Will A New Car Need Its First MOT Test?

If you registered a brand-new car on the 1st of January 2025, its first MOT will be due by the 1st of January 2028. It’s not three years after purchase or delivery - it’s when it’s been registered. The rule covers everything on the road, from luxury SUVs to Fiats.

This MOT test is required by law, and you’ll learn the risks of missing that test later on.  
Three years go by faster than you think, so head over to the DVLA’s online tools if you need to double-check when your MOT test is due.

In this guide, you’ll learn where you can find your first MOT due date, as well as the paperwork you’ll need to bring and what to do if your car were to fail.

When Is Your First MOT Due?

• 3 years after the registration date - not the purchase/delivery date.
• 4 years in Northern Ireland - not the purchase/delivery date.

How to Find Your First MOT Due Date

Knowing precisely when that three-year deadline lands is vital because an expired MOT can void insurance and even trigger a fine.

There are a few resources out there you can use to clarify, but luckily, the due date is locked to one simple fact: the car’s original registration date. So, as long as you know that date, working out when a car needs an MOT is as easy as adding three calendar years (or four in Northern Ireland).

That said, you’re also able to use these methods:

• Pull the date from your V5C log book (it lists your registration date, which confirms when the vehicle meets the age where an MOT becomes compulsory)
• Punch your number plate into the DVLA’s database
• Ask any MOT station to confirm it when you book
• Checking the V5C Registration Document: Your V5C, called the logbook, is the simplest place to look when you’re wondering when do new cars need their first MOT. On page one you’ll spot the ‘Date of first registration’ printed as DD/MM/YYYY. Then just add three full years to that date and that’s your first MOT deadline. The anniversary of its registration is definitive, so verify it before setting reminders.
• Using the DVLA Website: Prefer doing it online? Head to the DVLA’s free MOT checker, type in your registration, and confirm your make. The database instantly shows the car’s MOT status and, if it’s still within the three-year grace period and the future due date. It’s an official government feed that’s updated daily, so the information is up to date and trusted by garages and insurers. You can check anytime in under a minute easily.

• Using Online MOT Checkers: Motoring sites, such as Honest John or the RAC, offer quick MOT look-ups similar to DVLA data, but they also add extras like tax expiry or market valuations. To use one, open the page, type your registration exactly how it appears on the plates, tick the consent box, then press ‘Check’

  • Visit the site (like the RAC, for example)
  • Input your reg
  • Hit search
  • Read the result

  Within seconds, you’ll see the first MOT due date, registration details, and past mileages. Errors are rare with these tools since they update every night, but if anything looks wrong, cross-reference with the DVLA checker.

• Setting up an MOT Reminder: Set a reminder the moment you know the date - use your phone or the government’s free MOT reminder service a month beforehand so you’ve got plenty of time to book a slot and sort any repairs without stressing. Just follow these simple action points:
  • Set a reminder on your phone
  • Use the DVLA’s MOT reminder service
  • Mark it on your calendar

What Paperwork Do You Need for Your First MOT?

You’re just going to be turned away at the door if you turn up for your MOT without the right paperwork. So, what do you need to bring?

The test centre has to see your:

• V5C Registration Document (Logbook): So they can confirm the car’s identity and mileage history.
• Valid Proof of Insurance: Either the certificate on paper or a digital version on your phone. Your car can’t even legally be inspected, let alone driven, unless it’s covered.
• Valid Payment Method: Have a means of payment ready - most garages accept debit or credit cards, but you’ll always get some smaller sites that prefer chip-and-PIN or cash, so check when you book.

Stick all these essentials in your glovebox the night before. If you forget even one of them, you’re risking the appointment being postponed, which would be a nightmare if it’s after the legal deadline hits.

What Happens if You Miss Your First MOT?

It’s crucial to keep your MOT up to date to avoid legal complications. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions just because it may be your first offence. These offences would make driving your vehicle illegal, and roadside cameras may ping your number plate within minutes.

You may also face instant fines of up to £1,000, and most insurers are going to void cover the second the certificate lapses. And things like penalty points and even court appearances become real possibilities if you delay long enough. Fortunately, you just need to book an appointment ASAP if you accidentally let the MOT expire - no need for avoidable fines.

Cannot Legally Drive Without an MOT

It’s flat-out illegal to drive on public roads without a valid MOT certificate. It’s enforced by traffic officers and ANPR cameras, where you can be pulled over and demanded to provide proof. And again, you may face a fixed-penalty notice of up to £1,000 and possibly a court summons if you fail to produce it.

The single legal loophole is travelling directly to a pre-booked MOT, and you must be able to prove the booking time.

May Face Fines and Penalties

Failing to keep your MOT up to date comes with some financial pain. The standard penalty is a fine that can climb to £1,000, which is issued by police or via automated enforcement letters.

Also, these fines can escalate, and your new car may even be banned from the road if it’s found to have dangerous defects as well. £1,000 is the headline figure here, but that doesn’t take into consideration all the higher insurance premiums or recovery fees you’ll need to pay. But again, these penalties are definitely avoidable if you book early and keep all your paperwork handy.

Insurance May Be Invalidated

Many policy documents hide a simple clause: your insurance is valid only while the car has a current MOT. So if you let it expire, you could technically be driving around uninsured. Should an accident occur, the insurer may refuse to pay out, which would leave you financially liable for damage claims and even prosecution.

Some companies might offer limited grace, but you can’t bank on goodwill, which is why keeping the MOT up to date is such a smart way to guarantee that your cover remains rock solid.

Can Only Drive to a Test Centre

As touched on earlier, the only road journey you’re legally allowed to make if your MOT has lapsed is to a pre-arranged test.

1. Book the slot first
2. Note the appointment confirmation
3. Travel straight there (no detours to the shops)

The police can stop you at any time here, so make sure you’ve got your booking details at hand. And remember that the car must be safe to drive: faults such as faulty brakes or missing mirrors can result in prosecution regardless.

Vehicle May Be Impounded

Unfortunately, there’s a chance that your car could end up on the back of a recovery lorry if you ignore MOT rules for too long. Police have the power to seize and impound vehicles that are unroadworthy or found without an MOT during enforcement checks.

Reclaiming it involves:

• Paying the fine and a storage charge
• Providing proof of a booked MOT or completed test

Both of those are usually a far pricier ordeal than just the original inspection fee. Plus, you’re needlessly risking the vehicle being legally scrapped if you fail to act within the time limit.

Trade to trade car marketplace

• Trade-only marketplace
• Flexible selling options
• Maximise your profits

Sign up now

4.9 out of 5 Stars

How Can You Prepare for Your First MOT?

Given all those costs involved with failing your first MOT, it definitely pays to do a bit of preparation before the test.

Try to treat it like an exam - you’ll pass fairly easily if you revise the basics. A week or two beforehand, give the car a mini health-check - most tasks take minutes and cost pennies.

You’ll want to look at:

• Lights
• Tyres
• Brakes
• Glass
• Fluids 
• General cleanliness

Deal with any niggles early so you’re not hunting for bulbs or brake pads the night before the appointment. A little effort now will save you money and stress if you end up failing.

• Check the Lights and Indicators: Switch on every bulb:

  • Headlights
  • Sidelights
  • Indicators
  • Brake lights
  • Fog lamps
  • The number plate light

  Next, walk around the car or use a reflective surface to check they’re fully working. Ask a mate to press the brake pedal while you watch the rear lights. Replacing a blown bulb is cheap and can be done at home with a screwdriver and gloves. And don’t forget to test hazard lights, too.

• Inspect the Tyres and Tread Depth: Get a 20p coin and insert it into the tread grooves - if the outer band is visible, the depth is below the legal 1.6 mm limit and you’ll need to replace it. Check all four tyres for any cuts or uneven wear and don’t ignore the spare if you have one. Additionally, set the pressures to the handbook figures. Healthy rubber both helps you pass your MOT and improves grip.
• Examine the Brakes and Suspension: Listen for any squeaks or grinding when you’re slowing down, or if the pedal feels spongy or pulls to one side. You can also visually see your discs and pads through the wheel spokes - deep grooves or wafer-thin pads are an issue. You can’t measure braking force at home, but obvious wear warrants a garage visit. Sorting pads out early is safer and cheaper than failing and paying for a retest.
• Check the Windscreen and Wipers: A cracked windscreen can fail an MOT, especially if the damage sits within the driver’s line of sight, so run your fingers over any chips and get a feel for how deep they are. Measure them next - anything over 10 mm in the swept area or 40 mm elsewhere is a failure. Additionally, check the wiper blades for splits and streaks visibility is a safety criterion, so fix chips and swap blades on your damaged car before the tester sees it.

• Ensure Fluid Levels Are Correct: Low fluid levels won’t always fail an MOT, but it suggests you’re neglecting your car’s maintenance. Check:

  • Engine oil with the dipstick
  • Brake fluid against the reservoir’s MIN/MAX marks
  • Coolant in the expansion tank when the engine is cold

  Next, top up anything that’s low with the correct grade and check for leaks or loose hoses.

• Book Your MOT Appointment in Advance: MOT centres get fairly busy, particularly at month-end when thousands of certificates expire, so don’t leave booking until the last week. Many garages allow appointments up to a month minus a day before the due date, while keeping the original renewal anniversary - you can easily secure a slot and still keep the same renewal date next year.

  Early booking also buys time for any unexpected repairs, which saves you from scrambling around for parts on deadline day!

Why Is the First MOT Important for a New Car?

Your first MOT is an independent health check that confirms your new car has stayed in shape since it left the showroom. It’s far more than just an administrative box-tick. You’ve got three years of potholes and stop-start traffic - even salty winter roads - that can wear parts you’d never notice otherwise.

So this test is vital for verifying everything from your safety systems and emissions equipment to the core structure still meets British standards.

It’s something that protects the environment by catching worn catalysts or particulate filters early before they escalate further, but your main takeaway here is that it keeps you legal.

• Ensures the Car's Safety: Safety is by far the most important part of the MOT test. Your testers will:

  • Measure brake performance on rollers
  • Inspect pads and discs
  • Check hydraulic lines for leaks
  • Examine suspension arms and shock absorbers for wear to ensure the car handles predictably

  And then everything from your lights and seat belts to steering and tyres all get a quick check. Any component outside tolerance triggers a failure, so knowing what to expect beforehand lets you keep everything in working order.

• Ensures Legal Compliance: Holding a valid MOT certificate is a legal obligation for cars over three years old. It’s your proof that the vehicle meets the Construction and Use Regulations on the day of testing. Without it:

  • Road tax can’t be renewed
  • ANPR cameras flag your plate
  • Police have every right to stop you

  So the first MOT is just to establish a paper trail of legitimate compliance (which follows the car throughout its life). It also just makes ownership transfers and insurance quotes smoother for everyone involved.

• Helps Meet Environmental Standards: Meeting environmental standards is a key reason the MOT exists, and it safeguards the overall air quality for everyone. Your car’s emissions are measured during the test to make sure it’s not pumping pollutants above the legal limits. Examiners inspect the exhaust for leaks, confirm the catalytic converter is present and functioning, and place a probe in the tailpipe to record carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and CO₂ output.

  They’ll also check diesel smoke opacity. Passing proves your car complies with UK regulations on emissions efficiency - making journeys cleaner for everyone walking or just living in busy areas is the goal here.

• Identifies Potential Mechanical Issues: It’s worth remembering here that the tester is actually doing you a favour, since they’ll spot mechanical wear from early on:

  • A seeping shock absorber
  • Slight steering play
  • Perished rubber bushings

  Those are all issues that can snowball and cause breakdowns or noisy advisories in future years unless they’re sorted early. And because the fault list is detailed, you receive a handy maintenance roadmap, which gives you a chance to budget and plan repairs on your own terms.

• Prevents Future Costs and Repairs: Addressing faults at three years old is almost always cheaper than just leaving them to fester. For example, replacing worn brake pads now prevents the discs from scoring and then needing to be replaced later.

  The same goes for quick exhaust leak fixes, so you stop your catalytic converter from failing and costing you hundreds. The MOT’s advisory section acts as an early-warning system here: treat them as an essential to-do list, not a suggestion. Staying proactive keeps your car in good nick and avoids repair bills further down the line.

What to Do If Your Car Fails Its First MOT?

Obviously, the goal here is to prepare enough so you can easily pass, but don’t panic if the worst happens and your car fails its first MOT. That just means certain items didn’t meet the standard on the day - it happens, and you can arrange a retest.

‘Major’ faults need to be repaired before a pass can be issued, ‘Dangerous’ ones mean the car can’t be driven except for fixes or a retest. Once that’s been sorted, you can book a partial retest - many centres waive the fee if you return within ten working days.

Naturally, prioritise the most serious items first, and the certificate will follow without too much fuss.

• Review the MOT Failure Report: The failure report - now called a VT30 - shows all the issues that were found. It lists each defect, categorised as Dangerous, Major or Minor, along with the tester’s notes. Study it and keep it safe, because garages will ask for it when quoting repairs. You can ring the test centre for clarification if any comments seem unclear. This tells you why the car failed and also lets you avoid any wasted labour.

• Complete Necessary Repairs: You need to arrange the repairs quickly once you know what’s wrong. For straightforward jobs, like bulbs and wiper blades, you could treat it as a DIY job. But definitely don’t try it yourself for bigger tasks, such as suspension bushes or emissions fixes,

  Make sure you choose a reputable garage and ask for a written quote. And remember, Dangerous defects mean the car shouldn’t be driven to a garage unless it’s within a short distance and pre-booked. If in doubt, just use a recovery truck or mobile mechanic.

• Book a Retest: Finally sorted out the issues? Book a retest as soon as possible. You can usually recheck most items for free or at least at a reduced rate if you return to the same centre within ten working days.

  Turn up with your VT30 and any invoices as proof of repair. Aim to arrive early - you’ll be issued a fresh certificate on the spot if the car passes the partial inspection! But you’ll need a full test if you delay too long.

• Consider Selling a Car: Repair bills sometimes outweigh the car’s value, especially on older, high-mileage motors - your sign to simply sell your car. Trade and car dealer auctions buy non-running cars, as do online purchasing sites - just disclose the failed MOT honestly. Prices are lower than for a roadworthy model, but you’ll avoid ongoing storage and repair costs. Or you could part-exchange it against a newer vehicle.