when can you mot a car

You can MOT (have the MOT test done on) a car up to one month (28 days) before the current MOT certificate expires. This early MOT allows you to keep the same renewal date for the following year, essentially extending the validity without losing days. For example, if your MOT expires on May 15, you can take your car for the next MOT from April 16 onwards. If you take the MOT earlier than this, the renewal date for the following year will then be based on the test date, not the original expiry date. New cars in England, Scotland, and Wales require their first MOT test within three years of their registration date. In Northern Ireland, this is within four years of registration. Driving a car without a valid MOT is illegal and can result in fines and penalties unless driving to a test or repair. These rules ensure that vehicles remain safe and compliant with regulations for on-road use.