Your car’s MOT isn’t something you want to forget about. An MOT test is a legal requirement for most vehicles over three years old in the UK, and driving without one can lead to fines, penalty points and potentially invalid insurance. It’s easy to lose track of the date if your car seems to be running fine, but checking whether your MOT has expired is a quick and simple task—and it could save you a lot of trouble.

Many motorists only realise their MOT has lapsed when they go to renew their car tax or get pulled over, but with a few minutes and your registration number, you can check your MOT status and take action before it becomes a problem.

Using the Official Government Website

The most reliable way to check if your MOT is still valid is through the official GOV.UK website. It provides free access to up-to-date MOT information on any UK-registered vehicle. You simply enter your registration number, and the site will display the current MOT status, expiry date and a history of past tests.

It’s worth bookmarking the site or saving your expiry date somewhere handy so you’re not caught off guard in the future. Some drivers also opt to sign up for MOT reminder emails or text messages, which are also available through the government portal. This is a useful free service that prompts you four weeks before your MOT is due.

Understanding the Expiry Date

Your MOT certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of the last test, not the date of the certificate itself. If you have your vehicle tested up to a month (minus a day) before the current MOT expires, the new certificate will still run from the original expiry date, giving you a full year without losing any time.

If your MOT has expired, you cannot legally drive your vehicle unless you’re travelling to a pre-booked MOT appointment or to a garage for repairs related to the test. Even then, your car must be roadworthy, and if it’s not, you could face prosecution. Driving without a valid MOT risks a fine of up to £1,000, and in more serious cases, it can affect your insurance and result in penalty points.

What to Do If Your MOT Has Lapsed

If you’ve checked and realised your MOT has expired, the first thing to do is book a test as soon as possible. Most garages offer online or over-the-phone booking, and many can fit you in quickly, especially if you explain the urgency.

It’s best not to drive the car until the test unless it’s to a garage for the MOT itself. Make sure to keep proof of your booking, just in case you’re stopped while driving to the appointment. If your car fails its MOT, it must not be driven again until the faults have been fixed, unless it’s heading straight to a repair garage.

Setting a Reminder for Next Time

With busy lives, it’s easy for MOTs to slip through the cracks. Once you’ve checked your expiry date, make a note in your calendar, set a phone reminder or use the government’s MOT reminder service. Some vehicle tracking apps or car insurance providers also offer reminder tools as part of their services.

Being proactive helps avoid last-minute stress, reduces the risk of driving illegally, and ensures your car is always road-safe. If your car is used daily, delaying the MOT can lead to unexpected downtime and impact your ability to travel, work or run errands.

Why It’s Important to Stay MOT-Compliant

The MOT test isn’t just about ticking a legal box—it’s designed to ensure your vehicle meets minimum safety and environmental standards. An expired MOT could mean your brakes, tyres, lights or suspension have gone unchecked, which could put you and other road users at risk.

Regular testing also gives you a better idea of your car’s condition and helps you plan for maintenance and repairs before small issues become expensive ones. Staying on top of your MOT is one of the easiest ways to keep your vehicle safe and legally on the road.