Help! I Don't Know My MOT test Date!
When do you need an MOT test?
Your car's first MOT test is required when it reaches three years old and then every year after that. You can be aware of your car's age, and whether it is approaching its first MOT, from looking at the number plate.
The 'new style' number plates were introduced in September 2001. The 3rd and 4th digit are a clue to which year, and which part of the year the car was first registered. The fourth digit tells you the year that this range of number plates came out. In this example, '2' (or 02) for 2002. New registrations are issued every March and September.
Your logbook provides information on your car and is important for renewing your taxBetween 2001 and 2010, the March registrations had a '0' as their third digit. And in September the third digit was a '5.' So '52' means after September 2002, and before March 2003.
From 2010, the March registrations were given a '1' instead of a '0' as their third digit, and the September registrations were given a '6' instead of a '5.' So '12' is after March 2012 and before September 2012, (which has the registration '62.') If your car was registered between March and September, the number plate gives away the year in which you need your first test. The MOT will usually be due in the same month as first registration.
The V5C form, often called the 'logbook,' is the better way to look up exactly when your car was first registered, and therefore when the first MOT is due. It will tell you the month and year of first registration. You can also find out the date by logging into your MotorEasy account (click here if you've not got one) which will pull live information back from the DVLA database, as well as sending you timely reminders for your MOT, tax and car servicing.
If your car is already over 3 years old...
If the car has been tested before, you can find the last MOT date (and the next date, which is 1 year later) on the previous MOT certificate.
Early MOT Tests
MOTs can be conducted up to 1 month early without you losing any of the last certificate's cover period.
For example, if an MOT test was completed on 02/01/2017 then the next MOT can be taken on 02/12/2017 (rather than waiting for 02/01/2018). But the new certificate issued on 02/12/2016 won't expire in 12 months on 02/12/2017, it will expire on 02/01/2018 (simple, right!?).
Early MOT Failure
If you car fails an MOT, but the previous certificate has not expired, the previous certificate is still valid giving you time to fix the problem and get a retest. It's also worth mentioning that MotorEasy's car warranties include protectiong against failures found at MOT and service.
Lost or damaged certificates?
If you lose your certificate, or it is damaged, you can obtain a replacement from any MOT garage. You'll need to give the garage the vehicle registration number and either the original MOT test number, or V5C reference number. The maximum fee a garage can charge for a duplicate certificate is £10.
MOT Test Prices
The MOT test fee you will pay depends on the type of vehicle you want to have tested, and the garage you choose to go to. The government agency, DVSA (previously VOSA), sets the maximum fee a test centre can charge for different classes of vehicle. These prices and are not subject to VAT.
A garage must not charge you more than these maximum fees, but it can charge you less, as a way to win your business.
MOT's from MotorEasy are £30 - nearly £25 cheaper than the recommended rate and you get the additional benefit of engineers on your side to make sure that any faults found need to be fixed and are done so in good time. Plus, you'll benefit from our trade prices meaning a saving on any work done.
