When do I need an MOT on a new car?

Have you recently bought a new car? When purchasing a new car, you expect it to leave the showroom in perfect condition.

However, it’s important to remember before too long, your vehicle will need an MOT certificate to prove it is still roadworthy. This DVSA-authorised inspection can confirm if your car meets the legal road and environmental safety standards for driving.

Do you have any questions about how your car’s first MOT will work? Merityre’s helpful guide answers when you will need to MOT your new car.

How early can I MOT my car?

Your first MOT test is due when your car is three years old (four years old if your vehicle was registered in Northern Ireland).

To discover when your first MOT test is due, go on GOV.UK and enter your vehicle’s registration number. Follow the prompts and the site will provide useful information, such as when your vehicle was first registered and when the tax is due, the final date for your first MOT for your new car or the date that the current MOT expires for older cars.

Alternatively, you can check your vehicle’s age by looking at the V5C form, known as the logbook. The form includes details about the vehicle’s registration date, including the month and year when it was registered.

Can I drive without a MOT?

In most cases, no. Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT puts you, other road users and pedestrians in danger. If you are found driving without an MOT certificate, you can incur significant legal and financial penalties:

• MOT fines begin from £100 but can increase to £1,000 if the case goes to court. The fine can go up to £2,500 if you are found driving your car despite it being classified as ‘dangerous’ in your last MOT test.
• Severe cases involving driving without an MOT can include penalty points added to your licence or being disqualified from driving.
• Your car insurance will be invalidated, meaning you won’t be able to park your vehicle on the road or renew your road tax.

However, there are a few scenarios where you can drive without an MOT certificate, which our handy guide on driving without an MOT covers.

Do I need to take anything to my car's MOT test?

If it is your car’s first MOT test, it would be helpful to bring along your V5C vehicle registration document. For future MOT tests, you don’t need to worry, as garages can typically access the required documentation online.

Can someone else take my car for its MOT?

If you have a long-term health condition or are clinically vulnerable and cannot take your car to the test centre yourself, you can get someone else to do it for you. However, you must ensure the person taking the vehicle to the MOT test centre is insured to drive your car.

What happens if my car fails its MOT?

Has your car failed its recent MOT test? You will be presented with a VT30 ‘Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate’. This certificate informs you that your vehicle has not passed its MOT and the reasons why. You must keep hold of it as you will need it for a re-test or in case you appeal the MOT decision. Discover the next steps you can take with our guide about what happens when your car fails its MOT.

How often does my car need an MOT after its first test?

Do you own a car that’s three years old and has successfully passed its first MOT? You, the vehicle owner, are responsible for keeping it up-to-date with future MOT tests. An MOT is required annually, and with each MOT test you pass, a new certificate will be issued.

Is your car’s first MOT test due soon? Book your MOT online at your local Merityre branch across South-East England, or contact our expert team today.