A new car needs its first MOT by the third anniversary of its registration. Taxis, ambulances and vehicles with 9 or more passenger seats are tested from 1 year old. Any vehicle's MOT expiry can be checked free on GOV.UK with the number plate.
Checked 23 October 2026 against the DVSA MOT inspection manual
- First MOT, car: 3rd anniversary of registration
- Taxis and ambulances: From 1 year
- 9+ passenger seats: From 1 year
- Reminder: Free, 1 month ahead
The 3-year rule
A new vehicle must have an MOT by the third anniversary of its registration. This is the point at which the first test becomes due, and it applies to cars used on public roads in Great Britain. The date is calculated from the date of registration rather than the date of purchase, so a car registered before it is sold still reaches its first MOT on the same schedule. The requirement is a legal one and applies regardless of how few miles the vehicle has covered.
The three year rule has been kept following a government review of MOT testing. In January 2024 the government confirmed that the first MOT will remain at 3 years after a consultation proposed moving it to 4 years. The decision means the existing timetable continues to apply, and the first test for a new car is still due on the third anniversary of registration rather than the fourth.
The confirmation followed the consultation that had put forward a four year period before the first test. The government's decision in January 2024 kept the requirement at 3 years, so the anniversary of registration remains the relevant date for a new vehicle's first MOT. No change to the three year rule was introduced as a result of the consultation, and the position set out in January 2024 continues to apply to new cars.
Vehicles tested from 1 year old
Certain vehicles must have their first MOT when they reach 1 year old rather than the usual 3 years. These include ambulances and taxis, which are tested from 1 year old. The maximum fee for an MOT on these vehicles is £54.85.
Private passenger vehicles with 9 to 12 seats are also tested from 1 year old. The maximum fee for these vehicles is £57.30. Those with 13 to 16 seats have a maximum fee of £59.55.
Private passenger vehicles with more than 16 seats are tested from 1 year old as well. The maximum fee for these larger vehicles is £80.65. This is the highest maximum fee in the 1 year old testing group. The fee scale rises with seating capacity across the categories listed.
Finding the first MOT date
Whether a vehicle has a current MOT and the date it runs out can be checked on GOV.UK using only its registration number. The number plate lookup shows the expiry date recorded for the vehicle, so the first test date can be confirmed without paperwork. This is useful when buying a used car or checking a vehicle whose history is unclear.
The check needs no other details beyond the registration number. It returns the MOT status and the date the certificate runs out, which shows when the next test falls due. For a new car, the same lookup confirms the date the first MOT becomes due after the initial three year period.
Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT can lead to a fine of up to £1,000. Checking the expiry date with the number plate helps establish whether a valid certificate is in place. The result reflects the record held on GOV.UK at the time of the check.
Reminders
Free MOT reminders are available by text or email. Signing up requires the vehicle registration number plus a mobile number or email address. Reminders are sent one month before the due date and cover cars, vans and motorcycles. The service is free to use and gives notice ahead of the test date.
In Northern Ireland, the reminder system works differently. Cars there are generally first tested at four years old. Drivers receive a postal reminder 7 weeks before the MOT is due. This gives notice by post rather than by text or email.
The two systems reflect different arrangements across the UK. In Great Britain, the text or email reminder arrives one month before the due date. In Northern Ireland, the postal reminder arrives 7 weeks before the due date.
Frequently asked questions
When is a new car first due for an MOT?
A new vehicle must have an MOT by the third anniversary of its registration. In January 2024 the government confirmed the first MOT will remain at 3 years after a consultation proposed 4 years.
Which vehicles are tested from 1 year old?
Vehicles tested from 1 year old include ambulances and taxis, with a maximum fee of £54.85, and private passenger vehicles with 9 to 12 seats at £57.30, 13 to 16 seats at £59.55 and more than 16 seats at £80.65.
How can an MOT due date be checked?
Whether a vehicle has an MOT and when it runs out can be checked on GOV.UK using only its registration number.
What is the penalty for driving without a valid MOT?
Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.
How do free MOT reminders work?
Free MOT reminders by text or email need the registration number plus a mobile number or email address, and are sent one month before the due date for cars, vans and motorcycles. In Northern Ireland, where cars are generally first tested at four years old, drivers get a postal reminder 7 weeks before the MOT is due.
