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When Does a New Car Need an MOT?

Learn the MOT rules for brand-new vehicles in the UK. Find out exactly when a new car is due for its first MOT and how to check your V5C logbook.

Basic Rule: A brand-new car registered in Great Britain does not require an MOT test until the third anniversary of its first registration. After that, it must be tested annually.

How to Calculate Your New Car's First MOT Due Date

To find the exact day your new car's first MOT is due, you will need to check the date of its first registration. This date is printed on the front page of your V5C registration document (logbook) under section [B].

For example, if your new car was first registered on 14 June 2023, its first MOT test must be passed on or before 14 June 2026.

Exclusions to the Three-Year Exemption Rule

While standard passenger cars enjoy a three-year exemption, certain types of vehicles must be tested much sooner because of their heavy commercial use:

Vehicle Type First MOT Due Date
Standard Passenger Cars 3 years after first registration
Taxis and Private Hire Cars 1 year after first registration
Ambulances & Play Buses 1 year after first registration
Passenger Vehicles (9+ seats) 1 year after first registration
Northern Ireland Difference: In Northern Ireland, the first MOT test for a standard passenger car is not due until the fourth anniversary of its first registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. While not legally required, you can book an MOT for a vehicle under 3 years old if you wish. This is sometimes done by owners before the manufacturer's warranty expires, to identify defects that can be repaired under warranty.

The MOT test itself is a separate fee not covered by standard manufacturer warranties. However, if your vehicle fails its first MOT due to a manufacturing defect, the required repair work is usually covered by the warranty.

No. Servicing and MOTs are separate procedures. However, you must service your vehicle according to the manufacturer's schedule to maintain your warranty.