When will a new car need its first MOT test?
Buying brand new? Find out when your car will need its first MOT
)
By Nic Hopkirk
Last updated: 14 May 2025
Discover when the first MOT is due on a brand-new car
New cars in the UK need their first MOT three years after the car’s registration date.
Manufacturers generally register cars directly with the DVLA, which is when the car will be given its first number plate to identify its age and location.
When you buy a brand-new car, you can’t choose the original number plate, but you can personalise it later.
The DVLA then records the registration date and number in a log book (V5C) with the new owner’s name and address when they buy it.
)
So, when is the first MOT due?
You can book your car’s first MOT up to one month (minus a day) before the third anniversary of its registration. But it must be done by the three-year anniversary date.
For example, if your car was first registered on 1 May 2025, you need to book its first MOT between 2 April and 1 May 2028.
After that, the UK Government requires all vehicles to have an MOT every 12 months to check they meet road safety and environmental standards.
What happens if I miss my car’s first MOT?
You should only drive your car after its first MOT is due if you’re on the way to your MOT appointment.
Driving without an MOT when you need one could lead to a hefty fine, points on your licence and, in some cases, a driving ban.
You also won’t be able to tax your car without a valid MOT.
How to find your first MOT due date
You can find out your car’s MOT renewal date by:
Checking our app, if you bought your car from cinch
Checking the vehicle registration date on the log book (V5C)
Checking your vehicle’s MOT history on the government’s website (DVLA)
Checking the expiry date on your certificate, if your car’s already been MOT’d
Check the cinch app
If you bought your car from cinch, you can find out when its next MOT is due on our app in the ‘key dates’ section.
And don’t worry, we make sure all the cars we sell have at least six months’ MOT, so it won’t be due as soon as you get your car home.
(Bonus: you can also find out when your road tax is due and add your car insurance renewal date here too.)
Check your V5C log book (V5C)
Your car’s log book (V5C) will show the date it was first registered – and its very first MOT needs to be completed up to one month (minus a day) before the third anniversary of that registration date.
Use the DVLA site
You can also check when your MOT is due on the DVLA’s website.
It’s also an excellent resource if your car’s more than three years old, as MOT histories and results are now primarily stored online, and you can find out the reasons for any past advisories or failures.
Check your service records
When your car passes its MOT, you’ll be given an MOT certificate, which tells you the expiry date of the current MOT.
You’ll need to ensure you book an MOT before the certificate runs out.
Ask your garage
You can also ask at a car garage when your MOT is due to expire, as they’ll be able to access the online records for your car’s MOT history.
)
Is my MOT due at the same time every year?
Not exactly. Your car’s MOT test date will be determined by the current MOT’s expiry date.
If your car has its MOT in advance of its current expiry date, then next year, your MOT will be due one year from the date of the earlier test.
You can book your next MOT with us at one of our cinch Stores in Bristol, Birmingham, Derby, Manchester or Northampton for £49.
Why do new cars only need an MOT after three years?
New cars only need an MOT after three years because they are deemed roadworthy for the first 36 months of use.
In Northern Ireland, new cars don’t need an MOT until four years after their registration date.
This is mainly because the most common causes of MOT failure, such as lights, brakes and tyres, are generally not a problem for the first four years of use.
After that, all cars need an annual MOT to make sure they’re still up to scratch in terms of road safety and emissions standards.
Should I get my car serviced during its first three years?
New cars should generally have a service after 12 months of use, or when you hit around 12,000 miles on the clock, to stay on top of regular maintenance.
If you’re not sure exactly when to service your car, there’s usually a section on service intervals in your owner’s manual. And if you’re ready for a service, you can book a car service faff-free at one of our cinch Stores in Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and Northampton – whether you bought your car from us or not.
Explore car care at cinch
From servicing to extended warranty and insurance products to protect your car from unexpected issues, find out more about car care when you buy a car from cinch.
)