Everything you need to know about MOT and tax.
What is an MOT and when is it due?
The MOT is the annual test that confirms your vehicle meets the UK’s road safety and environmental standards. Cars need their first MOT at three years old, then every year after. You can MOT a car up to one month (minus a day) before the current certificate expires and keep your renewal date.
What happens if you drive without a valid MOT?
You can be fined up to £1,000, and your insurance may be invalidated. The only journey you can legally make is to a pre‑booked MOT test, or to a garage for repairs that the MOT requires. Police ANPR cameras read plates and flag vehicles without a valid MOT, so it’s very easy to be caught.
How vehicle tax works in the UK
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly called road tax, is required for almost every vehicle used or kept on UK roads. You can pay monthly, every six months, or annually. If you’re not using the vehicle, you can declare it off‑road with a SORN — but it must be kept on private land.
What MOT advisories mean
Advisories are issues that didn’t fail the test but need attention soon. Watch for the same advisory repeating across years — that often means a worsening issue (tyres, brakes, suspension) that will become a fail next time. RegScan highlights these patterns automatically.
Buying a used car? How to use MOT history
Run the VRM through RegScan before you view. Compare mileage between tests — sudden drops or implausible jumps can signify a clock that’s been wound back. Repeat fails for the same item suggest deferred maintenance. A clean string of passes with low advisories is a strong signal of a well‑kept vehicle.