Forgetting an MOT date is more common than you think, but even a small oversight can have big consequences. A recent survey by esure* revealed that only 29.8% knew the exact date their MOT was due and 21.4% of participants had missed booking their MOT on time.
You can check your MOT date quickly and easily via the government website. All you need is your vehicle registration number.
But what if you forget to check in the first place – or when you check it, you find out you’ve missed your MOT?
Here’s why staying on top of your MOT matters and how you can make sure you never miss a renewal again.
What is an MOT?
An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test checks whether your car is roadworthy. In other words, it tests if your car is legally fit to be on the roads and meets the minimum safety and environmental standards set out by the government.
Why is it important to remember your MOT date?
An MOT isn’t just a formality, it’s a legal requirement. Failing to renew your MOT on time can have serious legal consequences.
You must get an MOT for your vehicle by the 3rd anniversary of its registration, and then every year after that. Here’s why it matters:
- You could be fined up to £1000 for driving a car without a valid MOT
- If your vehicle is deemed dangerous, your fine can rise to £2500; you might be subject to a driving ban and 3 points on your licence
- In some cases, the police could seize your vehicle, or you might even face prosecution in court
- Your insurance might be invalid
- It could be dangerous to yourself and other road users if your car was found to have an issue that would result in an MOT failure, such as an issue with the brakes or suspension
Are there any exceptions to the MOT rules?
Our survey revealed that 24.1% of customers weren’t aware that there was no grace period for an MOT test. The truth is that you absolutely cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road without a valid MOT.
The only exceptions are driving to or from a repair garage or driving to a pre-arranged MOT test.
Will driving without a valid MOT affect my insurance?
Yes, driving without an MOT can invalidate your insurance. You also can’t renew your road tax without a valid MOT, so you could end up driving illegally in more ways than one.
How long does an MOT take?
An MOT typically takes between 45-60 minutes, but it can take longer if the garage finds any issues that need fixing before your vehicle can pass.
Can I drive my car without an MOT if it is booked in?
You’re only allowed to drive without an MOT if you’re on your way directly to a pre-booked test – you can’t drive anywhere else. It’s a good idea to keep proof of your booking, such as a confirmation email, in case you're stopped by the police.
What happens if I forget to tax my car?
VED (Vehicle Excise Duty), commonly known as road tax, is a legal requirement. It’s not the same as MOT, but it is often confused. Driving without road tax can result in fines or your car being seized. The DVLA do usually send reminders if you pay annually.
For more information on car tax, head here.
How can I make sure I don’t forget my MOT and car tax?
If you’re an esure customer, a great way to make sure you don’t forget this is by using the esure app. Just download the app, add your car’s registration number, and we’ll send you reminders straight to your phone ahead of your MOT and tax due dates – even if you don’t insure that car with us. No paperwork, no panic. Find out more about our app.
If you don’t have esure cover for your car or home, you can check your MOT and Vehicle Tax and set up reminders for your MOT on the government website:
Check your MOT status: GOV.UK MOT Checker
Check your Vehicle Tax: GOV.UK Vehicle Tax Checker
*Survey conducted in March 2025 [online survey of 2000 UK adults with car insurance]
