Do I need an MOT?
Discussion
Here's something I had never considered.
I have a car, it was registered in July 2022. I expected it to need it's first MOT in July 2025.
However, I bought this car approved used at 18 months old, and apparently the dealer MOT'd it before sale. I have no idea why.
I was never told it had been MOT'd, and only found out this morning I put the registration plate into .gov to check the exact date it would be needed and it said "MOT expired".
Do I need to get an MOT now, even though it is under three years old?!
I have a car, it was registered in July 2022. I expected it to need it's first MOT in July 2025.
However, I bought this car approved used at 18 months old, and apparently the dealer MOT'd it before sale. I have no idea why.
I was never told it had been MOT'd, and only found out this morning I put the registration plate into .gov to check the exact date it would be needed and it said "MOT expired".
Do I need to get an MOT now, even though it is under three years old?!
Probably yes, once you give a vehicle it’s first MOT it needs one every 12 months thereafter.
I know this is a consideration in the kit car world, as getting an MOT test done before going for IVA test can be a useful check for the builder but then the chassis number will be flagged for the expiry of that MOT a year later and the kit would no longer benefit from the 3 year first MOT due date.
I know this is a consideration in the kit car world, as getting an MOT test done before going for IVA test can be a useful check for the builder but then the chassis number will be flagged for the expiry of that MOT a year later and the kit would no longer benefit from the 3 year first MOT due date.
Unless it's a vehicle that should be mot'd when 12-months old, I would say that it isn't due an mot until July 2025, or whenever it's 3-years old.
The following, from gov.uk, seems clear to me:
"When to get an MOT
The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.
You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:
the third anniversary of its registration
the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old"
My bold above and just my opinion. If you're unsure , you'd need to ask VOSA
The following, from gov.uk, seems clear to me:
"When to get an MOT
The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.
You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:
the third anniversary of its registration
the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old"
My bold above and just my opinion. If you're unsure , you'd need to ask VOSA
Thanks both. I agree the .gov info seems clear. Problem is the MOT checker shows a big red cross, as it isn't intelligent enough to work out the car is less than 3 years old. I bet that's the logic ANPR uses too.
Similar to the helpful IVA example above, because it's had an MOT I think I will be scuppered by the system's logic and not the legislation as such.
I will ring DVSA in the morning to see if they can remove the flag or the MOT. But its probably not worth the arguement, or the risk of being stopped, and the easiest thing will be to just stick it through an MOT.
Similar to the helpful IVA example above, because it's had an MOT I think I will be scuppered by the system's logic and not the legislation as such.
I will ring DVSA in the morning to see if they can remove the flag or the MOT. But its probably not worth the arguement, or the risk of being stopped, and the easiest thing will be to just stick it through an MOT.
ARHarh said:
Was it a taxi??
Nope, definitely not. 
edthefed said:
For the sake of £50 and a couple of months why not just MoT it now ?
Yes, that's what I'll do, but just annoyed to find this out on a dry crisp Sunday morning, when I could be enjoying it! Also, it'll will probably be a week or so before the only MOT place I use will have availability. Which is frustrating.
SmithCorona said:
Here's something I had never considered.
I have a car, it was registered in July 2022. I expected it to need it's first MOT in July 2025.
However, I bought this car approved used at 18 months old, and apparently the dealer MOT'd it before sale. I have no idea why.
I was never told it had been MOT'd, and only found out this morning I put the registration plate into .gov to check the exact date it would be needed and it said "MOT expired".
Do I need to get an MOT now, even though it is under three years old?!
Approved-Used will always be tested before it leaves site. cut down any CRA nonsense that may occur. I have a car, it was registered in July 2022. I expected it to need it's first MOT in July 2025.
However, I bought this car approved used at 18 months old, and apparently the dealer MOT'd it before sale. I have no idea why.
I was never told it had been MOT'd, and only found out this morning I put the registration plate into .gov to check the exact date it would be needed and it said "MOT expired".
Do I need to get an MOT now, even though it is under three years old?!
The clock stops and starts the minute it hits the ramp. It needs an MOT.
Yes, it required one 12 months from the date the dealer carried out the MOT. Sadly the fact the dealer carried out the MOT has superseded the 3 year from 1st registration requirement.
The dealer has really done you know favours, as has been said, because when you come to sell the car people will be suspicious as to why it had an MOT carried out at 18 months.
The dealer has really done you know favours, as has been said, because when you come to sell the car people will be suspicious as to why it had an MOT carried out at 18 months.
Edited by cuprabob on Sunday 16th February 13:58
cuprabob said:
Yes, it required one 12 months from the date the dealer carried out the MOT. Sadly the fact the dealer carried out the MOT has superseded the 3 year from 1st registration requirement.
The dealer has really done you know favours, as has been said, because when you come to sell the car people will be suspicious as to why it had an MOT carried out at 18 months.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/52/secti...The dealer has really done you know favours, as has been said, because when you come to sell the car people will be suspicious as to why it had an MOT carried out at 18 months.
Edited by cuprabob on Sunday 16th February 13:58
47 Obligatory test certificates.
(1)A person who uses on a road at any time, or causes or permits to be so used, a motor vehicle to which this section applies, and as respects which no test certificate has been issued within the appropriate period before that time, is guilty of an offence.
In this section and section 48 of this Act, the “appropriate period” means a period of twelve months or such shorter period as may be prescribed.
(2)Subject to subsections (3) and (5) below, the motor vehicles to which this section applies at any time are—
(a)those first registered [F1under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 or any corresponding earlier legislation], not less than three years before that time, and
(b)those which, having a date of manufacture not less than three years before that time, have been used on roads (whether in Great Britain or elsewhere) before being [F2so registered],
being, in either case, motor vehicles other than goods vehicles which are required by regulations under section 49 of this Act to be submitted for a goods vehicle test.
(3)As respects a vehicle being—
(a)a motor vehicle used for the carriage of passengers and with more than eight seats, excluding the driver’s seat, or
(b)a taxi (as defined in section 64 (3) of the M1Transport Act 1980), being a vehicle licensed to ply for hire, or
(c)an ambulance, that is to say, a motor vehicle which is constructed or adapted, and primarily used, for the carriage of persons to a place where they will receive, or from a place where they have received, medical or dental treatment, and which, by reason of design, marking or equipment is readily identifiable as a vehicle so constructed or adapted,
subsection (2)(a) above shall have effect as if for the period there mentioned there were substituted a period of one year.
F3[(4)For the purposes of subsection (2)(b) above there shall be disregarded—
(a)the use of a vehicle before it is sold or supplied by retail, and
(b)the use of a vehicle to which a motor dealer has assigned a mark under [F4section 24 of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994]] before it is registered by the Secretary of State under [F5section 21(2)] of that Act.
(5)This section does not apply to vehicles of such classes as may be prescribed.
(6)The Secretary of State may by regulations exempt from subsection (1) above the use of vehicles for such purposes as may be prescribed.
(7)The Secretary of State may by regulations exempt from subsection (1) above the use of vehicles in any such area as may be prescribed.
(8)For the purposes of this section the date of manufacture of a vehicle shall be taken to be the last day of the year during which its final assembly is completed, except where after that day modifications are made to the vehicle before it is sold or supplied by retail, and in that excepted case shall be taken to be the last day of the year during which the modifications are completed.
(9)The Secretary of State may by order made by statutory instrument direct that subsection (2) above shall have effect with the substitution, for three years (in both places), of such other period (not being more than ten years) as may be specified in the order.
An order under this subsection shall not have effect unless approved by resolution of each House of Parliament.
I can't see anything in the legislation that says if you test once you have to keep going before the 3 years are up (IANAL).
I agree with the last point - maybe the dealer just cocked up?
I read it as the previous MOT is expired (12 months) but you don't need one yet (car is less than 3 years old and not a taxi / ambulance / >8 seats).
I'd happily drive it while waiting for a booked test.
ADJimbo said:
Approved-Used will always be tested before it leaves site.
I wondered this so I looked up a couple of previous cars I'd bought as pre-reg or a year or so old in the past. This is the first one that had a ticket when I've got it. I'm thinking they miscalculated the year, or blindly followed the prep sheet!cuprabob said:
The dealer has really done you know favours, as has been said, because when you come to sell the car people will be suspicious as to why it had an MOT carried out at 18 months.
Agreed, but luckily this one will be kept until it dies, or petrol is banned 
.monthou said:
Snipped....
I'd happily drive it while waiting for a booked test.
Agreed with all of this. When I looked at the act, and the .gov referenced above, this appears to be a gap. I'd happily drive it while waiting for a booked test.
My concern is ANPR pinging and then having to explain myself everytime I get stopped. Assuming traffic police still exist, that is.
I'll see what the DVSA say in the morning and probably get it booked in anyway.
SmithCorona said:
ADJimbo said:
Approved-Used will always be tested before it leaves site.
I wondered this so I looked up a couple of previous cars I'd bought as pre-reg or a year or so old in the past. This is the first one that had a ticket when I've got it. I'm thinking they miscalculated the year, or blindly followed the prep sheet!I agree with you - sounds like someone at the dealer messed up. I've seen some schemes say the car must have minimum 6mths MOT, but that wouldn't apply until the car was approaching 3yrs old.
Wonder what would happen if you didn't get it MOT'd now, and waited until the month leading up to its 3rd birthday - would the MOT be dated form the day it was done, or from the car's birthday?
Edited by Sheepshanks on Sunday 16th February 15:38
To update:
I spoke to DVSA and they said that even though it has expired, it is under three years and therefore is not breaking any law.
When I asked where this was written they referred to the same .gov as in post three of this thread:
but I was not convinced about their answer how this would stop ANPR being triggered - so i got an MOT today anyway!
I spoke to DVSA and they said that even though it has expired, it is under three years and therefore is not breaking any law.
When I asked where this was written they referred to the same .gov as in post three of this thread:
.gov said:
When to get an MOT
The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.
You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:
- the third anniversary of its registration
- the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old"
In theory I was happy it was legally compliant,The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.
You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:
- the third anniversary of its registration
- the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old"
but I was not convinced about their answer how this would stop ANPR being triggered - so i got an MOT today anyway!
SmithCorona said:
To update:
I spoke to DVSA and they said that even though it has expired, it is under three years and therefore is not breaking any law.
When I asked where this was written they referred to the same .gov as in post three of this thread:
but I was not convinced about their answer how this would stop ANPR being triggered - so i got an MOT today anyway!
Thanks for the clarication and good to know that what I thought was wrong. I spoke to DVSA and they said that even though it has expired, it is under three years and therefore is not breaking any law.
When I asked where this was written they referred to the same .gov as in post three of this thread:
.gov said:
When to get an MOT
The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.
You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:
- the third anniversary of its registration
- the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old"
In theory I was happy it was legally compliant,The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.
You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:
- the third anniversary of its registration
- the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old"
but I was not convinced about their answer how this would stop ANPR being triggered - so i got an MOT today anyway!
cuprabob said:
Yes, it required one 12 months from the date the dealer carried out the MOT. Sadly the fact the dealer carried out the MOT has superseded the 3 year from 1st registration requirement.
The dealer has really done you know favours, as has been said, because when you come to sell the car people will be suspicious as to why it had an MOT carried out at 18 months.
As posted above. Everyone will think it has been a taxi The dealer has really done you know favours, as has been said, because when you come to sell the car people will be suspicious as to why it had an MOT carried out at 18 months.
Edited by cuprabob on Sunday 16th February 13:58
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