Can You Get an MOT Test Done Early? Understanding MOT Renewal Rules
Can You Get an MOT Test Done Early? Understanding MOT Renewal Rules
Many vehicle owners wonder how early they can book their MOT without losing time on their current certificate. If your MOT expiry date is approaching, you might be asking:
- Can I book my MOT test early?
- Will I lose time if I test before my renewal date?
- What happens if my car fails the early MOT?
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we provide MOT testing for all makes and models, ensuring your vehicle remains road legal. In this guide, we’ll explain when and why you can book an MOT early, how it affects your renewal date, and why early testing can be a smart decision.
How Early Can You Get an MOT Test?
🚗 You can book your MOT test up to 1 month (minus a day) before your current MOT expires without losing time on your certificate.
Example:
✔️ Your current MOT expires on 15th June.
✔️ You book your MOT test on 16th May (one month before).
✔️ If your car passes, your new MOT will still expire on 15th June the following year.
💡 This means you get up to 13 months of MOT cover without losing any time on your certificate.
Why Get an MOT Test Early?
Many drivers wait until the last minute to get their MOT done, but booking early has several advantages:
1. Peace of Mind – Avoid Last-Minute Panic
✅ Booking your MOT early gives you time to address any issues if your vehicle fails.
✅ You won’t be rushing for repairs before your MOT expires.
2. Avoid MOT Test Centre Rushes
📅 Many garages get fully booked close to the end of the month due to high demand.
📅 Booking early ensures you get a convenient appointment time.
3. Reduce the Risk of Driving Without a Valid MOT
⚠️ If you forget to book your MOT on time, you can’t legally drive your car (except to a pre-booked test).
⚠️ Booking early ensures your vehicle is covered and prevents accidental MOT expiry fines.
4. More Time for Repairs If Needed
🔧 If your car fails, you’ll have extra time to fix the issues before your current MOT expires.
🔧 This is particularly useful for repairs that require ordering parts or specialist work.
5. Helps Business & Fleet Vehicles Stay on the Road
🚛 Fleet vans and company cars rely on constant road use.
🚛 An early MOT means less downtime and no disruptions to work schedules.
What Happens If My Car Fails an Early MOT?
If your vehicle fails an early MOT test, there are two key things to remember:
1️⃣ Your current MOT remains valid until its original expiry date.
- You can still drive your car if it’s roadworthy and doesn’t have dangerous defects.
2️⃣ If the MOT test records a 'dangerous defect,’ you cannot legally drive the car.
- Even if your previous MOT is still valid, a recorded ‘dangerous’ failure means you must repair the vehicle before driving it again.
💡 This is why early testing is useful—you have time to fix issues before your MOT expires and avoid an unroadworthy vehicle.
Can You Renew Your MOT Earlier Than One Month?
🚗 If you book an MOT test more than one month before your expiry date, your renewal date will reset from the new test date.
Example:
❌ Your current MOT expires on 15th June.
❌ You book your test on 1st May (six weeks early).
❌ If it passes, your new expiry date is 1st May the following year (losing six weeks of coverage).
✅ To avoid losing time, book your MOT no earlier than one month before expiry.
What Happens If I Drive Without an MOT?
🚨 Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT is illegal, except when driving to a pre-booked MOT appointment.
🚫 Penalties for driving without an MOT include:
- A £1,000 fine.
- Your insurance may be invalidated, leaving you uninsured in the event of an accident.
- If the vehicle is deemed unroadworthy, you may receive points on your licence.
Why Choose Andrews Car Centre for Your MOT Test in Lincoln?
At Andrews Car Centre, we provide professional MOT testing with a quick turnaround, ensuring your vehicle meets all legal safety standards.
🔧 DVSA-Approved Test Centre – MOT tests carried out by certified professionals.
🛠 Repairs & Retests Available – If your vehicle fails, we offer affordable repairs and a free retest within 10 working days.
🚗 Flexible Appointments – Book your MOT in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
✅ Transparent Pricing – No hidden fees, just honest and competitive rates.
Book Your MOT Test Early & Stay Road Legal!
Don’t wait until the last minute—book your MOT early and avoid stress!
📞 Call Andrews Car Centre today or book online for a reliable MOT test in Lincoln.
🚗✅ Andrews Car Centre – Lincoln’s Trusted MOT Testing Station.