If you’re driving in the UK, your MOT test isn’t optional—it’s the law.
Whether you’re in London, Birmingham, or a rural village in Kent, booking your MOT test online is now easier than ever.
But not everyone knows the right way to do it, or how to avoid hidden charges and sketchy garages.
This guide walks you through exactly how to book your MOT test online—quickly, legally, and without wasting money.
When Is Your Car Due for an MOT Test?
Cars in the UK need their first MOT after 3 years, then annually.
You can check your car’s MOT due date using the official gov.uk MOT history checker by entering your registration number.
What Do You Need to Book an MOT Online?
To book an MOT test online, you’ll need:
- Your vehicle’s registration number
- A valid postcode
- Your preferred date and time
- A debit/credit card for payment (if booking through a paid service)
No paperwork, no stress—everything’s digital.
Where Can You Book Your MOT Test Online?
You have three main options:
- Directly through the garage’s website (Kwik Fit, Halfords, ATS Euromaster)
- Comparison sites like BookMyGarage or WhoCanFixMyCar
- The garage finder tool on gov.uk to see approved MOT centers in your area
London, Manchester, and Glasgow have hundreds of approved garages listed.
How Much Does an MOT Test Cost in the UK?
The maximum price for a car MOT test is £54.85, but many garages offer it for less. In places like Birmingham or Cardiff, you might find deals from £35 to £45 if you book online early. Just be careful of too-good-to-be-true prices—they may upsell unnecessary repairs.
Can You Book Your MOT up to a Month Early?
Yes! You can book your MOT test up to 1 month (minus a day) before your current MOT expires without losing time on your certificate. Smart drivers in busy cities like Leeds and Bristol often book early to avoid long wait times and fines.
What Happens If You Miss Your MOT?
If your MOT expires and you keep driving, you’re breaking the law—and your insurance could be invalid. The fine? Up to £1,000. That’s why many drivers in London and Sheffield set reminders or book online a few weeks in advance.
What Is an MOT Test?
An MOT test is a mandatory annual check that ensures your car meets the minimum legal standards for road safety, emissions, and general roadworthiness in the UK.
It stands for Ministry of Transport test, even though the ministry no longer exists by that name.
If your vehicle is more than three years old, it must pass this test every year to stay legally on the road.
Here’s what’s typically checked during an MOT:
- Brakes and suspension
- Exhaust and emissions
- Lights, indicators, and horn
- Tyres and tread depth
- Seatbelts and windscreen wipers
- Visibility and mirrors
- General structural integrity (rust or damage)
But here’s the key: an MOT is not a service.
It doesn’t cover engine performance or oil changes.
Just because your car passes its MOT doesn’t mean it’s in perfect condition—it only means it’s legally drivable.
And yes, it’s illegal to drive without a valid MOT unless you’re heading to a pre-booked test.
So if you’re living in places like Liverpool or Reading, where local police often run plate checks, don’t take the risk.
Before booking your MOT, make sure your dashboard is clear of any alerts, because driving with warning lights on will lead to an instant fail.
FAQs
Yes, as long as you know your vehicle’s registration number and MOT due date. Most online booking tools don’t require a V5C unless you’re changing ownership details.
Often, yes. Garages like Halfords and Kwik Fit offer online-only discounts. Some comparison sites even let you filter by price, customer ratings, or services included—especially useful in high-traffic areas like Birmingham and Nottingham.
Only if you’ve already booked the MOT and are driving directly to the test center. This is legally allowed, even in cities with ANPR cameras like London or Edinburgh—but it must be a pre-booked appointment.
Always use gov.uk’s MOT center finder or stick to well-known providers. Check for DVSA certification and recent customer reviews. Avoid small pop-up garages with no online footprint.
Yes. The DVSA offers a free MOT reminder service by text or email. You can sign up at gov.uk/mot-reminder. This helps drivers across the UK avoid fines or expired certificates, especially if you’ve moved or changed cars recently.
Final Tip Before You Book
If you’re in a busy metro area like London or Manchester, book your MOT at least 2 weeks early.
Booking online not only secures your slot, but also gives you access to better prices, customer reviews, and even pick-up/drop-off options.
