How to Check When Your Vehicle Tax and MOT Are Due
If you own a car, van or other vehicle in the UK, you need to keep your road tax and MOT up to date. It’s not just a legal requirement –it helps keep your vehicle safe and roadworthy too.
In this simple guide, we’ll explain:
- What are road tax and MOT?
- How to check when they are due.
- What happens if you forget?
- And how to stay on top of it all.
What Is Road Tax and MOT?
Road tax (also called Vehicle Excise Duty) is a yearly tax you must pay to drive your vehicle on public roads.
MOT is a yearly check that makes sure your vehicle is safe, secure, and meets environmental standards. Most vehicles need an MOT on the third anniversary of the vehicle's registration date.
You can’t legally drive without them. If your MOT or tax runs out, you could be fined – and your insurance might not cover you if you had to make a claim.
How to Check When Your MOT Is Due
Use the official GOV.UK website
The easiest way to check your MOT due date is to use the free GOV.UK service. All you need is your registration number.
It will show:
- If your MOT is valid
- When it runs out
- If there were any problems last time
Check your MOT history
Want to see past tests or results? You can also check your MOT history.
Look at your last MOT certificate
Your MOT tester will give you a certificate after the test. The expiry date is printed clearly at the top.
Sign up for reminders
You can get a free email or text when your MOT is nearly due. This helps you avoid forgetting.
How to Check When Your Road Tax Is Due
Use the GOV.UK tax check service
Another quick online check – just enter your reg number.
👉 Check if your vehicle is taxed
It shows:
- Whether your tax is up to date.
- The exact expiry date.
Use your DVLA vehicle account
You can create a Driver and Vehicles Account online. This lets you:
- See tax and MOT dates in one place.
- Get reminders.
- Update your details easily.
👉 Create or login to a DVLA account
What Happens If You Forget?
If your MOT runs out:
- You can’t drive (except to a pre-booked MOT test)
- You could be fined up to £1,000
- Your insurance may be invalid if you have an accident.
If your road tax runs out
- You may get an £80 fine from DVLA (if unpaid, it goes up)
- Your car could be clamped or impounded
It’s always best to stay on top of your dates!
Tips to Stay Up to Date
Set calendar reminders – Mark your MOT and tax dates in your phone or diary.
Use GOV.UK reminders – Sign up for email/text alerts.
Check twice a year – Don’t just rely on letters. It’s quick and free to check online.
Pay by Direct Debit – Road tax can be paid monthly or yearly by Direct Debit. No need to remember when to renew.
Final Thoughts
Checking your MOT and tax dates only takes a minute, but it can save you big trouble.
Set a reminder, use the GOV.UK tools, and stay legal on the roads. And if you need flexible insurance that works for you, Got You Covered is here to help.
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