Reminders & Forgetting

How do I set a reminder for my MOT?

Q: How do I set a reminder for my MOT?

The easiest way is to use MOTReminder — enter your registration plate, add your email address, and we'll send you a free reminder before your MOT is due. No account required. Alternatively, you can set a manual reminder in your phone calendar, or sign up for the DVSA's free reminder service at gov.uk.

Missing your MOT is surprisingly easy — there's no automatic letter, no official warning, and no grace period. Setting a reminder takes about 30 seconds and could save you a £1,000 fine.

The fastest way is MOTReminder: enter your reg, add your email, and we'll send you a free reminder before your MOT is due — no account, no login, no cost. Alternatively, the DVSA offer a free reminder service at gov.uk, or you can set a manual calendar alert yourself.

The easiest option: MOTReminder

MOTReminder pulls your MOT expiry date directly from the DVSA database and schedules a reminder email for you automatically. It takes three steps:

Enter your registration plateType your reg into the checker above. We'll instantly pull your MOT expiry date from the DVSA.

Add your email addressEnter the email address you want the reminder sent to. That's all the information we need.

Done — reminder setWe'll email you before your MOT is due so you have time to book a garage. No account required and it's completely free.

Other ways to set an MOT reminder

If you'd prefer not to use a third-party service, there are a couple of other options:

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DVSA reminder service (gov.uk)The government's official vehicle enquiry service lets you sign up for free MOT reminders by email. It's less slick than MOTReminder but it's the official route if you prefer to deal directly with DVSA.

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Manual calendar reminderCheck your MOT expiry date using the free checker above, then add a recurring reminder to your phone or Google Calendar a month before the expiry date. Reliable, but requires you to remember to update it each year.

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Your garage or insurerSome garages and insurance providers send courtesy reminders if you're a repeat customer. It's worth asking — but don't rely on it as your only safety net, as these aren't guaranteed.

How far in advance should I set a reminder?

A reminder four weeks before your MOT is due gives you enough time to shop around for a good price, book a slot at a convenient time, and sort any obvious issues before the test. Leaving it to the last few days means you may have to take the first available appointment at whatever price is quoted.

Did you know: You can get your MOT up to one calendar month before the expiry date and your new certificate will still run from the original expiry date — so you won't lose any time on your MOT. This means a four-week-early reminder is exactly right.

What happens if I forget?

If your MOT lapses, driving the vehicle on a public road becomes illegal — even with valid tax and insurance. You can face a fine of up to £1,000, and your insurance may be invalidated. The only legal exception is driving directly to a pre-booked MOT test.

Set your free MOT reminder now

Enter your reg to check your expiry date and set a reminder — takes 30 seconds.

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