Expiry dates on VT20 (MOT certificate)

You can have an MOT at any time you choose but for legal purposes it only needs doing every year.

If you take your vehicle for MOT after the old MOT has run out, you get a VT20 for one year less one day.

If the old VT20 hasn't run out but you don't produce it at the time of test then you get a VT20 for one year less one day.

You can take your vehicle in for test up to one calendar month early and providing the old test certificate (not photocopy) is produced, the unexpired portion will be added to the new VT20. The date of issue will be the day of test and expiry date will be the same as the old VT20 plus a year.

Vehicles being tested for for the first time can also be taken in up to one calendar month early but evidence of date of first registration must be produced. This will normally be the V5 registration document or in the case of lease vehicles, a VE103. The date of issue on the new VT20 will be the day of test and the expiry date will be the date of first registration plus a year.

If a vehicle is taken in for its first test too early then a VT20 for twelve months less one day will be issued.