When does a three-year-old car have to be MOT'd?

Question

I bought my car new in September 2005, and I know that for the first three years it's MOT exempt. But when exactly does it have to have its first MOT?

Does it have to be *before* September '08? Or can it be a bit after? Or (if I'm lucky) is it not until September '09?

Thanks in advance for any answers

Answer 1

3 years after it's first registration (which might have been before you bought it...)

It will need done before (or on the day) of September 2008...

Answer 2

Before it's third birthday!

Don't leave it until more than three years after the date of registration, otherwise your insurance won't be valid and if you get stopped or have an accident you'll be in serious trouble.  The plod don't make allowances for a few days her or there......

Best idea is to get it done up to a month before the 3rd birthday.  If you take the log book with you to the garage they will date the MOT on the birthday rather than the date they actually do it (i.e. forward date it) so you end up with 13 months MOT instead of just 12.  This way you can get it done up to a month early and not lose out on the period the MOT's valid, if you see what I mean!

Answer 3

1st to 30th September 2008 is when the MOT MUST be done.

Answer 4

When it's 3 yr old of coarse, brodly give or take a week, think the law used to allow a 2 week grace period at one time but not now. Remember no valid MOT cars not insured either

Answer 5

On or before the 3rd anniversary of its first registration.