You can have your MOT done up to 4 weeks before the expiry date, without changing your expiry date. The new expiry date is simply calculated from the original date, not from the date of the inspection. Ideally, schedule your MOT 1 to 2 weeks in advance, so you have enough time if any repairs are needed. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the MOT inspection.
How far in advance can you have an MOT done before the expiry date?
You may bring your car in for an MOT inspection no more than 4 weeks (1 month) before the expiry date. If you do it earlier than that, your expiry date will shift accordingly and you will effectively lose part of your validity period. If you do it within those 4 weeks, the expiry date remains unchanged.
For example: if your MOT expires on September 15, you can have the inspection carried out from August 15 onward. If your car passes, the new expiry date will simply be September 15 of the following year. You don’t lose a single day.
It’s a smart system, because it gives you time to stay on schedule without giving anything up. The only thing you want to avoid is going too early and unnecessarily losing part of your validity period.
What happens if your MOT has expired?
If your MOT has expired, you are no longer allowed to use the vehicle on public roads. If you do, you risk a fine and your vehicle may be pulled over by the police. In addition, your car insurance is in many cases no longer valid in the event of an accident.
The fine for driving with an expired MOT can be substantial, and if damage or an accident is also involved, the consequences can be far greater. Insurance companies may refuse to pay out a claim if it turns out you were driving with an expired MOT.
Practically speaking: if your MOT has just expired, you are allowed to drive your car to a garage to have it inspected. This falls under the exception for driving to an inspection station. But don’t use your car for anything else — just leave it until the MOT is back in order.
How far in advance should you schedule an MOT appointment?
Schedule your MOT appointment 2 to 3 weeks before the expiry date. This gives you enough time to have the inspection carried out, as well as to arrange any repairs if your car doesn’t pass on the first attempt.
Many people wait until the last week, and that’s exactly where things can go wrong. Suppose something needs to be repaired — a bulb, the brakes, or a minor leak. You’ll need time to schedule that repair and then have the car re-inspected. If you’re cutting it close, you risk your MOT expiring before everything is sorted.
Another reason to plan ahead: busy periods. Around popular expiry dates, garages can get busier. By booking early, you can choose a time that suits you and avoid unnecessary waiting.
Visit our repairs and maintenance page to see which services we offer and how to book an appointment.
What does an MOT inspection cost on average?
An MOT inspection costs on average between 35 and 75 euros, depending on the type of vehicle and the garage. For a standard passenger car, most prices in practice fall between 40 and 60 euros.
Please note: this covers the inspection only. If any faults are found, repair costs will be added on top. These can be minor items such as a blown bulb (a few euros), but can also include more significant work such as brakes or tires.
It’s worth looking beyond just the inspection price, and also checking whether the garage can carry out repairs on the spot if needed. That way, you don’t have to drive your car from one place to another and you’ll be back on the road sooner. A garage that handles both the MOT inspection and any necessary repairs in one place saves you time and hassle.
What is checked during an MOT?
During an MOT inspection, the inspector checks all safety-relevant components of your vehicle. This includes brakes, lighting, tires, steering, bodywork, emissions, and the general condition of the vehicle.
The inspection is divided into a number of fixed categories:
- Brakes: braking performance front and rear, brake hoses, and brake discs
- Lighting: headlights, rear lights, brake lights, and turn signals
- Tires and wheels: tread depth, wear, and mounting
- Steering: play, wear, and power steering
- Bodywork and chassis: rust, damage, and structural integrity
- Exhaust emissions: emission levels and the condition of the exhaust system
- Visibility: windows, mirrors, and windshield wipers
The inspector also checks items such as the horn, seat belts, and VIN number. The inspection takes an average of 30 to 45 minutes. If everything is in order, you receive approval on the spot. If faults are found, you will receive a list of what needs to be repaired before a re-inspection.
How Autobedrijven Verdonk helps with your MOT inspection
At Autobedrijven Verdonk, we carry out official MOT inspections for all makes and models. Petrol and electric cars receive their first MOT after 4 years, diesel cars after 3 years, and from then on it’s an annual requirement. What sets us apart: if something doesn’t pass the inspection, we can take care of the repair right away. No hassle of two separate appointments at two different places.
- MOT inspections for all makes and types
- Immediate repairs for any faults found, without extra back-and-forth
- Honest explanations of what’s needed and why
- Transparent pricing, no surprises afterward
- Personal service — you are always taken seriously
Would you like to schedule your MOT inspection, or do you have questions about the condition of your car? Feel free to get in touch or stop by in Veldhoven. We’re here for all makes and models, and for everyone — whether you know a lot or a little about cars. Read more about our history and why people in the region have trusted us for over 95 years.