Forgetting your MOT or vehicle tax is easy when living on the road. Here is how to stay on top of it.
MOT
- MOT is due every 12 months for vehicles over 3 years old
- You can renew up to 1 month before the expiry date (the new MOT runs from the expiry date, not the test date)
- Use the Gov.uk reminder service (free text or email reminder)
- Book MOT online through the Gov.uk MOT tester finder
- You can have your MOT anywhere in the UK — does not have to be your home town
Vehicle Tax
- Vehicle tax reminders are sent by post — useless if you have no fixed address
- Set a recurring calendar reminder on your phone (1 month before expiry)
- Pay online at Gov.uk (direct debit is easiest — it renews automatically)
- You must tax the vehicle: every 6 months or 12 months
- Direct debit (monthly) spreads the cost
Digital Organiser
Use an app or calendar for both:
- MOT due date + 1 month reminder
- Tax due date + 1 month reminder
- Insurance renewal date + 1 month reminder
- Service date (every 10,000 miles or 1 year)
Using a Mail Forwarding Service
Mail forwarding services (UK Postbox, iPost) forward DVLA reminders to wherever you are. Worth setting up if you have no permanent address.
Penalties
Driving without MOT: £1,000 fine + points. Driving without tax: £80 fine + backdated tax. Both can be checked by ANPR cameras anywhere in the UK.
