Cars Registered in 2023 Due Their First MOT in 2026

Three years after the post-pandemic sales rebound, the 2023 cohort is heading into its first MOT. Pass rates are typically high, but a small minority will still fail on advisories that crept up unnoticed. This guide explains what to expect, highlights the top-selling 2023 models facing their first test, and shows how to prepare. Run any registration through our free MOT history check.

When the first MOT is due

In Great Britain a car needs its first MOT by the third anniversary of its first registration. A car registered on 12 March 2023 is due by 12 March 2026, although you can test up to one calendar month early without losing days on the next certificate.

Northern Ireland is different: cars there have their first MOT at four years through the DVA. The rest of this guide covers the GB rules under the DVSA.

If you sold the car as a private sale during 2025, the obligation passes to the new keeper. The reminder will go to the address registered with the DVLA, which is why keeping V5C details up to date matters. Most insurers also send first-MOT reminders automatically, but do not rely on them: a missed test means an expired certificate from one minute past midnight on the due date.

First-time pass rates: what the DVSA data shows

DVSA published data shows first MOT pass rates of around 87 percent for cars under five years old. This is materially higher than the all-age average closer to 70 percent. The most common reasons for a fail at three years are tyres below 1.6 mm, headlight aim and brake pad lipping.

EVs typically pass first time at slightly higher rates because they have fewer wear items. They still fail on tyres, brakes (especially regen-related disc rust on lightly used cars) and 12V battery weakness.

Cars used mainly for short urban trips show higher fail rates than motorway commuters of the same age. Stop-start city traffic is harder on tyres, brakes and suspension, while motorway use lets brake discs self-clean and tyres wear evenly. If your car is mostly a school-run commuter, give the basic checks extra attention before you book.

• First MOT pass rate (3 years): around 87%
• Most common fail: tyres below 1.6 mm tread
• Second most common: headlight aim
• EV-specific risk: rear disc rust from regen-only braking
• Hybrid risk: 12V auxiliary battery weak

Top 2023 UK sellers facing first MOT in 2026

The 2023 UK new car market topped 1.9 million registrations. SMMT figures highlight a handful of dominant models that will turn up at test bays in unusually large numbers during 2026.

If you own one, our common faults database tracks the most frequent advisories logged on the DVSA system.

• Tesla Model Y: 35,551 registered in 2023
• Kia Sportage: 29,991
• Nissan Qashqai: 28,953
• Ford Puma: 25,844
• Vauxhall Corsa: 25,257
• Volkswagen Polo: 25,115
• MG4 EV: 21,715
• Hyundai Tucson: 18,400
• Volkswagen Golf: 17,800
• Audi A3: 16,200

What to expect at a first MOT

A standard MOT takes 45 to 60 minutes and costs up to £54.85 for a Class 4 car under the DVSA fee cap. Many independents charge £35 to £45, and council-run centres often go below £40.

The tester checks lights, brakes, tyres, suspension, steering, exhaust emissions, wipers, mirrors and seatbelts. EVs add a high-voltage cable inspection from January 2026. The car is also photographed at the start of the test from April 2026 under the new evidence rule.

Most main dealers tie the first MOT to a service offer, sometimes bundling both for £160 to £220. That can be good value for warranty purposes, but is rarely the cheapest option. Independent garages and franchised servicing centres can match dealer-quality work at materially lower prices, particularly for cars with simple petrol drivetrains.

How to prepare and avoid advisories

Most first-time fails are avoidable with a 30-minute home check. Walk around the car: every bulb working, washer fluid topped up, tyre tread above 3 mm (legal minimum is 1.6 mm but advisories often start earlier), wipers smear-free.

Inside the cabin, every dashboard warning light should be off after start-up. The handbrake should hold the car on a slope. The horn should sound. The boot, doors and bonnet should latch securely.

If you are unsure, many garages offer a free pre-MOT visual check. They have an obvious commercial interest in flagging items, but their findings are still genuine. A 10-minute pre-check can save you a £27.43 retest fee and a return trip if something turns up.

• Check all lights including number plate and reversing
• Top up washer fluid
• Test horn, wipers and washer jets
• Inspect tyre tread (1.6 mm legal, 3 mm advisory threshold)
• Check no warning lights stay illuminated
• Make sure registration plates are clean and unbroken

Verify the result on your record

Once the test is complete, the result appears on the DVSA database within minutes. There is no paper certificate by default, although garages can print one on request. You can confirm the pass on our free MOT history check using just the registration.

If you are about to buy a 2023 car privately, always run the registration first. Check that the MOT, mileage and tax align with what the seller is telling you. Combined data is available through our check MOT and tax tool.

If the test is failed, the garage can usually carry out repairs straight away and offer a partial retest. Returning within 10 working days at the same VTS for a small set of items costs no more than £27.43, and same-day return on a limited list of items is often free. The 10-working-day rule alone can save several hundred pounds compared with booking elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is my first MOT due?

On the third anniversary of first registration in Great Britain, or the fourth in Northern Ireland. You can test up to one calendar month early without losing days on the next certificate.

How much does the first MOT cost?

Up to £54.85 for a Class 4 car under the DVSA fee cap. Independents commonly charge £35 to £45 and council centres can be under £40.

Are EVs cheaper to MOT?

No, the fee cap is the same. EVs may have fewer wear items but still fail on tyres, brakes and the 12V battery. From January 2026 the high-voltage cable inspection is also mandatory.

Can I drive my new car if the MOT is overdue?

No. From the moment your MOT expires you can only drive to a pre-booked test or repair appointment. The fine is up to £1,000 and insurance can be invalidated.

Where can I check my MOT history?

Use our free MOT history check. It pulls the official DVSA record including pass and fail status, mileage and advisories.

The 2023 cohort heads into its first MOT with the odds in its favour, with a roughly 87 percent first-time pass rate, but small advisories add up over the years. Run any registration through our free MOT history check for confidence before or after the test.