Dumb MOT questions

When something is due it's first MOT, is there any specific period of
time around the 3 year mark that it must be done? Exactly the third
anniversary of first registration, or doesn't it matter that much as
long as you don't use it on the road?

Likewise, a vehicle that's already had MOTs, if you couldn't get it to
an MOT during the month it's due, does it matter if it's late? Again
as long as it's not used on the road?

It looks like I'm going to be in the US when one of my cars and the
bike are due their MOTs next month, so trying to work out if I can
just leave them till July.

 

There's no 'continuous MOT' requirement (yet) so it doesn't matter.

 

As long as it's not on the road, you can leave it as long as you like.
There's no requirement for a vehicle to be continuously MOT'd.

 

Double gingered.

 

It is due exactly 3 years after the day of registration. However, at the
moment, as long as the bike is taxed & insured (or SORNed) there isn't a
problem to go past the date.

You can get the test done ahead of the expiry[1] date. If the new
test is within 30 days of the expiry date you keep the original expiry
date.

[1] real or notional

 

You only need an MOT if the vehicle is used or stored on the road. If
you're not going to use it between the date the MOT expires and the date
you get a new one, so long as it's off the road it's fine.

 

Thanks, I thought that was the case, but it's just not very clear from
the Directgov website.

 

Using the patented Mavis Beacon "Hunt&Peck" Technique, Ben

You do have the option to get it done up to a month before the due date,
and they'll start it from the due date.

Not more than a month though.

 

If you don't use it on the road, you never need an MOT.

 

A slight alteration to plans has made it all peachy. I was previously
taking a week of holiday, then three weeks in the States. Which would
have meant I couldn't get them done early.

So I've just swapped them round so going to the States a week earlier
and having the week holiday straight after.

This is assuming they confirm the trip anyway.