MOTs & V5s

While off having the BMW MOTed this morning, I took the opportunity to
inquire as to why they asked for the V5 nowadays. According to Clive
(proprietor, tester and all-round good egg), having all the numbers and
stuff on the V5 to hand makes things a hell of a lot easier when you're
trying to match up the vehicle with the record on the DVLA database. He
showed me the various bits on his computer.

 

If someone, for instance, had a newish car that they suspected needed
MOTing at some point in the near future, how would they find out? Do
they send a letter, or are you expected to work it out for yourself?

VOSA's site reckons three years from registration date, but I can only
find the delivery date (by which I'm fine for a few months yet).

 

Christofire says...

Date of first registration is on the reg doc

--
Lozzo
Track pixie
GSX-R1000 K1
I haven't lost my mind, it's
backed up to a floppy disc
that's around here somewhere.

 

Thanks Loz - forgot about that. Suppose I'd best dig it out then, but
judging by the reg it'll be similar to the delivery date.

 

Y'know when your current tax disc runs out? And they send you a letter,
just before it's due?

Well, the third one will say you need an MOT certificate as well as the
money and the insurance chitty.

 

http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/carlgvowners/mottesting/mottesting.htm

According to that, the first MOT must be no later than three years to
the date after first registration. Ie, if the vehicle was registered
new on 25th April 2000 will require its MOT no later than 25th April
2003. And as Lozzo said, the date of first registration is on the V5.

It can be MOT'd at any point before this though.