My car is over three years old and do not think I need an MOT. I drive to and from work daily and rely on the vehicle for everything. When is my MOT due?

You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:

Getting an MOT

When to get an MOT

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.

the third anniversary of its registration

the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old

Some vehicles need to be tested at one year old - check the MOT fees table to see which.

Find out how to check your MOT expiry date.

There are different rules and processes in Northern Ireland for MOTs for vehicles registered in Northern Ireland.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting an MOT

You need to get an MOT for your vehicle as usual.

Do not take your vehicle to an MOT centre in person if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms

you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with someone who has coronavirus

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

If you cannot take your vehicle in person

Some MOT centres will collect your vehicle for the MOT and then return it. Contact an MOT centre to see if this service is available.

You can also get someone else to take your vehicle into a test centre if you insure them on your vehicle.

If you cannot get your vehicle collected or taken in for you, you must wait until you’re no longer self-isolating to take it into a test centre.

If the MOT has run out

If your tax is due to run out, register your vehicle as ‘off the road’ - you cannot renew your vehicle tax if your MOT has expired.

Book an MOT test.

Tax your vehicle once it has passed its MOT.

You cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught.

The only exceptions are to drive it:

to or from somewhere to be repaired

to a pre-arranged MOT test

Earliest date you can get an MOT

An MOT lasts for a year. The date it runs out is printed on your current MOT pass certificate.

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.

You can get an MOT earlier, but the renewal date for the following year will change to one year (minus a day) from the date the vehicle last passed its MOT.

Booking an MOT

You must use an approved MOT test centre to get your MOT.

Only centres showing the blue sign with 3 white triangles can carry out your MOT.

How you can book

Contact an MOT centre to book an MOT.

There are maximum fees that the MOT centre can charge.

There’s a different process to book an MOT in Northern Ireland.

MOT costs

There’s a maximum amount MOT test stations can charge. This depends on the type of vehicle.

The maximum fee for a car is £54.85 and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle.

You do not pay VAT on the fee.

| Vehicle class | Age first MOT needed (years) | Maximum MOT fee

Motorcycle (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £37.80

Motorcycle (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (up to 450kg unladen weight) | 3 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (over 450kg unladen weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Motor caravans | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Quads (max unladen weight 400kg - for goods vehicles 550kg and max net power of 15kw) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Dual purpose vehicles | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Private hire and public service vehicles (up to 8 seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Ambulances and taxis | 4 | 1 | £54.85

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9 to 12 passenger seats) | 4 | 1 | £57.30

Goods vehicles (up to 3,000kg design gross weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Class 4 vehicles (9 to 12 passenger seats) with a seat belt installation check | 4a | n/a | £64

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (13 to 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £59.55

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (more than 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Playbuses | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Class 5 vehicles (13 to 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £80.50

Class 5 vehicles (more than 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £124.50

Goods vehicles (over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight) | 7 | 3 | £58.60

How the MOT test works

During the MOT, important parts on your vehicle will be checked to make sure they meet the legal standards.

You can watch the test from a viewing area but you’re not allowed to interrupt the tester.

Parts that are tested

You can read more about what’s tested for cars and motorcycles.

The test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.

The MOT guide and inspection manuals tell you everything that’s tested.

MOT test result

Your vehicle can either pass or fail the MOT.

Passing the MOT

If your vehicle passes the MOT:

you’ll get an MOT certificate from the test centre

it will be recorded in the MOT database

You might also get a list of ‘minor’ or ‘advisory’ problems to monitor or fix in the future.

Failing the MOT

Your vehicle will fail if the test result lists ‘dangerous’ or ‘major’ problems with your vehicle. You might not be allowed to drive until you fix the problems.

If your vehicle fails the MOT:

you’ll get a ‘refusal of an MOT test certificate’ from the test centre

it will be recorded in the MOT database

You can appeal the result if you think it’s wrong.

Driving a vehicle that’s failed

You can take your vehicle away if:

your current MOT certificate is still valid

no ‘dangerous’ problems were listed in the MOT

Otherwise, you’ll need to get it repaired before you can drive.

If you can take your vehicle away, it must still meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times.

You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle that has failed its MOT because of a ‘dangerous’ problem.

Retest after a repair

In some cases your vehicle can have a partial retest for free or a reduced MOT fee.

Leaving your vehicle for repair

You only need a partial retest if you leave the vehicle at the test centre for repair and it’s retested within 10 working days. There’s no fee for this.

Taking your vehicle away for repairs

You can take your vehicle away if your MOT certificate is still valid.

If your MOT has run out you can take your vehicle to:

have the failed defects fixed

a pre-arranged MOT test appointment

In both cases, your vehicle still needs to meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times or you can be fined.

Taking it back for a retest the next working day

You will not have to pay again if you take it back to the same test centre before the end of the next working day for a partial retest on one or more of these items:

access panels

battery

bonnet

bootlid

brake pedal antislip

break glass hammer (class 5 vehicles only)

doors (including hinges, catches and pillars)

door open warning device (class 5 vehicles only)

dropsides

electrical wiring

emergency exits and signs (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance door remote control (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance/exit steps (class 5 vehicles only)

fuel filler cap

headlamp cleaning or levelling devices (that does not need a headlamp aim check)

horn

lamps (excluding headlamp aim)

loading door

main beam ‘tell-tale’

mirrors

rear reflectors

registration plates

seatbelts (but not anchorages), seatbelt load limiter and seatbelt pre-tensioner

seats

sharp edges or projections

stairs (class 5 vehicles only)

steering wheel

tailboard

tailgate

trailer electrical sockets

towbars (excluding body around anchorage points)

tyre pressure monitoring system

vehicle identification number (VIN)

windscreen glass, wipers and washers

wheels and tyres (excluding motorcycles and motorcycles with sidecar)

Taking it back for a retest within 10 working days

You’ll only need a partial retest if you take the vehicle from the test centre for repairs and take it back within 10 working days.  You can be charged a partial retest fee for this.

In all other cases, you’ll need to get a full retest and pay the full MOT test fee again.

Test result appeals and problems

You can appeal an MOT test failure or complain to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you think your vehicle should not have passed.

You can take your own action against an MOT test centre through Trading Standards, personal legal proceedings or reporting the centre to the police. DVSA cannot help you take action against a centre.

Appeal if your vehicle failed an MOT

You need to discuss your test results with the test centre before anyone starts repairs.

You can appeal against the failure if you think it’s wrong.  Fill in the complaint form and send it to DVSA within 14 working days of the test.

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your appeal.

If DVSA decides to recheck your vehicle, you’ll need to arrange a date and pay the full test fee again. They’ll send you an inspection report listing any vehicle defects.

You should not have any repairs made until the appeal process has finished.

If you think your car has passed when it should not have

You’ll need to complain to DVSA if you do not think your car should have passed its MOT. Fill in the complaint form and send it to DVSA within the time limits below.

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your complaint.

If DVSA decides to recheck your vehicle, you’ll need to arrange a date. You will not need to pay the test fee again. They’ll send you an inspection report listing any vehicle defects.

Time limits

If your vehicle passed, you need to complain within:

within 3 months of the MOT if it’s a corrosion-related problem

within 28 days has passed for other defects

If you think your MOT certificate is not genuine

You can check that your MOT certificate is genuine by checking its MOT status.

If you’re unhappy with your MOT service

Contact DVSA if you’re not happy with your MOT service.

Vehicles that do not need an MOT

You do not need to get an MOT for a vehicle until it reaches the age shown in the MOT fees table.

Exempt vehicles

Other vehicles that do not need an MOT include:

goods vehicles powered by electricity and registered before 1 March 2015

tractors

some historic (‘classic’) vehicles

A list of exempt types of vehicles is on the MOT exemption form (V112). You need to fill in the form if your vehicle is listed so that you can either tax it or apply for tax exemption.

Lorries, buses and trailers

You must get an annual test for lorries, buses and trailers instead of an MOT. It’s sometimes called the ‘annual vehicle test’.

Fix mistakes on your MOT certificate

You can get information corrected on your MOT certificate (such as the mileage or vehicle details) if it’s wrong.

Get the wrong mileage corrected

The way you get the mileage corrected depends on when your MOT was.

Your MOT was less than 28 days ago

Ask the MOT centre to check the mileage. They’ll give you a replacement certificate if the mileage is wrong.

Your MOT was more than 28 days ago

Report the mistake to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to get it corrected.

You also need to email proof of the mileage, such as a scan or photo of:

an invoice for the MOT

an emissions printout

a service receipt

a vehicle job card from the MOT centre

They need to show what the mileage should be, and show the same date as the MOT test.

If your scan or photo includes personal information, for example your payment details, you should blank it out or remove it.

If you do not send the right evidence, DVSA will not fix the mistakes.

Once DVSA has updated the mileage, you can check your vehicle’s MOT history and download or print a corrected MOT certificate.

Get vehicle details or the MOT centre corrected

Contact DVSA if your MOT certificate has the wrong:

vehicle make or model

vehicle colour

country where the vehicle was registered

MOT test centre

Add or remove test records

If there’s an MOT test missing from your vehicle’s MOT history, or a test that does not belong there, email or call DVSA to have it corrected.

You’ll need to give your:

name

telephone number

vehicle number plate

vehicle make and model

date of the MOT

MOT test number (if you know it)

MOT test centre name and address

the third anniversary of its registration

Getting an MOT

When to get an MOT

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.

You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:

the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old

Some vehicles need to be tested at one year old - check the MOT fees table to see which.

Find out how to check your MOT expiry date.

There are different rules and processes in Northern Ireland for MOTs for vehicles registered in Northern Ireland.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting an MOT

You need to get an MOT for your vehicle as usual.

Do not take your vehicle to an MOT centre in person if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms

you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with someone who has coronavirus

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

If you cannot take your vehicle in person

You can also get someone else to take your vehicle into a test centre if you insure them on your vehicle.

If the MOT has run out

If your tax is due to run out, register your vehicle as ‘off the road’ - you cannot renew your vehicle tax if your MOT has expired.

Book an MOT test.

Tax your vehicle once it has passed its MOT.

You cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught.

The only exceptions are to drive it:

to or from somewhere to be repaired

to a pre-arranged MOT test

Earliest date you can get an MOT

An MOT lasts for a year. The date it runs out is printed on your current MOT pass certificate.

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.

Booking an MOT

You must use an approved MOT test centre to get your MOT.

Only centres showing the blue sign with 3 white triangles can carry out your MOT.

How you can book

Contact an MOT centre to book an MOT.

There are maximum fees that the MOT centre can charge.

There’s a different process to book an MOT in Northern Ireland.

MOT costs

There’s a maximum amount MOT test stations can charge. This depends on the type of vehicle.

The maximum fee for a car is £54.85 and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle.

You do not pay VAT on the fee.

| Vehicle class | Age first MOT needed (years) | Maximum MOT fee

Motorcycle (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £37.80

Motorcycle (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (up to 450kg unladen weight) | 3 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (over 450kg unladen weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Motor caravans | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Quads (max unladen weight 400kg - for goods vehicles 550kg and max net power of 15kw) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Dual purpose vehicles | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Private hire and public service vehicles (up to 8 seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Ambulances and taxis | 4 | 1 | £54.85

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9 to 12 passenger seats) | 4 | 1 | £57.30

Goods vehicles (up to 3,000kg design gross weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Class 4 vehicles (9 to 12 passenger seats) with a seat belt installation check | 4a | n/a | £64

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (13 to 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £59.55

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (more than 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Playbuses | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Class 5 vehicles (13 to 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £80.50

Class 5 vehicles (more than 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £124.50

Goods vehicles (over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight) | 7 | 3 | £58.60

How the MOT test works

During the MOT, important parts on your vehicle will be checked to make sure they meet the legal standards.

You can watch the test from a viewing area but you’re not allowed to interrupt the tester.

Parts that are tested

You can read more about what’s tested for cars and motorcycles.

The test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.

The MOT guide and inspection manuals tell you everything that’s tested.

MOT test result

Your vehicle can either pass or fail the MOT.

Passing the MOT

If your vehicle passes the MOT:

you’ll get an MOT certificate from the test centre

it will be recorded in the MOT database

You might also get a list of ‘minor’ or ‘advisory’ problems to monitor or fix in the future.

Failing the MOT

If your vehicle fails the MOT:

you’ll get a ‘refusal of an MOT test certificate’ from the test centre

it will be recorded in the MOT database

You can appeal the result if you think it’s wrong.

Driving a vehicle that’s failed

You can take your vehicle away if:

your current MOT certificate is still valid

no ‘dangerous’ problems were listed in the MOT

Otherwise, you’ll need to get it repaired before you can drive.

If you can take your vehicle away, it must still meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times.

Retest after a repair

In some cases your vehicle can have a partial retest for free or a reduced MOT fee.

Leaving your vehicle for repair

Taking your vehicle away for repairs

You can take your vehicle away if your MOT certificate is still valid.

If your MOT has run out you can take your vehicle to:

have the failed defects fixed

a pre-arranged MOT test appointment

In both cases, your vehicle still needs to meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times or you can be fined.

Taking it back for a retest the next working day

access panels

battery

bonnet

bootlid

brake pedal antislip

break glass hammer (class 5 vehicles only)

doors (including hinges, catches and pillars)

door open warning device (class 5 vehicles only)

dropsides

electrical wiring

emergency exits and signs (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance door remote control (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance/exit steps (class 5 vehicles only)

fuel filler cap

headlamp cleaning or levelling devices (that does not need a headlamp aim check)

horn

lamps (excluding headlamp aim)

loading door

main beam ‘tell-tale’

mirrors

rear reflectors

registration plates

seatbelts (but not anchorages), seatbelt load limiter and seatbelt pre-tensioner

seats

sharp edges or projections

stairs (class 5 vehicles only)

steering wheel

tailboard

tailgate

trailer electrical sockets

towbars (excluding body around anchorage points)

tyre pressure monitoring system

vehicle identification number (VIN)

windscreen glass, wipers and washers

wheels and tyres (excluding motorcycles and motorcycles with sidecar)

Taking it back for a retest within 10 working days

In all other cases, you’ll need to get a full retest and pay the full MOT test fee again.

Test result appeals and problems

Appeal if your vehicle failed an MOT

You need to discuss your test results with the test centre before anyone starts repairs.

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your appeal.

You should not have any repairs made until the appeal process has finished.

If you think your car has passed when it should not have

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your complaint.

Time limits

If your vehicle passed, you need to complain within:

within 3 months of the MOT if it’s a corrosion-related problem

within 28 days has passed for other defects

If you think your MOT certificate is not genuine

You can check that your MOT certificate is genuine by checking its MOT status.

If you’re unhappy with your MOT service

Contact DVSA if you’re not happy with your MOT service.

Vehicles that do not need an MOT

You do not need to get an MOT for a vehicle until it reaches the age shown in the MOT fees table.

Exempt vehicles

Other vehicles that do not need an MOT include:

goods vehicles powered by electricity and registered before 1 March 2015

tractors

some historic (‘classic’) vehicles

Lorries, buses and trailers

You must get an annual test for lorries, buses and trailers instead of an MOT. It’s sometimes called the ‘annual vehicle test’.

Fix mistakes on your MOT certificate

You can get information corrected on your MOT certificate (such as the mileage or vehicle details) if it’s wrong.

Get the wrong mileage corrected

The way you get the mileage corrected depends on when your MOT was.

Your MOT was less than 28 days ago

Ask the MOT centre to check the mileage. They’ll give you a replacement certificate if the mileage is wrong.

Your MOT was more than 28 days ago

Report the mistake to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to get it corrected.

You also need to email proof of the mileage, such as a scan or photo of:

an invoice for the MOT

an emissions printout

a service receipt

a vehicle job card from the MOT centre

They need to show what the mileage should be, and show the same date as the MOT test.

If your scan or photo includes personal information, for example your payment details, you should blank it out or remove it.

If you do not send the right evidence, DVSA will not fix the mistakes.

Once DVSA has updated the mileage, you can check your vehicle’s MOT history and download or print a corrected MOT certificate.

Get vehicle details or the MOT centre corrected

Contact DVSA if your MOT certificate has the wrong:

vehicle make or model

vehicle colour

country where the vehicle was registered

MOT test centre

Add or remove test records

You’ll need to give your:

name

telephone number

vehicle number plate

vehicle make and model

date of the MOT

MOT test number (if you know it)

MOT test centre name and address

the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old

Getting an MOT

When to get an MOT

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.

You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:

the third anniversary of its registration

Some vehicles need to be tested at one year old - check the MOT fees table to see which.

Find out how to check your MOT expiry date.

There are different rules and processes in Northern Ireland for MOTs for vehicles registered in Northern Ireland.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting an MOT

You need to get an MOT for your vehicle as usual.

Do not take your vehicle to an MOT centre in person if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms

you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with someone who has coronavirus

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

If you cannot take your vehicle in person

You can also get someone else to take your vehicle into a test centre if you insure them on your vehicle.

If the MOT has run out

If your tax is due to run out, register your vehicle as ‘off the road’ - you cannot renew your vehicle tax if your MOT has expired.

Book an MOT test.

Tax your vehicle once it has passed its MOT.

You cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught.

The only exceptions are to drive it:

to or from somewhere to be repaired

to a pre-arranged MOT test

Earliest date you can get an MOT

An MOT lasts for a year. The date it runs out is printed on your current MOT pass certificate.

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.

Booking an MOT

You must use an approved MOT test centre to get your MOT.

Only centres showing the blue sign with 3 white triangles can carry out your MOT.

How you can book

Contact an MOT centre to book an MOT.

There are maximum fees that the MOT centre can charge.

There’s a different process to book an MOT in Northern Ireland.

MOT costs

There’s a maximum amount MOT test stations can charge. This depends on the type of vehicle.

The maximum fee for a car is £54.85 and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle.

You do not pay VAT on the fee.

| Vehicle class | Age first MOT needed (years) | Maximum MOT fee

Motorcycle (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £37.80

Motorcycle (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (up to 450kg unladen weight) | 3 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (over 450kg unladen weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Motor caravans | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Quads (max unladen weight 400kg - for goods vehicles 550kg and max net power of 15kw) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Dual purpose vehicles | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Private hire and public service vehicles (up to 8 seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Ambulances and taxis | 4 | 1 | £54.85

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9 to 12 passenger seats) | 4 | 1 | £57.30

Goods vehicles (up to 3,000kg design gross weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Class 4 vehicles (9 to 12 passenger seats) with a seat belt installation check | 4a | n/a | £64

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (13 to 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £59.55

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (more than 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Playbuses | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Class 5 vehicles (13 to 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £80.50

Class 5 vehicles (more than 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £124.50

Goods vehicles (over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight) | 7 | 3 | £58.60

How the MOT test works

During the MOT, important parts on your vehicle will be checked to make sure they meet the legal standards.

You can watch the test from a viewing area but you’re not allowed to interrupt the tester.

Parts that are tested

You can read more about what’s tested for cars and motorcycles.

The test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.

The MOT guide and inspection manuals tell you everything that’s tested.

MOT test result

Your vehicle can either pass or fail the MOT.

Passing the MOT

If your vehicle passes the MOT:

you’ll get an MOT certificate from the test centre

it will be recorded in the MOT database

You might also get a list of ‘minor’ or ‘advisory’ problems to monitor or fix in the future.

Failing the MOT

If your vehicle fails the MOT:

you’ll get a ‘refusal of an MOT test certificate’ from the test centre

it will be recorded in the MOT database

You can appeal the result if you think it’s wrong.

Driving a vehicle that’s failed

You can take your vehicle away if:

your current MOT certificate is still valid

no ‘dangerous’ problems were listed in the MOT

Otherwise, you’ll need to get it repaired before you can drive.

If you can take your vehicle away, it must still meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times.

Retest after a repair

In some cases your vehicle can have a partial retest for free or a reduced MOT fee.

Leaving your vehicle for repair

Taking your vehicle away for repairs

You can take your vehicle away if your MOT certificate is still valid.

If your MOT has run out you can take your vehicle to:

have the failed defects fixed

a pre-arranged MOT test appointment

In both cases, your vehicle still needs to meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times or you can be fined.

Taking it back for a retest the next working day

access panels

battery

bonnet

bootlid

brake pedal antislip

break glass hammer (class 5 vehicles only)

doors (including hinges, catches and pillars)

door open warning device (class 5 vehicles only)

dropsides

electrical wiring

emergency exits and signs (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance door remote control (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance/exit steps (class 5 vehicles only)

fuel filler cap

headlamp cleaning or levelling devices (that does not need a headlamp aim check)

horn

lamps (excluding headlamp aim)

loading door

main beam ‘tell-tale’

mirrors

rear reflectors

registration plates

seatbelts (but not anchorages), seatbelt load limiter and seatbelt pre-tensioner

seats

sharp edges or projections

stairs (class 5 vehicles only)

steering wheel

tailboard

tailgate

trailer electrical sockets

towbars (excluding body around anchorage points)

tyre pressure monitoring system

vehicle identification number (VIN)

windscreen glass, wipers and washers

wheels and tyres (excluding motorcycles and motorcycles with sidecar)

Taking it back for a retest within 10 working days

In all other cases, you’ll need to get a full retest and pay the full MOT test fee again.

Test result appeals and problems

Appeal if your vehicle failed an MOT

You need to discuss your test results with the test centre before anyone starts repairs.

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your appeal.

You should not have any repairs made until the appeal process has finished.

If you think your car has passed when it should not have

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your complaint.

Time limits

If your vehicle passed, you need to complain within:

within 3 months of the MOT if it’s a corrosion-related problem

within 28 days has passed for other defects

If you think your MOT certificate is not genuine

You can check that your MOT certificate is genuine by checking its MOT status.

If you’re unhappy with your MOT service

Contact DVSA if you’re not happy with your MOT service.

Vehicles that do not need an MOT

You do not need to get an MOT for a vehicle until it reaches the age shown in the MOT fees table.

Exempt vehicles

Other vehicles that do not need an MOT include:

goods vehicles powered by electricity and registered before 1 March 2015

tractors

some historic (‘classic’) vehicles

Lorries, buses and trailers

You must get an annual test for lorries, buses and trailers instead of an MOT. It’s sometimes called the ‘annual vehicle test’.

Fix mistakes on your MOT certificate

You can get information corrected on your MOT certificate (such as the mileage or vehicle details) if it’s wrong.

Get the wrong mileage corrected

The way you get the mileage corrected depends on when your MOT was.

Your MOT was less than 28 days ago

Ask the MOT centre to check the mileage. They’ll give you a replacement certificate if the mileage is wrong.

Your MOT was more than 28 days ago

Report the mistake to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to get it corrected.

You also need to email proof of the mileage, such as a scan or photo of:

an invoice for the MOT

an emissions printout

a service receipt

a vehicle job card from the MOT centre

They need to show what the mileage should be, and show the same date as the MOT test.

If your scan or photo includes personal information, for example your payment details, you should blank it out or remove it.

If you do not send the right evidence, DVSA will not fix the mistakes.

Once DVSA has updated the mileage, you can check your vehicle’s MOT history and download or print a corrected MOT certificate.

Get vehicle details or the MOT centre corrected

Contact DVSA if your MOT certificate has the wrong:

vehicle make or model

vehicle colour

country where the vehicle was registered

MOT test centre

Add or remove test records

You’ll need to give your:

name

telephone number

vehicle number plate

vehicle make and model

date of the MOT

MOT test number (if you know it)

MOT test centre name and address

Some vehicles need to be tested at one year old - check the MOT fees table to see which.

Getting an MOT

When to get an MOT

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.

You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:

the third anniversary of its registration

the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old

Find out how to check your MOT expiry date.

There are different rules and processes in Northern Ireland for MOTs for vehicles registered in Northern Ireland.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting an MOT

You need to get an MOT for your vehicle as usual.

Do not take your vehicle to an MOT centre in person if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms

you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with someone who has coronavirus

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

If you cannot take your vehicle in person

You can also get someone else to take your vehicle into a test centre if you insure them on your vehicle.

If the MOT has run out

If your tax is due to run out, register your vehicle as ‘off the road’ - you cannot renew your vehicle tax if your MOT has expired.

Book an MOT test.

Tax your vehicle once it has passed its MOT.

You cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught.

The only exceptions are to drive it:

to or from somewhere to be repaired

to a pre-arranged MOT test

Earliest date you can get an MOT

An MOT lasts for a year. The date it runs out is printed on your current MOT pass certificate.

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.

Booking an MOT

You must use an approved MOT test centre to get your MOT.

Only centres showing the blue sign with 3 white triangles can carry out your MOT.

How you can book

Contact an MOT centre to book an MOT.

There are maximum fees that the MOT centre can charge.

There’s a different process to book an MOT in Northern Ireland.

MOT costs

There’s a maximum amount MOT test stations can charge. This depends on the type of vehicle.

The maximum fee for a car is £54.85 and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle.

You do not pay VAT on the fee.

| Vehicle class | Age first MOT needed (years) | Maximum MOT fee

Motorcycle (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £37.80

Motorcycle (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (up to 450kg unladen weight) | 3 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (over 450kg unladen weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Motor caravans | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Quads (max unladen weight 400kg - for goods vehicles 550kg and max net power of 15kw) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Dual purpose vehicles | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Private hire and public service vehicles (up to 8 seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Ambulances and taxis | 4 | 1 | £54.85

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9 to 12 passenger seats) | 4 | 1 | £57.30

Goods vehicles (up to 3,000kg design gross weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Class 4 vehicles (9 to 12 passenger seats) with a seat belt installation check | 4a | n/a | £64

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (13 to 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £59.55

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (more than 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Playbuses | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Class 5 vehicles (13 to 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £80.50

Class 5 vehicles (more than 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £124.50

Goods vehicles (over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight) | 7 | 3 | £58.60

How the MOT test works

During the MOT, important parts on your vehicle will be checked to make sure they meet the legal standards.

You can watch the test from a viewing area but you’re not allowed to interrupt the tester.

Parts that are tested

You can read more about what’s tested for cars and motorcycles.

The test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.

The MOT guide and inspection manuals tell you everything that’s tested.

MOT test result

Your vehicle can either pass or fail the MOT.

Passing the MOT

If your vehicle passes the MOT:

you’ll get an MOT certificate from the test centre

it will be recorded in the MOT database

You might also get a list of ‘minor’ or ‘advisory’ problems to monitor or fix in the future.

Failing the MOT

If your vehicle fails the MOT:

you’ll get a ‘refusal of an MOT test certificate’ from the test centre

it will be recorded in the MOT database

You can appeal the result if you think it’s wrong.

Driving a vehicle that’s failed

You can take your vehicle away if:

your current MOT certificate is still valid

no ‘dangerous’ problems were listed in the MOT

Otherwise, you’ll need to get it repaired before you can drive.

If you can take your vehicle away, it must still meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times.

Retest after a repair

In some cases your vehicle can have a partial retest for free or a reduced MOT fee.

Leaving your vehicle for repair

Taking your vehicle away for repairs

You can take your vehicle away if your MOT certificate is still valid.

If your MOT has run out you can take your vehicle to:

have the failed defects fixed

a pre-arranged MOT test appointment

In both cases, your vehicle still needs to meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times or you can be fined.

Taking it back for a retest the next working day

access panels

battery

bonnet

bootlid

brake pedal antislip

break glass hammer (class 5 vehicles only)

doors (including hinges, catches and pillars)

door open warning device (class 5 vehicles only)

dropsides

electrical wiring

emergency exits and signs (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance door remote control (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance/exit steps (class 5 vehicles only)

fuel filler cap

headlamp cleaning or levelling devices (that does not need a headlamp aim check)

horn

lamps (excluding headlamp aim)

loading door

main beam ‘tell-tale’

mirrors

rear reflectors

registration plates

seatbelts (but not anchorages), seatbelt load limiter and seatbelt pre-tensioner

seats

sharp edges or projections

stairs (class 5 vehicles only)

steering wheel

tailboard

tailgate

trailer electrical sockets

towbars (excluding body around anchorage points)

tyre pressure monitoring system

vehicle identification number (VIN)

windscreen glass, wipers and washers

wheels and tyres (excluding motorcycles and motorcycles with sidecar)

Taking it back for a retest within 10 working days

In all other cases, you’ll need to get a full retest and pay the full MOT test fee again.

Test result appeals and problems

Appeal if your vehicle failed an MOT

You need to discuss your test results with the test centre before anyone starts repairs.

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your appeal.

You should not have any repairs made until the appeal process has finished.

If you think your car has passed when it should not have

DVSA will contact you within 5 days to discuss your complaint.

Time limits

If your vehicle passed, you need to complain within:

within 3 months of the MOT if it’s a corrosion-related problem

within 28 days has passed for other defects

If you think your MOT certificate is not genuine

You can check that your MOT certificate is genuine by checking its MOT status.

If you’re unhappy with your MOT service

Contact DVSA if you’re not happy with your MOT service.

Vehicles that do not need an MOT

You do not need to get an MOT for a vehicle until it reaches the age shown in the MOT fees table.

Exempt vehicles

Other vehicles that do not need an MOT include:

goods vehicles powered by electricity and registered before 1 March 2015

tractors

some historic (‘classic’) vehicles

Lorries, buses and trailers

You must get an annual test for lorries, buses and trailers instead of an MOT. It’s sometimes called the ‘annual vehicle test’.

Fix mistakes on your MOT certificate

You can get information corrected on your MOT certificate (such as the mileage or vehicle details) if it’s wrong.

Get the wrong mileage corrected

The way you get the mileage corrected depends on when your MOT was.

Your MOT was less than 28 days ago

Ask the MOT centre to check the mileage. They’ll give you a replacement certificate if the mileage is wrong.

Your MOT was more than 28 days ago

Report the mistake to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to get it corrected.

You also need to email proof of the mileage, such as a scan or photo of:

an invoice for the MOT

an emissions printout

a service receipt

a vehicle job card from the MOT centre

They need to show what the mileage should be, and show the same date as the MOT test.

If your scan or photo includes personal information, for example your payment details, you should blank it out or remove it.

If you do not send the right evidence, DVSA will not fix the mistakes.

Once DVSA has updated the mileage, you can check your vehicle’s MOT history and download or print a corrected MOT certificate.

Get vehicle details or the MOT centre corrected

Contact DVSA if your MOT certificate has the wrong:

vehicle make or model

vehicle colour

country where the vehicle was registered

MOT test centre

Add or remove test records

You’ll need to give your:

name

telephone number

vehicle number plate

vehicle make and model

date of the MOT

MOT test number (if you know it)

MOT test centre name and address


I am a reservist in the army reserves. I have applied for financial assistance, but I have just been declined. Two days have past, and I would like to appeal this decision. When can I make an appeal?

You can appeal to the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT) if your claim for financial assistance has been turned down.

Appeal a decision against financial assistance for a reservist

Appeal to the tribunal

The tribunal must receive your appeal within 5 days of you getting the decision letter or your application will be rejected.

If you’re going to miss the deadline and have a valid reason for doing so, then say why in your notice of appeal. Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances.

The tribunal is independent of government. A judge will listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

Help you can get

Contact RFAT or your legal representative if you have any questions about appealing. RFAT cannot give you legal advice.

You can find legal advice, including from a lawyer.

How to appeal

Write a letter called a ‘notice of appeal’ to the Secretary of Tribunals.

You must include:

your name, address and telephone number

a statement that it’s a ‘notice of appeal’

the grounds for appealing the decision

what you want the tribunal to decide (known as the ‘determination’)

whether you want to attend the hearing

whether you’ll be legally represented

the names and addresses of any witnesses

You’ll need to include:

a copy of the decision you’re appealing

all documents that were part of your original application

any relevant documents that were not part of your original application and the reasons why they were not included

Send your letter

You can email, fax, post or deliver your notice of appeal in person to:

After you send your appeal

You’ll be told straight away when your appeal has been received.

You’ll also be given:

a case name

a case number

an address for sending any further letters and documents to the tribunal

a hearing date

You’ll normally find out within a week of sending your notice of appeal:

whether the tribunal will consider your case

whether the Armed Forces opposes the appeal and why

if the tribunal needs more information

You’ll get another letter a few days before the hearing telling you what documents to bring with you, or send by post in advance.

Witnesses

The tribunal may suggest witnesses. You must contact them and make sure they appear at the hearing.

The tribunal can force witnesses to appear at the hearing if you’re unable to do it yourself - the tribunal will tell you how.

What happens at a tribunal hearing

What happens at the hearing

You (or your legal representative) will present your case to the tribunal. An ‘adjudication officer’ will represent the Armed Forces.

Both sides can to give evidence, call witnesses, question witnesses and make statements to the tribunal.

If neither side wants to attend a hearing, a decision will be made without a hearing. This is called a ‘paper hearing’.

You and any witnesses who attend a hearing may be able to claim for expenses you have, for example accommodation or travel.

Hearings are usually held in public.

The tribunal’s decision

You may get a decision at the end of the hearing. You’ll also get a written copy sent to you.

If a decision’s not made at the hearing, you’ll get a letter telling you the decision within 1 month. This is known as a ‘reserved’ decision.

If you're unhappy with the tribunal's decision

You cannot appeal if you lose the case.

In exceptional circumstances, you may be able to ask for the tribunal to review its decision, for example if:

new evidence becomes available

the Secretary of Tribunals made a mistake in the proceedings

someone had the right to attend the hearing but could not, and had a valid reason for doing so

something else has gone wrong that’s made the process or decision unfair (known as a review ‘in the interests of justice’)

You can get legal advice, including from a lawyer if you need help.

Write to the Secretary of Tribunals within 5 days of getting the decision.

What happens next

The tribunal can:

‘set aside’ the decision - this means you’ll have another hearing

change the decision

Legislation

The tribunal must follow the rules and process in:

the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals Rules 1997

Part IX of the Reserve Forces Act 1996

The tribunal will make a decision based on the Reserve Forces (Call-out and Recall) (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2005.

Appeal to the tribunal

Help you can get

How to appeal

You must include:

your name, address and telephone number

a statement that it’s a ‘notice of appeal’

the grounds for appealing the decision

whether you want to attend the hearing

whether you’ll be legally represented

the names and addresses of any witnesses

You’ll need to include:

a copy of the decision you’re appealing

Send your letter

After you send your appeal

You’ll also be given:

a case name

a case number

a hearing date

whether the tribunal will consider your case

whether the Armed Forces opposes the appeal and why

if the tribunal needs more information

Witnesses

What happens at a tribunal hearing

What happens at the hearing

Hearings are usually held in public.

The tribunal’s decision

If you're unhappy with the tribunal's decision

You cannot appeal if you lose the case.

new evidence becomes available

What happens next

The tribunal can:

change the decision

Legislation

The tribunal must follow the rules and process in:

the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals Rules 1997

Part IX of the Reserve Forces Act 1996


My sister passed her driving test in July 2019 . Last week she was pulled over because she was driving while using her mobile phone. This is here first ever traffic violation and her license has not been deducted any points before. Can she get banned from driving?

You can be fined up to £200 and get penalty points on your licence if you get a fixed penalty notice - you may be disqualified from driving if you build up 12 points within 3 years.

Being stopped by the police while driving

Overview

The police can stop a vehicle for any reason. If they ask you to stop, you should always pull over when it’s safe to do so. You’re breaking the law if you do not stop.

If you’re stopped, the police can ask to see your:

driving licence

insurance certificate

MOT certificate

If you do not have these documents with you, you have 7 days to take them to a police station. You’re breaking the law if you do not show the requested documents within 7 days.

The police can also give you an on-the-spot fixed penalty notice for many minor offences and make you take a breath test in certain circumstances.

You can also have your vehicle seized if you’re stopped on suspicion of driving without insurance and for some other offences.

Breath tests

The police can stop you at any time and ask you to take a breath test (‘breathalyse’ you) if:

they think you’ve been drinking

you’ve committed a traffic offence

you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident

If you refuse to take a breath test, or fail to supply a sample of breath and do not have a ‘reasonable excuse’, you can be arrested. A reasonable excuse could be a genuine physical or mental condition stopping you from giving a sample.

The breath test gives a result straight away. If it shows you’re not over the drink drive limit, you may be allowed to go.

If you fail the breath test, you’ll be taken to a police station and given a final breath test. If it’s positive, you will be charged.

If the officer thinks you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can ask you to:

take a drug test

do a physical test (a ‘field impairment test’), for example walk in a straight line then turn around and walk back

You can be arrested if you fail the test.

If you fail a breath test you cannot drive your car until you’re sober. You can ask someone else to collect your car for you.

Minor motoring offences

The police can give you a ‘fixed penalty notice’ for less serious traffic offences, including for:

careless or inconsiderate driving

using a mobile phone while driving

not wearing a seat belt

driving too close to another vehicle

The police can also decide to:

take no action

issue a warning

offer driver training

charge you with an offence

You can choose not to pay the fixed penalty if you believe that it was given unjustly, but you’ll have to argue your case in court.

Faults with your vehicle

If your vehicle has something wrong with it, for example a broken brake light, the police may give you a ‘vehicle defect rectification notice’.

You’ll need to get your vehicle fixed and provide proof that it’s been fixed, for example a receipt for the work from a mechanic. You have 14 days from the date of the notice to show the proof to the police.

When the police can seize your vehicle

The police can seize a vehicle if they think it’s being used in a way that causes alarm, harassment or distress, for example careless or inconsiderate driving.

They can also seize a vehicle if they think it’s:

being driven by someone who does not have a proper licence or insurance

dangerously, illegally or obstructively parked

broken-down or abandoned

If your vehicle is seized there’s a ‘release fee’ of up to £200 plus a storage fee of £20 for every day or part day.


I paid the self assessment tax bill in the last 4 days online . I would like to know if HMRC has received my payments. How long does it take to update?

View your HM Revenue and Customs online account to check if your payment’s been received - it should show as paid between 3 to 6 working days later.

Pay your Self Assessment tax bill

Overview

The deadlines for paying your tax bill are usually:

31 January - for any tax you owe for the previous tax year (known as a balancing payment) and your first payment on account

31 July for your second payment on account

If you delayed making a payment on account in July 2020 because of coronavirus (COVID-19), this will be added to your tax bill due by 31 January 2021.

Pay Self Assessment now

You can pay in regular monthly instalments, if you prefer.

You can get help if you cannot pay your tax bill on time.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Ways to pay

Make sure you pay HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) by the deadline. You’ll be charged interest and may have to pay a penalty if your payment is late.

The time you need to allow depends on how you pay.

You can no longer pay at the Post Office.

Same or next day

through your online bank account

online or telephone banking (Faster Payments)

CHAPS

by debit or corporate credit card online

at your bank or building society

You need a paying-in slip from HMRC to pay at a bank or building society.

3 working days

Bacs

Direct Debit (if you’ve set one up with HMRC before)

by cheque through the post

5 working days

Direct Debit (if you have not set one up with HMRC before)

If the deadline falls on a weekend or bank holiday, make sure your payment reaches HMRC on the last working day before (unless you’re paying by Faster Payments or by debit or credit card).

Problems with payment services

Online payment services may be slow during busy times. Check if there are any current problems or times they are not available.

Direct Debit

Set up a Direct Debit through your HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) online account to make single payments for 31 January.

You can also set up another Direct Debit if you need to make a payment on account.

You’ll need to set up single payments each time you want to pay by Direct Debit.

Reference number

You’ll need to use your 11-character payment reference. This is your 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) followed by the letter ‘K’.

You’ll find it either on your:

HMRC online account

paying-in slip, if you get paper statements

Your payment may be delayed if you use the wrong reference number.

Allow 5 working days to process a Direct Debit the first time you set one up. It should take 3 working days the next time if you’re using the same bank details.

If you’re unable to pay your Self-Assessment tax bill in full by card, you should use another payment method like a bank transfer.

Make an online or telephone bank transfer

You can pay your Self Assessment bill using Faster Payments, CHAPS or Bacs.

Pay by Faster Payments, CHAPS or Bacs

Your bill will tell you which account to pay in to. If you do not have a bill, or you’re not sure, use HMRC Cumbernauld.

Account details to use

Sort code | Account number | Account name

08 32 10 | 12001039 | HMRC Cumbernauld

08 32 10 | 12001020 | HMRC Shipley

If your account is overseas

Bank identifier code (BIC) | Account number (IBAN) | Account name

BARCGB22 | GB62BARC20114770297690 | HMRC Cumbernauld

BARCGB22 | GB03BARC20114783977692 | HMRC Shipley

What you’ll need

You’ll need to use your 11-character payment reference when you pay. This is your 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) followed by the letter ‘K’.

You can find it on your:

HMRC online account

How long it takes

Payments by Faster Payments (online or telephone banking) usually reach HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on the same or next day, including weekends and bank holidays.

CHAPS payments usually reach HMRC the same working day if you pay within your bank’s processing times.

Bacs payments usually take 3 working days.

Payments from overseas may take longer - check with your bank.

Multiple payments by CHAPS

Send an online CHAPS enquiry form if you want to make a single CHAPS payment for multiple Self Assessment bills, using more than one payment reference number.

HMRC’s banking address is:

Approve a payment through your online bank account

You can pay your Self Assessment bill directly using your online or mobile bank account.

When you’re ready to pay, select ‘start a payment’ and then ‘pay by bank account’. You’ll then be directed to sign in to your online or mobile banking account to approve your Self Assessment payment.

The payment is usually instant but sometimes it takes up to 2 hours to show in your account.

You’ll need to have your online banking details ready to pay this way.

By debit or corporate credit card online

You can pay online.

There’s a fee if you pay by corporate credit card or corporate debit card. The fee is not refundable.

There’s no fee if you pay by personal debit card.

You cannot pay by personal credit card.

Use your 11-character payment reference when you pay. This is your 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) followed by the letter ‘K’. You’ll find it either:

in your HMRC online account

on your paying-in slip, if you get paper statements

HMRC will accept your payment on the date you make it, not the date it reaches their account - including on bank holidays and weekends.

If you’re unable to pay your Self Assessment tax bill in full by card, you should use another payment method like a bank transfer.

At your bank or building society

You can only pay at your branch by cash or cheque if you both:

still get paper statements from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

have the paying-in slip HMRC sent you

Make your cheque payable to ‘HM Revenue and Customs only’.

Write your 11-character payment reference on the back of the cheque. This is your 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) followed by the letter ‘K’. You’ll find the reference number on the paying-in slip.

HMRC will accept your payment on the date you make it, and not the date it reaches their account (as long as you pay from Monday to Friday).

If you do not have a paying-in slip

You’ll need to pay by another method instead, for example:

debit or corporate credit card online

online or telephone banking

Direct Debit

By cheque through the post

You can send a cheque by post to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

You do not need to include a street name, city name or PO box with this address.

Allow 3 working days for your payment to reach HMRC.

What to include

Write your 11-character payment reference on the back of the cheque. This is your 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) followed by the letter ‘K’. You’ll find this on your payslip.

Include the payslip HMRC sent you (if you still get paper statements). Do not fold the payslip or cheque or fasten them together.

Your payment may be delayed if you do not fill in your cheque correctly.

If you do not have an HMRC payslip

You can print a slip to use to pay by post. You cannot use this at a bank.

Pay in instalments

If you’ve already filed your Self Assessment tax return, you might be able to pay the bill in instalments.

What you need to do depends on whether you want to:

make payments against your latest bill

make advance payments against your next bill

If you cannot afford to pay your latest bill

You can set up a payment plan to spread the cost of your latest Self Assessment bill if all the following apply:

you owe £30,000 or less

you do not have any other payment plans or debts with HMRC

your tax returns are up to date

it’s less than 60 days after the payment deadline

You can choose how much to pay straight away and how much you want to pay each month. You’ll have to pay interest.

If you don’t keep up with your repayments, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) can ask you to pay everything you owe.

There are 2 ways you can set up a payment plan:

set up a payment plan online

call the Payment Support Service

If you want to make regular payments in advance

You can set up a budget payment plan if you want to put aside money to cover your next Self Assessment tax bill.

This is different from payments on account, which you normally make once every 6 months towards your next tax bill.

The budget payment plan lets you:

decide how much to pay each week or month

stop paying for up to 6 months

You must be up to date with your previous Self Assessment payments.

Set up your plan using your HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) online account. Go to the Direct Debit section and choose the budget payment option when filling in the Direct Debit form.

If the amount in your budget payment plan does not cover your next bill in full, you’ll need to pay the difference by the payment deadlines.

Through your tax code

You can pay your Self Assessment bill through your PAYE tax code as long as all these apply:

you owe less than £3,000 on your tax bill

you already pay tax through PAYE, for example you’re an employee or you get a company pension

you submitted your paper tax return by 31 October or your online tax return online by 30 December

How it’s set up

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will automatically collect what you owe through your tax code if you meet all 3 conditions, unless you’ve specifically asked them not to (on your tax return).

If you’re not eligible, you will not be able to pay this way.

When you cannot pay through your tax code

You will not be able to pay your tax bill through your PAYE tax code if:

you do not have enough PAYE income for HMRC to collect it

you’d pay more than 50% of your PAYE income in tax

you’d end up paying more than twice as much tax as you normally do

If you’re self-employed you cannot pay Class 2 National Insurance through your tax code, unless it’s been due since before 6 April 2015. You must use one of the other ways to pay by the deadline instead.

How deductions are made

The tax you owe will be taken from your salary or pension in equal instalments over 12 months, along with your usual tax deductions.

Check your payment has been received

If paying by post, you can include a letter with your payment to ask for a receipt from HMRC.


My father died recently, leaving his £400,000 home to me in his will. He also gave gifts of approximately £250,000 total value to myself and my two siblings over the preceding three years. Will I/we have to pay inheritance tax on either the property or the gifts?

There’s normally no Inheritance Tax to pay if either:

Inheritance Tax

Overview

Inheritance Tax is a tax on the estate (the property, money and possessions) of someone who’s died.

the value of your estate is below the £325,000 threshold

you leave everything above the £325,000 threshold to your spouse, civil partner, a charity or a community amateur sports club

If the estate’s value is below the threshold you’ll still need to report it to HMRC.

If you give away your home to your children (including adopted, foster or stepchildren) or grandchildren your threshold can increase to £500,000.

If you’re married or in a civil partnership and your estate is worth less than your threshold, any unused threshold can be added to your partner’s threshold when you die. This means their threshold can be as much as £1 million.

Inheritance Tax rates

The standard Inheritance Tax rate is 40%. It’s only charged on the part of your estate that’s above the threshold.

The estate can pay Inheritance Tax at a reduced rate of 36% on some assets if you leave 10% or more of the ‘net value’ to charity in your will.

Reliefs and exemptions

Some gifts you give while you’re alive may be taxed after your death. Depending on when you gave the gift, ‘taper relief’ might mean the Inheritance Tax charged on the gift is less than 40%.

Other reliefs, such as Business Relief, allow some assets to be passed on free of Inheritance Tax or with a reduced bill.

Contact the Inheritance Tax and probate helpline about Agricultural Relief if your estate includes a farm or woodland.

Who pays the tax to HMRC

Funds from your estate are used to pay Inheritance Tax to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This is done by the person dealing with the estate (called the ‘executor’, if there’s a will).

Your beneficiaries (the people who inherit your estate) do not normally pay tax on things they inherit. They may have related taxes to pay, for example if they get rental income from a house left to them in a will.

People you give gifts to might have to pay Inheritance Tax, but only if you give away more than £325,000 and die within 7 years.

Passing on a home

You can pass a home to your husband, wife or civil partner when you die. There’s no Inheritance Tax to pay if you do this.

If you leave the home to another person in your will, it counts towards the value of the estate.

If you own your home (or a share in it) your tax-free threshold can increase to £500,000 if:

you leave it to your children (including adopted, foster or stepchildren) or grandchildren

your estate is worth less than £2 million

Giving away a home before you die

There’s normally no Inheritance Tax to pay if you move out and live for another 7 years.

If you want to continue living in your property after giving it away, you’ll need to:

pay rent to the new owner at the going rate (for similar local rental properties)

pay your share of the bills

live there for at least 7 years

You do not have to pay rent to the new owners if both the following apply:

you only give away part of your property

the new owners also live at the property

If you die within 7 years

If you die within 7 years of giving away all or part of your property, your home will be treated as a gift and the 7 year rule applies.

Call the Inheritance Tax and probate helpline if you have questions about giving away a home. They cannot give you advice on how to pay less tax.

Gifts

There’s usually no Inheritance Tax to pay on small gifts you make out of your normal income, such as Christmas or birthday presents. These are known as ‘exempted gifts’.

There’s also no Inheritance Tax to pay on gifts between spouses or civil partners. You can give them as much as you like during your lifetime, as long as they live in the UK permanently.

Other gifts count towards the value of your estate.

People you give gifts to will be charged Inheritance Tax if you give away more than £325,000 in the 7 years before your death.

What counts as a gift

A gift can be:

anything that has a value, such as money, property, possessions

a loss in value when something’s transferred, for example if you sell your house to your child for less than it’s worth, the difference in value counts as a gift

Call the Inheritance Tax and probate helpline if you’re not sure.

Exempted gifts

You can give away £3,000 worth of gifts each tax year (6 April to 5 April) without them being added to the value of your estate. This is known as your ‘annual exemption’.

You can carry any unused annual exemption forward to the next year - but only for one year.

Each tax year, you can also give away:

wedding or civil ceremony gifts of up to £1,000 per person (£2,500 for a grandchild or great-grandchild, £5,000 for a child)

normal gifts out of your income, for example Christmas or birthday presents - you must be able to maintain your standard of living after making the gift

payments to help with another person’s living costs, such as an elderly relative or a child under 18

gifts to charities and political parties

You can use more than one of these exemptions on the same person - for example, you could give your grandchild gifts for her birthday and wedding in the same tax year.

Small gifts up to £250

You can give as many gifts of up to £250 per person as you want during the tax year as long as you have not used another exemption on the same person.

The 7 year rule

If there’s Inheritance Tax to pay, it’s charged at 40% on gifts given in the 3 years before you die.

Gifts made 3 to 7 years before your death are taxed on a sliding scale known as ‘taper relief’.

Years between gift and death | Tax paid

less than 3 | 40%

3 to 4 | 32%

4 to 5 | 24%

5 to 6 | 16%

6 to 7 | 8%

7 or more | 0%

Gifts are not counted towards the value of your estate after 7 years.

When someone living outside the UK dies

If your permanent home (‘domicile’) is abroad, Inheritance Tax is only paid on your UK assets, for example property or bank accounts you have in the UK.

It’s not paid on ‘excluded assets’ like:

foreign currency accounts with a bank or the Post Office

overseas pensions

holdings in authorised unit trusts and open-ended investment companies

There are different rules if you have assets in a trust or government gilts, or you’re a member of visiting armed forces.

Contact the Inheritance Tax and probate helpline if you’re not sure whether your assets are excluded.

When you will not count as living abroad

HMRC will treat you as being domiciled in the UK if you either:

lived in the UK for 15 of the last 20 years

had your permanent home in the UK at any time in the last 3 years of your life

Double-taxation treaties

Your executor might be able to reclaim tax through a double-taxation treaty if Inheritance Tax is charged on the same assets by the UK and the country where you lived.

the value of your estate is below the £325,000 threshold

Inheritance Tax

Overview

Inheritance Tax is a tax on the estate (the property, money and possessions) of someone who’s died.

There’s normally no Inheritance Tax to pay if either:

you leave everything above the £325,000 threshold to your spouse, civil partner, a charity or a community amateur sports club

If the estate’s value is below the threshold you’ll still need to report it to HMRC.

Inheritance Tax rates

The standard Inheritance Tax rate is 40%. It’s only charged on the part of your estate that’s above the threshold.

Reliefs and exemptions

Other reliefs, such as Business Relief, allow some assets to be passed on free of Inheritance Tax or with a reduced bill.

Contact the Inheritance Tax and probate helpline about Agricultural Relief if your estate includes a farm or woodland.

Who pays the tax to HMRC

People you give gifts to might have to pay Inheritance Tax, but only if you give away more than £325,000 and die within 7 years.

Passing on a home

You can pass a home to your husband, wife or civil partner when you die. There’s no Inheritance Tax to pay if you do this.

If you leave the home to another person in your will, it counts towards the value of the estate.

If you own your home (or a share in it) your tax-free threshold can increase to £500,000 if:

you leave it to your children (including adopted, foster or stepchildren) or grandchildren

your estate is worth less than £2 million

Giving away a home before you die

There’s normally no Inheritance Tax to pay if you move out and live for another 7 years.

If you want to continue living in your property after giving it away, you’ll need to:

pay rent to the new owner at the going rate (for similar local rental properties)

pay your share of the bills

live there for at least 7 years

You do not have to pay rent to the new owners if both the following apply:

you only give away part of your property

the new owners also live at the property

If you die within 7 years

If you die within 7 years of giving away all or part of your property, your home will be treated as a gift and the 7 year rule applies.

Gifts

Other gifts count towards the value of your estate.

People you give gifts to will be charged Inheritance Tax if you give away more than £325,000 in the 7 years before your death.

What counts as a gift

A gift can be:

anything that has a value, such as money, property, possessions

Call the Inheritance Tax and probate helpline if you’re not sure.

Exempted gifts

You can carry any unused annual exemption forward to the next year - but only for one year.

Each tax year, you can also give away:

wedding or civil ceremony gifts of up to £1,000 per person (£2,500 for a grandchild or great-grandchild, £5,000 for a child)

payments to help with another person’s living costs, such as an elderly relative or a child under 18

gifts to charities and political parties

Small gifts up to £250

The 7 year rule

If there’s Inheritance Tax to pay, it’s charged at 40% on gifts given in the 3 years before you die.

Gifts made 3 to 7 years before your death are taxed on a sliding scale known as ‘taper relief’.

Years between gift and death | Tax paid

less than 3 | 40%

3 to 4 | 32%

4 to 5 | 24%

5 to 6 | 16%

6 to 7 | 8%

7 or more | 0%

Gifts are not counted towards the value of your estate after 7 years.

When someone living outside the UK dies

It’s not paid on ‘excluded assets’ like:

foreign currency accounts with a bank or the Post Office

overseas pensions

holdings in authorised unit trusts and open-ended investment companies

There are different rules if you have assets in a trust or government gilts, or you’re a member of visiting armed forces.

Contact the Inheritance Tax and probate helpline if you’re not sure whether your assets are excluded.

When you will not count as living abroad

HMRC will treat you as being domiciled in the UK if you either:

lived in the UK for 15 of the last 20 years

had your permanent home in the UK at any time in the last 3 years of your life

Double-taxation treaties

you leave everything above the £325,000 threshold to your spouse, civil partner, a charity or a community amateur sports club

Inheritance Tax

Overview

Inheritance Tax is a tax on the estate (the property, money and possessions) of someone who’s died.

There’s normally no Inheritance Tax to pay if either:

the value of your estate is below the £325,000 threshold

If the estate’s value is below the threshold you’ll still need to report it to HMRC.

Inheritance Tax rates

The standard Inheritance Tax rate is 40%. It’s only charged on the part of your estate that’s above the threshold.

Reliefs and exemptions

Other reliefs, such as Business Relief, allow some assets to be passed on free of Inheritance Tax or with a reduced bill.

Contact the Inheritance Tax and probate helpline about Agricultural Relief if your estate includes a farm or woodland.

Who pays the tax to HMRC

People you give gifts to might have to pay Inheritance Tax, but only if you give away more than £325,000 and die within 7 years.

Passing on a home

You can pass a home to your husband, wife or civil partner when you die. There’s no Inheritance Tax to pay if you do this.

If you leave the home to another person in your will, it counts towards the value of the estate.

If you own your home (or a share in it) your tax-free threshold can increase to £500,000 if:

you leave it to your children (including adopted, foster or stepchildren) or grandchildren

your estate is worth less than £2 million

Giving away a home before you die

There’s normally no Inheritance Tax to pay if you move out and live for another 7 years.

If you want to continue living in your property after giving it away, you’ll need to:

pay rent to the new owner at the going rate (for similar local rental properties)

pay your share of the bills

live there for at least 7 years

You do not have to pay rent to the new owners if both the following apply:

you only give away part of your property

the new owners also live at the property

If you die within 7 years

If you die within 7 years of giving away all or part of your property, your home will be treated as a gift and the 7 year rule applies.

Gifts

Other gifts count towards the value of your estate.

People you give gifts to will be charged Inheritance Tax if you give away more than £325,000 in the 7 years before your death.

What counts as a gift

A gift can be:

anything that has a value, such as money, property, possessions

Call the Inheritance Tax and probate helpline if you’re not sure.

Exempted gifts

You can carry any unused annual exemption forward to the next year - but only for one year.

Each tax year, you can also give away:

wedding or civil ceremony gifts of up to £1,000 per person (£2,500 for a grandchild or great-grandchild, £5,000 for a child)

payments to help with another person’s living costs, such as an elderly relative or a child under 18

gifts to charities and political parties

Small gifts up to £250

The 7 year rule

If there’s Inheritance Tax to pay, it’s charged at 40% on gifts given in the 3 years before you die.

Gifts made 3 to 7 years before your death are taxed on a sliding scale known as ‘taper relief’.

Years between gift and death | Tax paid

less than 3 | 40%

3 to 4 | 32%

4 to 5 | 24%

5 to 6 | 16%

6 to 7 | 8%

7 or more | 0%

Gifts are not counted towards the value of your estate after 7 years.

When someone living outside the UK dies

It’s not paid on ‘excluded assets’ like:

foreign currency accounts with a bank or the Post Office

overseas pensions

holdings in authorised unit trusts and open-ended investment companies

There are different rules if you have assets in a trust or government gilts, or you’re a member of visiting armed forces.

Contact the Inheritance Tax and probate helpline if you’re not sure whether your assets are excluded.

When you will not count as living abroad

HMRC will treat you as being domiciled in the UK if you either:

lived in the UK for 15 of the last 20 years

had your permanent home in the UK at any time in the last 3 years of your life

Double-taxation treaties

Inheritance Tax

Overview

Inheritance Tax is a tax on the estate (the property, money and possessions) of someone who’s died.

There’s normally no Inheritance Tax to pay if either:

the value of your estate is below the £325,000 threshold

you leave everything above the £325,000 threshold to your spouse, civil partner, a charity or a community amateur sports club

If the estate’s value is below the threshold you’ll still need to report it to HMRC.

Inheritance Tax rates

The standard Inheritance Tax rate is 40%. It’s only charged on the part of your estate that’s above the threshold.

Reliefs and exemptions

Other reliefs, such as Business Relief, allow some assets to be passed on free of Inheritance Tax or with a reduced bill.

Contact the Inheritance Tax and probate helpline about Agricultural Relief if your estate includes a farm or woodland.

Who pays the tax to HMRC

People you give gifts to might have to pay Inheritance Tax, but only if you give away more than £325,000 and die within 7 years.

Passing on a home

You can pass a home to your husband, wife or civil partner when you die. There’s no Inheritance Tax to pay if you do this.

If you leave the home to another person in your will, it counts towards the value of the estate.

If you own your home (or a share in it) your tax-free threshold can increase to £500,000 if:

you leave it to your children (including adopted, foster or stepchildren) or grandchildren

your estate is worth less than £2 million

Giving away a home before you die

There’s normally no Inheritance Tax to pay if you move out and live for another 7 years.

If you want to continue living in your property after giving it away, you’ll need to:

pay rent to the new owner at the going rate (for similar local rental properties)

pay your share of the bills

live there for at least 7 years

You do not have to pay rent to the new owners if both the following apply:

you only give away part of your property

the new owners also live at the property

If you die within 7 years

If you die within 7 years of giving away all or part of your property, your home will be treated as a gift and the 7 year rule applies.

Gifts

Other gifts count towards the value of your estate.

People you give gifts to will be charged Inheritance Tax if you give away more than £325,000 in the 7 years before your death.

What counts as a gift

A gift can be:

anything that has a value, such as money, property, possessions

Call the Inheritance Tax and probate helpline if you’re not sure.

Exempted gifts

You can carry any unused annual exemption forward to the next year - but only for one year.

Each tax year, you can also give away:

wedding or civil ceremony gifts of up to £1,000 per person (£2,500 for a grandchild or great-grandchild, £5,000 for a child)

payments to help with another person’s living costs, such as an elderly relative or a child under 18

gifts to charities and political parties

Small gifts up to £250

The 7 year rule

If there’s Inheritance Tax to pay, it’s charged at 40% on gifts given in the 3 years before you die.

Gifts made 3 to 7 years before your death are taxed on a sliding scale known as ‘taper relief’.

Years between gift and death | Tax paid

less than 3 | 40%

3 to 4 | 32%

4 to 5 | 24%

5 to 6 | 16%

6 to 7 | 8%

7 or more | 0%

Gifts are not counted towards the value of your estate after 7 years.

When someone living outside the UK dies

It’s not paid on ‘excluded assets’ like:

foreign currency accounts with a bank or the Post Office

overseas pensions

holdings in authorised unit trusts and open-ended investment companies

There are different rules if you have assets in a trust or government gilts, or you’re a member of visiting armed forces.

Contact the Inheritance Tax and probate helpline if you’re not sure whether your assets are excluded.

When you will not count as living abroad

HMRC will treat you as being domiciled in the UK if you either:

lived in the UK for 15 of the last 20 years

had your permanent home in the UK at any time in the last 3 years of your life

Double-taxation treaties