Free DVLA MOT Check

Check the MOT status and history of your car with our FREE MOT check.

What does the MOT check include?

Our MOT history check provides MOT Due, MOT status, MOT record count, failure, and advisory notices directly from the DVLA database for any vehicle registered in the UK and Northern Ireland.

MOT due date

MOT due date
Check the date of the MOT test & due date by entering your reg.

MOT status

Current MOT status
Lookup whether the MOT certificate is valid or expired.

Mileage history

Mileage history
Our reports uncover all previous MOT mileage records.

Advisory notes

Advisory notes
Check the warning notes on previous MOT tests.

MOT failures

Refusal notes
Know the reasons for a vehicle's MOT failure.

MOT record

All MOT records
Our reports provide you with the most recent MOT information.

Why should I check a car’s MOT history?

An MOT test is a legal requirement in the UK for any vehicle over 3 years old. It ensures that the vehicle is safe and roadworthy and is necessary to drive, insure, and tax it. 

A car without a valid MOT certificate may be dangerous to drive and require costly repairs. It is essential to conduct a MOT history check before purchasing a used vehicle, as it can indicate the overall condition and maintenance of the car. A car with a history of regular MOT checks is generally a good sign that it has been well-maintained.

What do they check during an MOT?

The MOT test is an annual inspection verifying that a vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.

The test includes an examination of the following components:

  • Electrical systems
  • Suspension
  • Brakes
  • Tyres
  • Steering
  • Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors
  • Seats and seat belts
  • Emissions and exhausts

If any issues are identified during the test, it’s important to note that your vehicle may fail and require immediate attention and repair before it can be retested. This underscores the urgency of addressing any potential issues.

How can I check the vehicle's MOT history?

By entering the car’s registration number, you can access the DVLA records for the car’s entire MOT history and receive an instant MOT check report. Also, we provide details about mileage history as a part of our free MOT check service.

Also, the DVLA MOT Inspection Manual contains the complete list of requirements for MOT tests for class 3, 4, 5, and 7 vehicles in the UK.

What risks are associated with driving a vehicle without a valid MOT?

You may face multiple consequences if your vehicle lacks a valid MOT, depending on the situation. Some examples of these consequences include:

• Driving a vehicle without MOT is against the law, and you could face a fine of up to £2,500, three points on your driving license, and potentially a ban from driving.

• Your vehicle may not meet safety and roadworthiness standards, which can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.

• You may lose insurance coverage if you drive a vehicle without a valid MOT.

• You may have difficulty selling your vehicle if it does not have a valid MOT.

Frequently asked questions

With our DVLA mot check, you can enter the vehicle registration number to get the entire MOT history, including advisory notes. This report will also include the MOT due and MOT status you seek. As a bonus, you can find all the car’s MOT warnings and failure notices.

You can contact the nearest approved MOT centre to book an MOT test. When booking the test, you’ll need the vehicle registration number and the last four digits of the chassis number (refer to the logbook). If you book online, ensure you have your debit or credit card.

MOT is an essential part of your responsibility. Hence, if you don’t have a valid MOT, pre-book the MOT test (passed/failed) to conduct the vehicle’s annual check as soon as possible. Once you have a valid MOT, you can go anywhere without worries.

Yes, you can drive your car when the MOT (Ministry of Transport) certificate expires. However, you must ensure you have a valid MOT certificate for the vehicle by the end of that day. After the expiry date, driving without a valid MOT certificate is illegal, except in specific circumstances such as moving to a pre-booked MOT test or to a garage for repairs necessary to pass the test.

By 2024, the maximum fee for an MOT test in the UK for a standard car will be £54.85, and for a motorcycle, it will be £29.65. Check with test centres to see if they offer discounts or promotions. It’s always a good idea to check with local garages or MOT centres for any updated pricing or special offers they may have.

How long is my MOT certificate valid for?

Your certificate is valid for one year (12 months) after you pass the MOT. Just look at the date on the certificate to find out how long it is valid.

Why is the MOT information for my car unavailable?

It may happen that your vehicle’s latest MOT information cannot be accessed due to various reasons. 

The most recent Test: If you had an MOT check done on your car recently, then it could be a while before that data gets into the system. Generally, it may last about 24 hours before all the latest details can find their way into the database.

Incorrect information: Double-check that you are entering the correct vehicle information, such as registration number. Any error in the information may result in no information.

New Vehicle: If your car is a new model, it could not have undergone its initial MOT inspection. Until they are 3 years old, new cars are exempt from the requirement to undergo a MOT.

Database errors: Occasionally, there may be technical problems or errors with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) or MOT database, which may temporarily prevent access to MOT data.

Recent registration: If the car is currently imported or registered in the UK, it will take some time for the MOT details to appear in the machine.

If you’re still having trouble accessing your car’s MOT data, you can reach out to the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) for help.

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