Free MOT history check
Enter any reg for a free instant report in second.
A free check includes road tax, MOT history, SORN & export status
Trusted information from the DVLA, DVSA & partners.
Importance of checking MOT status of a vehicle
It is a legal requirement for any vehicle to have a valid MOT certificate, but it is one that many drivers in the UK ignore. It can result in a fine of up to £2,500, A vehicle MOT check ensures that a vehicle is roadworthy.
As a result, any vehicle with a questionable MOT history might require costly repairs in the future, even if the MOT check shows that the vehicle currently has a valid MOT status. It’s also worth noting that a car that hasn’t had its MOT can’t be taxed or insured by the owner.
What is included in a free MOT & car tax check?
Our MOT check includes a wealth of information about the vehicle, such as vehicle specifications and DVLA registration details, as well as all the MOT data you require. Check the past results of a vehicle’s MOT tests, including:
- MOT expiry date: The date on which the vehicle’s MOT is due, as well as the number of days remaining.
- MOT test result: All MOT test results, including the date of the test, vehicle MOT failure notices if the vehicle failed the MOT, and advisories notices, if any.
- MOT mileage history: The complete mileage history as recorded by the MOT technician during the MOT test.
- MOT mileage issues: Our system detects and flags any mileage issues discovered between MOT tests.
- Why the vehicle failed the MOT: A complete list of failure notices provided by MOT stations explains why the vehicle failed its MOT.
- Days until the next MOT due date: Countdown to the next MOT due date if the current MOT is valid, or shows how many days have passed since the last MOT.
Why Choose Our MOT History Checker?
- Free and easy to use – Get the information you need in seconds, with no hidden costs.
- Quick and reliable results – Access accurate data directly from the DVLA (gov.uk) database with our MOT checker.
- Comprehensive reports – Get a detailed breakdown of each MOT test, including failure reasons and advisories.
Gain instant access to a vehicle’s complete MOT history. See every test result, from passes to failures, for a clear picture of the car’s condition. Don’t rely on guesswork.
Our MOT check reveals past repairs, potential issues, and mileage readings, allowing you to make informed decisions. Uncover any hidden problems before you buy. A thorough MOT history check can save you from costly repairs down the road.
Frequently asked questions
1. Why is the expiry date on my MOT incorrect?
After you present your vehicle for testing, it may take up to 5 days for the MOT expiry date to be updated. If a car lacks an MOT, it could be less than three years old. In this case, there will be no MOT data available in the MOT history check.
2. What are major, minor, and dangerous MOT faults?
MOT faults can range from minor issues, such as incorrect wiper blade strength, to major problems that could affect the vehicle’s safety or the environment, such as faulty brakes or emissions.
Of course, there are also dangerous faults that should be taken into account immediately and fixed without failures, such as brake fluid leaks or insufficient levels leading to breaking failure.
3. How long is my MOT certificate valid for?
Your certificate will be valid for 12 months, after passing the MOT test. To check how long your MOT certificate is remaining, simply refer to the date on the certificate.
4.How long does it take to pass an MOT?
On average, an MOT test takes 45 to 60 minutes, but there are a few other factors to consider. First and foremost, if your vehicle fails the test and requires repairs, the process will be lengthy.
5. What is the cost of an MOT?
The maximum fee that official test centres can charge for an MOT is set by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency. It is currently £54.85 for cars and motor caravans and £29.65 for motorcycles, but many garages charge less – sometimes up to 50% less – than this.
6. What is checked during an MOT?
An MOT test is a yearly inspection that ensures your vehicle meets all required road safety and environmental standards. As part of the MOT, every vehicle is subjected to a battery of tests and inspections. They will look at the following items during the inspection of your vehicle:
- Electrical devices
- Brakes
- Tyres
- Steering
- Windscreen, wiper, and mirrors,
- Seats and seat belts
- Emissions and exhausts
7 . What does it mean if vehicle details cannot be found?
There are several reasons why a MOT information might be unavailable for your vehicle:
- Your vehicle is too new and has not yet undergone an MOT test.
- Your vehicle is very old, and the MOT information may no longer be accessible.
- Your vehicle has failed an MOT test, and the information is not publicly available.
- The vehicle registration number entered may be incorrect.
- If you believe MOT information should be available for your vehicle, you can contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for assistance.
8. Can I drive if my car fails an MOT?
Technically, yes, but only if your current MOT certificate remains valid. Please keep in mind that depending on the severity of the issues discovered during the test, your vehicle may be deemed unfit to drive and must be repaired before the MOT expires; otherwise, you will not be issued a new MOT certificate.
If your car fails due to a serious problem, such as broken brakes, you won’t be able to drive it until it’s repaired. In most cases, motorists will choose to have the issues that caused the failure resolved in order to ensure that it meets the DVSA’s minimum safety and environmental criteria.
The test certificate issued when your vehicle passes its MOT is valid for 12 months. Check the date on your certificate to see how much time is left on your MOT.
9. Does the MOT history help identify mileage tampering (clocking)?
Mileage inconsistencies between MOT tests and what the seller claims or a sudden drop in the mileage mot history reading can be signs of clocking. However, this method is not foolproof. A full history check might be necessary for a more conclusive answer.
10. When is my vehicle's tax and MOT due?
Try our free car check to find out when your vehicle’s tax and MOT will expire. Alternatively, you can use the GOV.UK vehicle tax and MOT history checkers.
11. When should I renew my vehicle tax and MOT?
Use our free car check service to find out when you need to renew your vehicle’s tax and MOT.
Simply enter your vehicle’s registration number, and we’ll provide the tax and MOT expiry dates and important details like make, model, registered date and colour.
Use our service to stay on top of important due dates while also keeping your vehicle legally roadworthy.
12. Can I run a DVLA car check for MOT history?
Our free vehicle check service makes checking a vehicle’s MOT history simple. Enter the vehicle’s registration number to get the full MOT history. This includes test results, advisory notes, failure causes, and mileage readings.
Our free vehicle check ensures you have a thorough understanding of your current or potential vehicle’s MOT history.
You can check the current insurance status of a car through a reliable source like askMID.
13. Why doesn't the data from my vehicle check match my car's specifications?
If you notice inconsistencies in your car’s data after a free car check, there could be a number of reasons.
The DVLA car check data may be outdated due to recent plate changes, the tax or MOT could have expired while data was being processed, or there might be an entry error.
It is also possible that the vehicle’s information has been tampered with or misrepresented.
To ensure that your car history check is accurate, cross-check the data with other reliable sources and inspect the vehicle directly.
14. Why is a car check crucial?
A car check is crucial when buying a used car. It ensures that you do not purchase a stolen vehicle or one that has been written off by an insurer.
While the DVLA does provide some free vehicle history, it primarily offers MOT history, tax information, and basic vehicle information.
Thousands of users rely on our car check to find outstanding financing on vehicles, stolen car records, insurance write-offs, and mileage discrepancies.
The DVLA has revealed that 64,087 vehicles were reported stolen in 2023, a 5% increase over the previous year.
A stolen, recovered, or police marker on a vehicle is only revealed during a car check.
- 1 in every 3 cars had problems during their last MOT.
- 4 out of every 10 cars have a salvage/total loss history.
- 1 in every 11 cars has mileage discrepancies, meaning it may have been clocked.
- 1 in 4 cars we check has an active finance or outstanding loan against it.
Understanding MOT exemptions: is my vehicle exempt from an MOT?
There are two primary categories of MOT exemptions in the UK: vehicle age and type of vehicle.
- Age: Vehicles registered over 40 years ago are generally exempt from MOTs if they have yet to undergo substantial modifications in the last 30 years that affect how the vehicle works, such as a new engine or chassis.
- Type: Some vehicles are exempt regardless of age, including electric goods vehicles registered before March 1, 2015, and tractors.
To find out for sure if your vehicle is exempt, you can check the following:
- Look at the date your vehicle was first registered: If it was registered before January 1, 1984, it likely no longer requires an MOT.
- Check for substantial modifications: If your vehicle is older than 40 years but has had significant parts replaced in the last 30 years, it might still need an MOT.
If you need clarification about your vehicle’s age or modifications, you can find resources online to check its MOT history or use a government MOT checker tool. You can also contact the DVLA for clarification & feel free to contact the DVSA for assistance.
Preparing for an MOT Check
To improve the chances of passing the MOT test, vehicle owners should:
- Regularly Service the Vehicle: Routine maintenance can identify and fix potential issues before the MOT test.
- Conduct Pre-MOT Checks: Owners can perform basic checks on lights, tyres, windscreen wipers, and fluid levels.
- Use a Reputable Garage: Choosing a trustworthy MOT testing station ensures a fair and thorough inspection.
