Free MOT history Check
Our customers say Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 186 reviews
What's included in our MOT check
When you enter your registration, we'll tell you everything you need to know about your vehicle's MOT history.
MOT due date
See when you need to get your new MOT certificate by.
Mileage History
Our free report shows you your last 25 mileage records.
Current MOT Status
Find out whether your current MOT certificate is still valid.
Refusal notes
Learn why your vehicle didn't pass its last MOT test.
Advisory notes
See what minor issues were noted during your vehicle's last MOT.
All MOT Records
View all available MOT checks for your vehicle.
FREE TOOL
Why check your car's MOT status?
The MOT test verifies your vehicle meets the minimum safety and environmental standards required by law. When you pass the test, you'll receive an MOT certificate, which is valid for one year. If your car is older than three years, you are legally required to hold a valid MOT certificate to drive it on UK roads.
Being unaware of your car's current MOT status can be extremely costly. If you're caught driving without an MOT certificate, you could face a fine of up to £1,000. And if your vehicle has 'dangerous' defects, it could increase to £2,500. The police may also seize and impound your car, leaving you with additional costs and tremendous inconvenience.
Beyond that, keeping up with your car's MOT history can help you plan ahead for future tests. If you have advisory notes from last year's test, you can address them ahead of time to ensure you pass. And with ample time to book a time slot at an MOT test centre, you can avoid the last-minute rush and stress (and you'll have more options for availability).
If you're planning to buy a used car, checking its MOT history will give you insight into its maintenance and potential issues you might need to address in the future. It can also help you negotiate a fair price with the seller, since you'll have a better understanding of the vehicle's condition.
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Our customers say Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 186 reviews
MOT & service
Our customers say Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 186 reviews
Important information on MOT certificates
There are a few exceptions and considerations to keep in mind when evaluating your MOT status.
Driving a vehicle without an MOT
Unless you're driving straight to a garage for an MOT test (and can prove it), you'll face a fine, 3 points on your licence, and potential impoundment of your vehicle.
Vehicles over 40 years old
Cars and motorbikes older than 40 years are no longer required to pass an MOT test, so long as they haven't had any substantial changes or modifications in the last 30 years.
Electric goods vehicles
Electric goods vehicles registered before 1 March 2015 are exempt from MOT testing. Electric motorcycles and passenger cars are still required to have an MOT certificate.
HGVs, buses, and coaches
MOT testing requirements are different for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), buses, and coaches. Refer to the DVLA's heavy goods vehicle inspection manual.
MOT Test Changes
Since 2021, defects have been classified as 'dangerous', 'major', or 'minor' instead of 'pass' or 'fail'. Vehicles with 'dangerous' defects cannot leave the test centre, even if their current MOT is still valid.
Tractors and agriculture vehicles
Limited use vehicles, such as tractors and agricultural vehicles, are exempt from MOT testing, provided they drive fewer than six miles per week.
Check your car's MOT status in 5 simple steps
After entering your vehicle registration, you have two options: book an MOT test with a trusted garage or
simply set a reminder for when your current MOT certificate expires. If your due date is approaching, use
our platform to compare prices and reviews from top-rated garages and schedule your test. We strongly
recommend booking it sooner rather than later to avoid any potential problems (we'll even arrange a free pickup!).
Our AI technology compares 100's of garages in your area to match you with the best garage based on your vehicle make, model, age and garage rating.
FAQs about MOT status and history
Want to know more? Here are answers to the questions our users ask us most.
When is my MOT due?
Your car's first MOT is due three years after its registration date (four years in Northern Ireland), and annually thereafter. You can check the exact date your MOT is due by entering your vehicle’s registration number on the Garage.co.uk MOT status page.
How long is my MOT valid?
An MOT certificate is valid for 12 months from its issue date. You can renew your MOT up to a month minus one day before it expires without the new test date changing your annual expiry date.
Do any vehicles not need an MOT test?
Yes, some vehicles are exempt from needing an MOT test. These include vehicles over 40 years old that haven't undergone substantial changes in the last 30 years, tractors, electric goods vehicles registered before March 2015, some temporary imports, and vehicles that are never used on public roads (must be declared off-road with a Statutory Off Road Notification, or SORN).
What happens if my vehicle doesn’t have a valid MOT?
Driving without a valid MOT is illegal unless you are driving to a pre-booked MOT test. If caught, you can be fined up to £1,000 (or up to £2,500 if you have dangerous defects) and three points on your licence. Your insurance policy is also void when you don't have a valid MOT, meaning you won't be covered in the event of an accident.
Why is there no MOT information available for my car?
The vehicle might be new and hasn't yet required its first MOT (which is due three years from registration in the UK, or four years in Northern Ireland). If you're looking for info from a recent test, there may be a delay in the MOT data system updating. Also, if the vehicle has never had an MOT test (such as imported vehicles before their first UK MOT), there won't be any MOT history available.
Can I drive my car if my MOT expires today?
You can legally drive your car until midnight on the day the MOT expires. However, after midnight, it becomes illegal to drive on public roads without a valid MOT, unless you are driving to a pre-booked MOT test.
Why should I check a car’s MOT history?
Checking a car's MOT history is important as it helps you understand the vehicle's maintenance history and identify recurring issues that may need attention. You can also verify the accuracy of the mileage and prevent odometer fraud. You can use this info to gauge the overall condition and reliability of the vehicle before purchasing.
How can I check my car's MOT history?
You can view your vehicle's MOT history online using the Garage.co.uk MOT checker tool. Here, you'll need to enter the vehicle's registration number to access records, which will include dates of tests, mileage at each test, and whether the vehicle passed or failed, along with details of minor and major issues found during the tests.
How can I book an MOT test?
You can book an MOT test using our platform. Simply enter your postcode and vehicle's registration number, and we will show you a list of top-rated garages near you that offer MOT tests. You can also compare prices and book your test on our site for added convenience.
Is the car MOT checker free to use?
Yes, our vehicle MOT checker is free to use. You can check any vehicle’s MOT status and history using this tool by entering its registration number. This service is helpful for keeping track of your own vehicle's MOT due dates as well as checking the status of a used car you're considering purchasing.
Is the car MOT checker information accurate and reliable?
Since we get all our data straight from the DVLA, our vehicle MOT check information is as accurate and reliable as it gets. We update our database in real time, so all the data displayed on our MOT checker tool is up to date and correct.
Can I use the car MOT checker for any vehicle?
Yes, you can use the car MOT checker for any vehicle that is registered with the DVLA in the UK, assuming you know that vehicle's registration number. This includes cars, motorcycles, vans, and any other type of vehicles that require an MOT.
Can I check the MOT history of a used car I want to buy?
On our site, you can check the MOT history of a used car you're interested in buying. You'll need to get the vehicle's registration number from the seller to access this information. Our report will show you the dates of past MOT tests, the mileage at each test, and any failures or notes on issues identified during those tests.
Is the car MOT checker a substitute for a proper vehicle inspection?
While the MOT history can provide valuable information about a car's past, including its consistency in passing MOT tests and any recurring issues, it does not replace the need for a physical inspection. A comprehensive vehicle inspection can reveal mechanical and safety issues that are not covered in an MOT test, such as the condition of the engine, clutch, and gearbox.
