Free MOT Check
Enter your vehicle registration to find out its current MOT status – for FREE
When Is My MOT Due?
Enter your vehicle registration to find out its current MOT status – for FREE
What is an MOT?
An MOT is a series of tests to ensure your car is roadworthy and meets UK standards. A vehicle should have an MOT check every 12 months. The only exception is if it is brand new – in this case, the vehicle won’t need an MOT test for the first 3 years.
MOT History
Before buying any car or vehicle you should carry out an MOT history check. Think of the MOT history check as a diary of the car’s lifespan; it’ll be able to tell you everything that’s happened to the car since it rolled off the production line. You’ll be able to find out if there are any recurring mechanical or electrical issues, whether the previous owner(s) kept it to a high standard, when the last MOT check was carried out, and whether it is currently legally roadworthy.
MOT FAQs
How do I check my MOT?
To do an MOT check all you need are two things; five minutes of time and the vehicle’s registration number to enter above. This won’t cost you a penny to do – it’s totally free.
Can I drive my car if it fails its MOT check?
Umm, yes and no. If your current MOT certificate hasn’t expired then your vehicle is still technically roadworthy – that’s as long as no major faults are found on the new MOT test. If major faults are found on the new test and you don’t get them fixed before your old certificate expires, then you run the risk of a new certificate not being issued and your car would not then be legal to drive on the road.
What are advisories on an MOT certificate?
Advisory issues that are named on MOT certificates mean that the MOT tester has found some minor faults with your vehicle but they are not serious enough to warrant rendering the car unroadworthy. These are usually things like a brake light bulb needing to be replaced or a warning that your tyre(s) will need replacing soon.
How can I find out when my MOT is due?
Just enter your registration number in the box above. This will tell you when the last MOT test was carried out and you can do an MOT history check at the same time. Remember, your vehicle will need to have an MOT test every 12 months once it reaches 3 years old.
What are the penalties for driving a car without a valid MOT certificate?
If you drive a car without a valid MOT certificate then you could face 3 penalty points on your licence and a fine of up to £2,500. You could even potentially be banned from driving altogether. That’s why it’s essential that your DVLA MOT check is up-to-date.
Can I drive my car to the garage without an MOT?
Yes, you can, but only if you are on the way to an MOT test appointment or an MOT retest appointment to prove that you have had all the issues fixed to make it roadworthy that were identified in a previous recent MOT test.
How do I correct a mileage error on my MOT certificate?
If the MOT test was completed less than 28 days ago, you can ask the test centre to re-check the mileage and they will be able to rectify the issue and issue a new MOT certificate. If the MOT test was more than 28 days ago, you’ll need to report the mistake to the DVLA and they will sort this out.
Is my vehicle exempt from an MOT?
If your vehicle is over 40 years old then it won’t require an MOT (although, you are expected to still keep it in a roadworthy condition). Other exemptions include:
- If the vehicle is under 3 years old
- Electric vehicles registered before March 2015
- Classic Vehicles
What things should I look for on an MOT check?
There are a number of things that you should look for when checking and MOT:
- The MOT certificate expiry date
- The date of the MOT test
- The overall results of the MOT test
- The mileage of the vehicle at the time of testing
- Any advisory notices
- The reasons for refusal to grant an MOT certificate