MOT Checker
Try our free-to-use MOT Checker
Find out your vehicle's MOT status, history and when it's due.
Get a free MOT history check instantly
View MOT history
Learn more about how your car performed on previous MOTs and review past certificates.
MOT expiry date
Find out when your vehicle’s MOT status expires so you can prepare for your next test.
Vehicle information
The date your vehicle was registered, fuel type, mileage records and much more!
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What does the free MOT check include?
Our free MOT check tool provides a comprehensive overview of a vehicle's MOT status. When you use our tool, you'll gain access to a vehicle's MOT history, which includes detailed records of past MOT tests. This information covers the dates of previous tests, the results, and any advisory notes, helping you understand a vehicle's maintenance history and any recurring issues.
Additionally, the tool allows you to check your current MOT status, ensuring that your vehicle's MOT is valid and informing you when it is due for renewal. This helps you stay compliant with legal requirements and avoid any penalties. You'll also be able to find out the exact date when your current MOT certificate expires, allowing you to plan ahead and book your next test in time.
How does the MOT checker work?
When you add your vehicle's registration number into our MOT checker tool crawls a vehicle database and tracks down your vehicle. Once your vehicle is identified, the tool will not only determine when the vehicle last had an MOT, but it will also provide you with a detailed history of previous MOTs the vehicle has had.
Read more about vehicle MOTs
Why should you check your car's MOT history and status?
You should always be aware of a vehicle’s MOT status and history because this information could potentially save you a lot of money and make sure you’re always compliant with UK driving laws.
Whether you’re considering becoming the new owner of a vehicle, or don’t remember the last time your own vehicle was MOT’d, checking its MOT status is important.
Knowing a vehicle’s MOT record could influence whether you buy the vehicle or not. For instance, if you like the look of an older car, but see that it’s had numerous failed MOT tests for recurring faults where it’s aged badly this might encourage you to avoid the car and look elsewhere. Ultimately, making sure you check the MOT history of a vehicle could save you a lot of money!
How to book an MOT
To book an MOT, just follow these steps:
- Check your current MOT expiry date: enter your vehicle reg into our MOT checker and find out when your MOT is due.
- Find an MOT centre: Look for an approved MOT centre near you. These centres display a blue sign with three white triangles.
- Book an appointment: Contact the MOT centre to schedule a time to have your car tested. You can often book online or by phone.
- Prepare your vehicle: Make sure you have your current MOT certificate and any other necessary documents ready for the test.
- Attend the appointment: Take your car to the MOT centre at the scheduled time. The test will check various aspects of your vehicle to ensure it meets road safety and environmental standards.
If your car passes the test, you'll receive a new MOT certificate. If it fails, you'll be given a list of issues that need to be fixed before the car can be retested.
Frequently asked questions about MOT checks
What is an MOT?
MOT tests themselves are responsible for testing the roadworthiness and safety of vehicles in the UK. Almost all vehicles (excluding a few exemptions) are required to be MOT tested at least once a year, and it’s this assessment that judges whether a vehicle meets legal standards and is deemed safe to drive on UK roads.
A vehicle can be assessed to have “Minor” faults and still pass the MOT test, whereas if the vehicle has any “Major” faults, these needs to be repaired or fixed before the vehicle is legally allowed to be driven again on the road and awarded an MOT certificate.
What is checked on an MOT?
The following features of a vehicle are checked on an MOT test:
- Seat belts
- Tyres
- Brakes
- Electrical equipment, including lamps and reflectors
- The body and structure
- Exhaust system, fuel and emissions
- Mirrors & windscreen
- Steering and suspension
You’ll notice that the engine, gearbox, and clutch are not mentioned in the list above, and that’s because they are not checked on MOT tests.
To find out more about what is and isn’t included on an MOT test, read our guide: Your complete MOT checklist.
Where can I go for an MOT test?
To get a legitimate and valid MOT, you must take your vehicle to an approved MOT test centre. You can identify an approved MOT test centre because it’ll display a blue sign with 3 white triangles in it.
Generally, if you type “MOT test centre near me” on Google, you’ll find somewhere you can take your vehicle. Check which centres are best reviewed and contact them so that you can book an appointment.
If you’re still struggling to find a test centre, visit the GOV.UK website where you can find the UK’s active MOT test stations.
How long does an MOT take?
On average, an MOT test takes between 45 and 60 minutes. You can learn more specifically about how long your MOT might take by reading our guide: How long does a MOT take?
What does MOT stand for?
MOT stands for Ministry of Transport. The Ministry of Transport is a department of the UK government which is responsible for monitoring overall vehicle safety and roadworthiness, and they mostly do this through MOT tests.
How much does it cost for an MOT?
According to GOV.UK, the maximum fee you can pay for a car MOT is £54.85, whist for a standard motorcycle MOT you shouldn’t pay more than £29.65. You don’t need to pay VAT on an MOT fee.
Bear in mind that this charge is just for the MOT test itself, because if your vehicle is assessed to have major faults, you’ll need to pay the garage to get them fixed in order for the vehicle to receive a valid MOT and be eligible for driving safely on UK roads.
Can you drive a car without an MOT?
There are exceptions, but on the whole, no, you cannot drive a car without having a valid MOT. If your vehicle’s MOT runs out, or it fails its MOT test, you’re not legally allowed to drive the vehicle unless you are driving to a pre-booked MOT test.
Other than the legal implications, driving a vehicle without an MOT is also unsafe and dangerous, not only for you, but also for other drivers. Read more on this in our guide: Drive without an MOT - what you need to know.
Can you insure a car without a valid MOT certificate?
In order to be able to provide comprehensive coverage, most insurance companies require a valid MOT certificate to confirm that a car is roadworthy. While some insurers may offer third-party insurance without an MOT, this is rare and usually comes with conditions. Additionally, driving without an MOT can invalidate your insurance.
It's important to check your insurance policy documents carefully to understand the specific requirements and conditions related to MOT status. If you need help understanding how your car insurance policy works, get in touch with us. We'd be happy to help.
What if my MOT expiry date is incorrect?
Is your MOT expiry date incorrect? If so, you need to get in touch with the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). They'll be able to update your certificate and send out the corrected version to you.
How can I check if my car is taxed?
The best way to find out whether your car is taxed or not is to try out our Car Tax Checker! It’s free to use and can give you an immediate insight into if and when your car was last taxed.
How early can I get an MOT for my car?
According to the Ministry of Transport, you are able to get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before the MOT runs out, which would keep the same renewal date for the following year.
For instance, if your MOT was due to run out on September 20th, the earliest date you can get an MOT and keep the same renewal date for the next year is August 22nd.
Are any vehicles exempt from MOTs?
For most new, standard vehicles and cars, they’re not required to be MOT tested until they reach three years old. Otherwise, other vehicles which are MOT-exempt include:
- Tractors
- Some classic or historic vehicles
- Electric goods vehicles registered before 1st March 2015.
There are some more specific regulations and restrictions for particular vehicles though which you can read on GOV.UK’s Vehicles Exempt from MOT page.
More resources
MOT guides
Need more information about MOTs? You’ve come to the right place.
- What Does MOT Stand For? MOT Terms Explained
- Your complete MOT checklist
- When do I need an MOT?
- Motorcycle MOTs: All you need to know
- Can You Insure a Car Without an MOT?
- Can You Tax a Car Without an MOT?
- What MOT Class is My Vehicle?
- How long does a MOT take?
- Drive without an MOT - what you need to know
Latest car insurance guides
Everything you need to know about cars and the insurance policies which cover them. Explore more topics in our Car Insurance Guides.
- Your guide to Cat S car insurance
- If my car is written off what happens to my insurance-policy?
- When does my car insurance run out?
- Can you use a no claims bonus on two cars?
- Car insurance for non UK residents
- How much voluntary excess should I pay on car insurance?
- Can you drive a SORN car to an mot without insurance?
- What are car insurance occupation categories?
- Car insurance change of address: what to know
- Car insurance without a black box: what to know
- Car insurance cancellation laws in the UK
Other car guides
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