Free MOT status checker
Check your vehicle's MOT status and history for free
Check your MOT history
Learn more about how your car performed on previous MOTs and review past certificates.
Find out your MOT status and 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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How do I check my MOT status and history?
You can check your vehicle's MOT status and history online by using our MOT status checker tool.
When you add your vehicle's registration number into our MOT status checker tool it crawls a vehicle database and tracks down your vehicle.
*Your results should be available as soon as the MOT centre has recorded the test. Results are only available for tests done in England, Scotland or Wales since 2005.
What does the free MOT check include?
Our free MOT status check tool provides a comprehensive overview of a vehicle's MOT history, which includes detailed records of past MOT tests. This information includes 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 and due date online, enabling you to see whether your vehicle's MOT certificate is valid, and when your MOT expiry date is. This helps you stay compliant with legal requirements and avoid any penalties. Knowing exactly when your current MOT certificate expires will allow you to plan ahead and book your next test at your local DVLA-certified garage.
Do you think your MOT expiry date, status or vehicle details or wrong? Contact the DVLA.
Read more about vehicle MOTs
Why should you check your car's MOT status and history?
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 history 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 certification, status and history of a vehicle could save you a lot of money!
Not sure when your car tax runs out? Use our free Car Tax Check tool and find out when your vehicle's road tax is due.
What's checked on an MOT?
MOT checks are comprehensive, and make sure all aspects of a vehicle are safe and roadworthy. A car's overall performance on an MOT check is typically broken down into four key areas. These are:
Safety
The following safety features of a vehicle are checked on an MOT test to make sure they meet DVLA's legal standards:
- 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.
Existing issues
Does your vehicle have any existing problems? MOT garages will identify where there are potential faults and areas which could worsen in the future. This helps prevent breakdowns and accidents occurring in the future.
Emissions
MOTs make sure that vehicles meet government standards when it comes to the amount of emissions it produces.
Functionality
In order for a vehicle to be deemed roadworthy, all its components need to function properly. A garage will check many car functionalities to make sure it is safe to drive.
To find out more about what is and isn’t included on an MOT test, read our guide: Your complete MOT checklist.
How to book an MOT
To book an MOT, just follow these steps:
- Check your current MOT expiry date: enter your car's registration number into our MOT checker and find out when your MOT is due.
- Find an MOT centre: Look for an approved DVLA 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, valid MOT certificate. If it fails, you'll be given a list of issues that need to be fixed before the car can be retested. Be aware though that there are different MOT classes, each suited to grade a particular vehicle type. Check the DVLA MOT Inspection Manual for a full list of requirements for all 7 MOT classes.
Rules around MOTs haven't always been the same either. MOT test rules changed in 2018, and you can find out more about those changes via the DVLA.
Have you still got more questions about MOTs and how they work? Visit our MOT FAQs page if you can't find the answer to your question below.
Frequently asked questions about MOT status
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 and receive a valid MOT certificate 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 a valid MOT certificate.
Where can I go for an MOT test?
To get a legitimate and valid MOT certificate, 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.
If you drive your vehicle in Northern Ireland, you can book an MOT test online via the Northern Ireland Direct Government Services website.
How much is does an MOT cost?
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 certificate 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 car fails its MOT, or the MOT runs out, 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 and history. 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 DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). They'll be able to review your MOT certificate and amend it with the correct MOT expiry date.
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.
You can also review the latest UK car tax changes 2025 in our recent guide.
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.
Can I drive my car that failed an MOT with a major fault?
No, you absolutely cannot drive a car which has failed an MOT as a result of a major fault.
This is because major faults are only flagged if part of a vehicle is deemed unroadworthy. Driving a vehicle which is considered to be unroadworthy could be illegal, and if caught, you could face fines if you’re stopped by the police.
Can I appeal a failed MOT test?
Yes, you can appeal a failed MOT test, but only if you believe that the result is incorrect.
You can do this by contacting the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). However, you must do this within 14 working days of the test and provide details as to why you believe the test result was no correct. It will then be up to the DVSA to decide whether your vehicle should be re-examined for a new MOT certificate.
Can I re-take an MOT test if my vehicle failed?
You can re-take an MOT test, but only if you have gotten the necessary repairs that were flagged on the failed MOT test. Once your mechanic has done that, your vehicle is then eligible to re-take the test within 10 days free of charge.
More car and MOT resources
MOT guides
Need more information about MOTs? You’ve come to the right place. Learn more about MOT status, history and tests in the guides below:
- MOT FAQs - Everything you need to know about MOTs
- 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 an MOT take?
- Drive without an MOT - what you need to know
- Class 7 MOTs: Your Complete Guide
- How to report a car with no MOT
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.
- Car Insurance Groups [A Complete Guide]
- Car Insurance Group Checker
- 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
Modified car guides
- Modified Car Insurance FAQs
- Is modified car insurance cheaper?
- How much is modified car insurance?
- Does your insurance go up if you modify your car?
- Driving a modified car and don’t know it?
- Can you get modified van insurance?
- Can you modify a financed car?
Classic car guides
Other car guides
Learn more about the ins-and-outs of cars through our car guides:
- New registration plates for 2025: UK number plates explained
- How to change a car battery
- What does a car service include?
- How much oil does my car need? A handy guide
- Car warranty cover: What to know
- What is ESP on a car?
- How long do car tyres last?
- How long does a car battery last?
- Wrong fuel in your car? Here’s what to do
- All the Info You Need on Your V5C Log Book
- V5C New Keeper Slip: How to Change a Car’s Registered Keeper
- What is a V11 reminder?
- SORN my car: How to declare your vehicle as off road
Guides about car tax
Still got some questions around car tax? Take a look at the guides below and get all the answers you need!
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