Free MOT history check

The MOT test is an annual car examination run by the UK’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) linked to a registry operated by the DVLA. In England, Scotland, and Wales, all cars over three years old are legally required to pass the MOT to drive. In Northern Ireland, all vehicles over four years old must pass this annual examination. 

The MOT assesses vehicle safety, emissions, and overall roadworthiness. It ensures that vehicles meet legal standards for operation on UK roads and helps maintain road safety and the latest environmental standards.

To check your MOT status online, use Motorway’s free MOT check or visit the official DVLA website and enter your vehicle’s registration number. You’ll see the vehicle’s MOT history, including pass or fail statuses, advisory notes, and the expiry date. You can then book your next MOT test when it’s due.

If you notice that the expiry date on your MOT certificate is incorrect, it could be due to delays in the MOT system updating, administrative errors, or issues with the MOT testing station inputting data. Contact the DVLA as soon as possible if you believe there’s an error.

To legally drive in the UK, all vehicles need to have valid MOT certificates. 

If your car failed the MOT, you can only drive it if you are going to:

• A pre-booked MOT retest appointment
• A garage for necessary repairs

To rectify a mileage error on your MOT certificate, contact the MOT testing station where the certificate was issued. They will guide you through the corrections process, which usually involves providing evidence of the correct mileage and completing additional paperwork.

All passenger vehicles, motorcycles, vans, campervans, and specialised vehicles are required to pass the MOT. However, check the government’s guidelines to see if your vehicle qualifies for exemption.

Some vehicles that are exempt from MOT requirements include:

• Electric goods vehicles
• Tractors
• Vehicles over 40 years old (if registered as historic)
• Vehicles used only for specific purposes (e.g., agriculture, road construction)

During an MOT test, inspectors assess various car components to ensure roadworthiness and compliance with the latest emissions standards. These include:

• Brakes
• Doors
• Electrical system
• Exhaust emissions
• Exhaust system
• Fuel system
• Lights
• Mirrors 
• Registration plates
• Seatbelts and seats
• Steering and suspension
• Towbars 
• Tyres and wheels
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Vehicle structure and body condition
• Windscreen 

Booking an MOT test is simple:

1. Find an approved MOT test centre near you. This could be at a garage, car dealership, or a dedicated MOT testing station.
2. Contact the centre to schedule an appointment.
3. Provide your vehicle’s registration number.
4. Arrive at the test centre on time with your vehicle and necessary documents, including V5C logbook.

As of 2024, the maximum fee for a passenger car MOT test is £54.85. While the national average is approximately £45, costs can vary based on several factors, including location, vehicle type, and if other repairs or services are required. Consult your testing centre beforehand for accurate pricing. 

In most cases, new cars do not require an MOT test until they reach the third anniversary of their registration. This is true in England, Scotland, and Wales; in Northern Ireland, vehicles do not need an MOT until the fourth anniversary of their registration. After these dates, vehicles must undergo yearly MOT tests to remain roadworthy and legally compliant, so it’s always worth being aware when yours is due.

Your MOT certificate lasts for 12 months from the date of issue. It’s essential to renew the MOT before it expires to continue legally driving on public UK roads.

After passing your MOT test, you’ll receive a certificate valid for one year from the test date. You’ll need to renew your MOT before it expires to ensure your vehicle remains road legal and safe to drive. You risk receiving penalties including a £1,000 fine and three points on your licence if you drive a car without a valid MOT certificate.

No. It is illegal to drive without a valid MOT certificate. The only exception is if you are driving to a pre-booked MOT test appointment or to a garage for repairs following an MOT failure. Failure to comply with MOT regulations can result in up to £1,000 in fines, penalty points on your licence, or even vehicle seizure.

A free MOT check can provide information about your vehicle’s history, including its mileage recorded during the annual MOT examination. 

While this free check can help identify discrepancies between reported mileage and official records, it’s not a foolproof way for verifying authenticity. For peace of mind, consider additional checks such as service history records and a professional vehicle inspection.

DVSA rules in the UK mean that you can get an MOT test done on your vehicle up to a month, minus a day, before the current MOT validity expires.

As an example, if your MOT expires on October 1st, you can get it tested as early as September 2nd. However, if you get your MOT done early (before it’s actually due), it does not affect or change the expiry date of your new MOT certificate. So, when you get your updated certificate, it will still be valid for 12 months from the original expiry date.

This flexibility on dates allows you to ensure your car meets the required standards without risking any days driving it without a valid MOT certificate. That said, if you get your test done early, before it’s due, it means you will be paying for an MOT test before you legally need to.