How do I check my MOT status online?

Enter your vehicle registration number into the MOT checker above and click Check. You can see available MOT status, expiry, test history and advisory records from DVSA, alongside vehicle and tax information from DVLA. No account or payment is required.

Is this MOT checker free?

Yes — this MOT checker is free to use, with no account required. MOT history comes from DVSA and vehicle and tax information from DVLA. The MOT Health Score is our own assessment of those historical records, not an official government rating.

How far back does MOT history go?

DVSA MOT history for cars, motorcycles and vans in Great Britain is generally available from 2005. Northern Ireland records are available from 2017, and HGV, trailer, bus and coach records from 2018. Availability depends on the vehicle and recorded tests.

What does an advisory notice mean on an MOT?

An advisory is a note from the tester flagging something that isn't serious enough to fail the test right now, but could become a problem if left unattended. Common examples include slightly worn brake pads, minor tyre wear, or small corrosion patches. The car can still legally pass and be driven, but you should get advisories looked at before the next test — or sooner if the tester says so.

Can I check the MOT history of a car I'm buying?

Yes — you can run a free MOT check on any UK-registered vehicle, not just your own. Simply enter the seller's registration number and you'll see the full test history, recorded mileage at every test, and any advisories or failures. It's one of the most important checks to do before buying a used car.

Does mileage shown on an MOT check prove a car hasn't been clocked?

No. Recorded odometer readings can highlight a decrease that needs investigation, but they do not prove tampering. Recording errors, unit changes or an odometer replacement may also explain a discrepancy. Consistent readings do not guarantee genuine mileage; check supporting records and seek an independent inspection.

Can I drive to an MOT test with an expired MOT?

You must not drive or park on the road without a valid MOT unless an exemption applies. GOV.UK permits journeys to or from repairs or to a pre-arranged MOT test. The vehicle must still be roadworthy, insured and meet the other legal requirements for that journey. Do not drive a dangerous vehicle; arrange recovery instead.

What's the fine for driving without an MOT?

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving without a valid MOT when one is required. Insurance cover depends on your policy and circumstances; do not assume either that it remains valid or that it is automatically cancelled. Check with your insurer before driving.

What's the difference between MOT status and car tax status?

MOT and vehicle tax are separate requirements. The MOT records whether a vehicle met the test standards at the time of the test; it does not guarantee current roadworthiness. We show MOT records from DVSA and vehicle tax information from DVLA. Insurance, roadworthiness and any applicable exemptions must also be checked before driving.

MOT Checker UK — Free MOT Check

Simple & instant

How to Check Your MOT

Under 10 seconds, completely free — official DVLA data pulled live, no account needed.

01
Enter your reg
Type your UK registration number into the checker. No account, no sign-up — just your plate.
✓ Takes 5 seconds
02
Official MOT records
We retrieve available MOT history from DVSA, alongside vehicle and tax information from DVLA.
✓ Live official data
03
See your full results
MOT status, expiry date, every past test, mileage history, advisories, and DVLA tax — one page.
✓ Full history since 2005

About this tool

Free MOT Checker UK

Official DVLA data. Every test since 2005. No account, no cost.

Free

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Per check

2005

Records going back to

DVLA

Official government data

Our free MOT checker UK brings together available MOT records from DVSA and vehicle and tax information from DVLA. Enter a registration number to check recorded MOT status, expiry and test history. The records shown depend on the vehicle and the information available. No account or payment is required.

Most cars in Great Britain need their first MOT by the third anniversary of registration and another each year; some vehicle classes and exemptions have different rules. Driving without a required MOT can lead to a fine of up to £1,000. Check your insurance terms rather than assuming that cover is automatically cancelled or remains valid.

MOT history is sourced from DVSA and vehicle and tax information from DVLA. Results may be cached briefly to reduce repeat requests. Our MOT Health Score interprets historical records; it is not an official government safety rating or a guarantee of the vehicle's current condition.

For anyone buying a used car, DVSA MOT records can help identify recurring faults and mileage discrepancies alongside service records and an independent inspection. Recorded odometer readings are not proof of genuine mileage: investigate unexpected changes before concluding that mileage clocking has occurred.

Beyond the basic status check, our tool includes an MOT Health Score (0–100), defect analysis, recorded mileage history and a downloadable assessment. DVLA vehicle tax information is shown separately. These records do not confirm full road-legality: insurance, current roadworthiness and any applicable exemptions must also be checked.

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Common questions

Frequently Asked MOT Questions

Browse by topic to find what you need to know.

5 questions in this topic14 total

Your MOT is due once a year on the anniversary of your last test. Driving without a valid MOT can lead to fines, so it's worth doing a quick MOT check online to see your exact due date and avoid any surprises.

On average, an MOT takes around 45 minutes to an hour. If your vehicle passes, you'll be on your way quickly — but if repairs are needed, the garage may need extra time to fix issues before retesting.

The government maximum MOT fee is £54.85 for a standard car and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle. Other vehicle classes have different limits. Garages can charge less, so compare prices before booking.

MOT stands for Ministry of Transport. The test checks specified safety and environmental standards at the time of the test. A valid certificate does not guarantee that the vehicle remains roadworthy; the driver must keep it in a safe condition.

Most new cars in Great Britain need their first MOT by the third anniversary of registration and annually after that. Some vehicle classes need an earlier test, and Northern Ireland has different rules. Historic-vehicle exemptions have additional conditions; do not assume age or an online lookup alone confirms exemption.

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