Free tool

MOT Checker

Check your vehicle’s MOT status, expiry date, and full test history from public DVSA records.

Data from official DVSA records. For the most current status, use the gov.uk MOT checker.

MOT status

Enter a registration to check history

What is an MOT test?

Annual roadworthiness check for most UK vehicles over 3 years old.

The MOT test (Ministry of Transport test) is an annual inspection required for most vehicles over 3 years old in the UK. It checks that your vehicle meets minimum road safety and environmental standards.

The test covers essential components including brakes, lights, steering, suspension, tyres, seatbelts, and emissions. Driving without a valid MOT certificate is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £1,000 (exception: driving directly to a pre-booked MOT test).

40M+

Tests / year

£54.85

Max fee (cars)

~45 min

Typical test time

Status shown here uses official DVSA public records. For the definitive status, confirm on gov.uk.

When is MOT due?

Anniversary of the last test — first at 3 years after registration.

Your MOT is due on the anniversary of your last MOT test. For new vehicles, the first MOT is due 3 years after registration. After that, it is due every year.

New cars

First MOT after 3 years from registration.

After first

Due annually on the anniversary of the last test.

Early test

Up to one month minus a day before expiry — keep your renewal date.

You can test early

Get an MOT up to one month (minus a day) before it expires and keep your existing renewal date.

If it expires

You cannot drive on public roads except directly to a pre-booked MOT test. Fine up to £1,000.

What gets checked?

Safety, structure, and emissions — the main test areas.

The MOT covers roadworthiness items including brakes, lights, steering, suspension, tyres, seatbelts, mirrors, wipers, horn, structure, emissions, and registration plates.

Brakes

Brake pads, discs, drums, hydraulic system, handbrake.

Steering & suspension

Steering rack, shock absorbers, springs, wheel bearings.

Lights & electrics

Headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazards, horn, mirrors, wipers.

Tyres & wheels

Tyre condition, tread depth (min 1.6mm), wheel security.

Emissions

Exhaust emissions, catalytic converter, DPF.

Body, structure & seatbelts

Bodywork, corrosion, doors, windscreen, seatbelts, registration plates.

Failures & defect categories

How defects are graded and the most common fail reasons.

Since May 2018, MOT defects are categorised by severity. Dangerous and Major mean a fail; Minor and Advisory still pass but should be monitored or repaired.

DANGEROUS

Direct and immediate risk. Immediate fail — vehicle should not be driven.

MAJOR

May affect safety or the environment. Fail — must be repaired.

MINOR

No significant effect on safety. Pass — repair soon.

ADVISORY

Not a defect yet but may become one. Pass — monitor.

Common MOT failure reasons

Top reasons vehicles fail (approx., DVSA data)

1

Lighting and signalling

Blown bulbs, incorrect aim, damaged lenses

~30%
2

Suspension

Worn shock absorbers, damaged springs, ball joints

~20%
3

Brakes

Worn pads/discs, binding, poor efficiency

~18%
4

Tyres

Insufficient tread, damage, incorrect size

~10%
5

Driver's view of the road

Windscreen chips/cracks, wiper issues

~9%

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about MOT testing and this checker.

How do I check my MOT history?
Enter your vehicle registration above to get your full MOT history. We show test results, advisories, failures, mileage records, and expiry dates from official DVSA records.
When is my first MOT due?
New vehicles are exempt from MOT testing for the first 3 years. Your first MOT is due on the third anniversary of your vehicle's registration date. After that, it's due annually.
Can I drive without a valid MOT?
No. Driving without a valid MOT certificate is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £1,000. The only exception is driving directly to a pre-booked MOT test appointment.
How long does an MOT test take?
A standard MOT test typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. However, if repairs are needed, it may take longer. Many garages offer a while-you-wait service.
How much does an MOT cost?
The maximum fee is set by law at £54.85 for cars (as of 2024). Many garages charge less than this, with typical prices ranging from £30-£50. Commercial vehicles have different maximum fees.
Can I get an MOT early?
Yes, you can get an MOT up to one month (minus a day) before your current certificate expires. If you do this, your new MOT will be dated from the expiry of your old one, so you don't lose any time.
What happens if my car fails the MOT?
If your car fails, you'll receive a list of the reasons (defects). You can either have the repairs done at the same garage and get a partial retest, or take it elsewhere. You have 10 working days for a free partial retest at the same station.
What's the difference between an advisory and a failure?
A failure item is something that must be fixed before the vehicle can pass. An advisory is something that's not serious enough to fail but may become a problem in the future and should be monitored or repaired soon.
Do electric cars need an MOT?
Yes, electric vehicles require an MOT once they're over 3 years old, just like petrol and diesel cars. The test covers the same safety checks, though there's no emissions test required.
Can I appeal an MOT failure?
Yes, if you believe your vehicle was incorrectly failed, you can appeal to DVSA within 14 days (or 3 months if the appeal is about the vehicle's condition on the day of the test). The vehicle must not be used and must be available for inspection.
What do I need to bring to an MOT?
You should bring your V5C registration document (logbook) if available, though it's not mandatory. The vehicle itself must have enough fuel/charge for the emissions test and the horn, brakes, steering, and lights must be accessible and working.
Are classic cars exempt from MOT?
Vehicles over 40 years old are exempt from MOT testing if they haven't been 'substantially changed' in the last 40 years. However, they must still be roadworthy when used on public roads.

Compare multiple vehicles

Use Motorwise to analyse MOT history and vehicle data for free — compare mileage trends and make smarter decisions.

Compare Vehicles Free
DVSA public data Free · no signup Confirm on gov.uk