Check MOT History

What is an MOT?

MOT stands for Ministry of Transport. It is a test which is required to be carried out on vehicles in the United Kingdom which are more than three years old. The purpose of the test is to ensure that the vehicle meets the minimum safety standards as set by the government.

The MOT test was introduced in 1960 and is now carried out by around 21,000 garages across the country. Around 25 million cars are tested each year, with around 500,000 of those failing the MOT.

When does my MOT run out?

The date that your MOT expires is printed on your current MOT certificate. It is important to renew your MOT before it runs out, as driving without a valid certificate is illegal.

You can renew your MOT up to one month before it expires, and you will still have the full 12 months from the expiry date. This means that if your MOT expires on 31st March, you can renew it from 29th February.

What is included on the MOT certificate?

The certificate will show the expiry date, as well as any advisory or failure items from the test. These are classified as:

• Dangerous – means that your vehicle has a significant or dangerous fault, and it should not be driven until it is repaired.
• Major – means that there is a critical safety fault with your vehicle, and it must be repaired as soon as possible.
• Minor – means there is a less serious fault with the vehicle. These faults may not need to be fixed straight away, but they should be monitored.
• Advisory – means that there is a potential safety issue with the vehicle, and you should have it repaired as soon as possible.

If any faults are found, you will be given an MOT certificate and a report detailing the faults. You can then take your vehicle to a garage to get the faults fixed, or you can choose to do it yourself. However, if you choose to fix the faults yourself, you must make sure that they are fixed properly and that your vehicle is safe to drive.

What does an MOT check for?

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets the minimum standards for road safety and environmental protection.

To do this, the test checks:

• Areas of the vehicle that are most likely to rust or deteriorate (such as the bodywork, tyres and suspension)
• That all lights and reflectors are in good working order
• That the windscreen, windows and mirrors are in good condition
• That the seats and seatbelts are in good condition and fit properly
• That the horn works
• That the steering and brakes work properly
• That the fuel system, exhaust and emission controls meet the legal standards
• That the vehicle does not have any major fluid leaks

If your vehicle fails the MOT test, you will be given a ‘refusal of an MOT certificate’ and you will need to have the faults fixed and retested. You usually have 14 days in which to do this.

If you take your vehicle away and come back later to have the faults fixed, you will need to have a partial MOT retest which covers all the items that were checked during the original test. You will still need to pay for the full MOT test fee.

How do I check my MOT History?

If you want to check your MOT history, you can do so online using our free MOT history checker tool. All you need is your vehicle’s registration number, and you will be able to see any past MOT certificates and reports. This can be helpful if you are buying a used car, as you will be able to see any potential issues that could arise.

Checking your MOT history is a simple and easy way to ensure that your vehicle is in good condition and safe to drive. It is also important to keep up-to-date with your vehicle’s maintenance, as this can help to avoid any expensive repairs or replacements in the future. If you have any questions about your MOT history or need any assistance, you can contact your nearest MOT centre or speak to a qualified mechanic.

What does our MOT History Checker include?

The MOT history checker will show you the date of your next MOT test, as well as the expiry date of your current certificate. It will also show you any advisories or failures from your previous MOT tests, along with the mileage at which they were recorded.

Is the MOT History check free to use?

Yes, the MOT history checker is free to use, and you can check as many vehicles as you like. We do not store any personal information about the vehicles that you check.

How often should I check my MOT history?

We recommend checking your MOT history before your vehicle’s next MOT test, to ensure that the information is up to date. You can also check your vehicle’s MOT status on the day of the test.

What do I need to know about my vehicle’s MOT history?

The most important thing to remember is that the MOT history is a record of the vehicle’s tests, and not a guarantee that the vehicle will pass its next MOT test. However, it can be a useful tool for identifying any potential problems with your vehicle.

If you have any further questions about the MOT history checker, please contact us.