Check MOT History in UK

You can check your MOT due date online using our MOT history check tool. Simply enter your registration number, and you’ll see the expiry date and past MOT results instantly.

If your car fails its MOT, it’s classed as unsafe and you can’t drive it on the road, except to a garage for repairs or a booked MOT test. You’ll get a VT30 certificate explaining why it failed. The faults must be fixed, and then you can book a free partial retest (if done soon) or pay for a full test. Driving with dangerous faults can lead to big fines, a driving ban, and cancelled insurance.

To prepare for an MOT test, check basics like lights, tyres, wipers, mirrors, fluid levels, and seatbelts. Ensure your registration plate is clean and visible. Fixing small issues early improves your chance of passing the MOT test.

The most common reasons include faulty lights, worn tyres, brake problems, dirty windshields, and suspension issues. Many of these are simple fixes that can be addressed before the test to avoid failure.

The cost of an MOT depends on the vehicle type. The government sets maximum fees, but garages may charge less. For cars, the official maximum is £54.85, though many garages discount.

Your MOT expiry date may appear incorrect if recent test data hasn’t been updated or if the vehicle was tested too early. Check the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) service or contact the testing centre for clarification.

To fix a mileage mistake on your MOT certificate, first check if it was reported within 28 days of the test. If yes, contact the MOT centre to correct it. If more than 28 days have passed, email the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) at motreplacement[@]dvsa.gov.uk by providing evidence of the correct mileage.

If you see a car being driven without an MOT, report it to the police online or by calling 101 (non-emergency). Give them the car’s number plate, make, model, color, and where you saw it. The police will check, and the driver could be fined up to £1,000.

Some vehicles, such as historic vehicles registered over 40 years old and have not really been altered in the last 30 years, certain classic cars, and electric-powered goods vehicles, may be exempt. Always check the DVLA website to confirm if your vehicle qualifies for exemption.

The MOT checks vehicle safety, emissions, and roadworthiness. Key inspections include brakes, tyres, suspension, lights, seatbelts, mirrors, fuel system, and exhaust emissions. It ensures vehicles meet legal standards before continuing on UK roads.

Advisory notes highlight issues noticed during the MOT that aren’t serious enough to fail but may worsen. They warn drivers about potential repairs, helping them fix problems early before they become dangerous.

An MOT test checks if a vehicle is safe, fit for the road, and meets environmental rules. It looks at things like the body, brakes, lights, mirrors, steering, suspension, seatbelts, tyres, and emissions. The rules depend on the vehicle type: Class 3 is for small tricycles, Class 4 for most cars and light vans, Class 5 for larger passenger vehicles and ambulances, and Class 7 for goods vehicles weighing 3,001–3,500kg.

Vehicles over 40 years old are usually exempt if no substantial changes were made. Owners must still keep them safe and roadworthy. Some historic or heavily modified vehicles may still require annual testing.

An MOT test usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. However, if repairs are required, it may take longer. Always allow extra time when booking, especially if you need urgent fixes.

You can book an MOT through local garages, testing stations, or online. Enter your vehicle details, choose a suitable date, and confirm. Always book in advance, especially before peak renewal periods.

Yes, Smart Car Check’s car check reports show MOT status, road tax, and insurance validity. These checks help drivers and buyers confirm if a vehicle is legally allowed on UK roads.

A Class 3 MOT applies to three-wheeled vehicles weighing up to 450kg. These tests focus on ensuring safety, braking, and emissions standards are met so the vehicle remains legal for road use.

A Class 4 MOT covers most cars, vans under 3,000kg, and motorhomes. It checks roadworthiness, safety features, emissions, and basic compliance, ensuring everyday vehicles meet the legal standards to drive safely.

A Class 5 MOT is for larger passenger vehicles with more than 13 seats, like minibuses. The inspection ensures safety, emissions, and legal compliance for transporting multiple passengers securely on the road.

A Class 7 MOT applies to goods vehicles weighing between 3,000kg and 3,500kg. It focuses on road safety, emissions, and structural checks, ensuring commercial vans and trucks remain legal and roadworthy.