MOT Check
Enter the vehicle registration to check the current MOT status of your vehicle.
Our MOT check service includes the current MOT expiry date, full list of advisories and any reasons for failure.
- Check MOT history instantly
- No sign up or account needed
- Official DVSA MOT data + CarTaxCheck Analysis
Included Data
Use this service to check the full MOT history of any vehicle for free:
- MOT test result (Pass or Fail)
- MOT test date
- MOT expiry date
- Mileage at time of testing
- Advisory notices issued (Items that may need fixing soon)
- Reasons for refusal (Why the vehicle failed)
Our MOT check service also highlights additional information over and above the standard DVSA MOT test data:
- Our MOT History Score
- MOT statistics like pass rate and advisory count
- Warnings for vehicles with high failure rates
- Warnings for serious issues like oil leaks
Just enter the vehicle registration to check the MOT history of any UK vehicle.
Get an MOT CheckWhy should I check a vehicle's MOT history?
MOT Check for Used Car Buyers
Buying a used car? Use MOT history to spot warning signs.
Has this vehicle been well maintained?
An MOT check gives you a surprisingly detailed history of the vehicle’s maintenance. While it doesn't replace a physical inspection, it's easy to see if previous owners have had repairs carried out in a timely manner, or left problems unfixed for years at a time.
If the same issue has been left unfixed year after year, it could be a sign that the previous keepers might not have been great at keeping up with general maintenance and servicing.
Are there any red flags or previous mechanical issues?
Some issues are always worth looking into further, even if it looks like they've been fixed straight away. If there have been any oil leaks and other serious mechanical issues, it's a good idea to get a detailed inspection or proof of repair to a high standard before proceeding. It could save you a large repair bill.
MOT Check for Sellers
Selling a car? Here’s what buyers will see.
Have I fixed the issues from my last MOT?
More and more buyers are checking MOT history when looking at used vehicles for sale. Many buyers will treat your MOT advisories and failures as a checklist of what to inspect.
Although it's not always reasonable to fix every single problem, working through any minor issues is well worth doing rather than giving any buyers cause for concern.
Are there any errors in the DVSA database?
It's actually surprisingly common to find errors in the MOT history of a vehicle. Over 450 incorrect MOT certificates are recorded daily in the UK. These could be down to the mileage being entered incorrectly, or simply a mistake by the MOT tester.
It's usually straightforward to get a mistake on your MOT certificate corrected, but it takes time, and you could put off potential buyers if it looks like the vehicle has been clocked or there are any other discrepancies that raise alarm bells. It's much easier to get ahead of these and get any mistakes corrected in advance.
45,061 vehicles checked on cartaxcheck.co.uk in July 2026 had a mileage discrepancy in their MOT history.
Many of these could be removed by the test centre or the DVSA if they are confirmed to be errors.
MOT Check for Vehicle Owners
Keep up to date and avoid missing your MOT renewal date.
When does my MOT expire?
MOT reminders aren't issued by the DVLA automatically in the same way they are for vehicle tax. This can often catch people out who inadvertently end up driving on the road without realising their MOT has expired.
Our MOT check service allows you to instantly find out when your MOT expires, and also set up free reminders.
We monitor over 60,000 vehicles for our customers as of July 2026.
Our users get free MOT reminders for any vehicles they add to their account.
What did my car fail on last time?
When it's time for your MOT, it's well worth looking over your last MOT and reviewing any problems that were raised previously.
Advisory notices can soon become reasons for refusal, especially when it comes to consumables like tyres, brake pads or wiper blades.
You could opt to fix these ahead of time to make your next MOT go smoothly and avoid your vehicle being stuck in the garage any longer than it needs to be.
2,797 three-year-old vehicles checked on cartaxcheck.co.uk in July 2026 failed their first MOT.
Many of these are minor issues like lights or tyres that could have easily been avoided.
Common MOT Failures
In July 2026, we checked MOT details for over 800,000 vehicles.
21% of vehicles failed at least one MOT test on lights.
19% of vehicles failed at least one MOT test on tyres.
1 in 10 vehicles we checked had an oil leak recorded during their MOT history.
Our statistics come from real-world data from users completing vehicle checks on cartaxcheck.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an MOT?
Most vehicles over three years old (four years old in Northern Ireland) require an MOT every year to ensure they are roadworthy and meet the minimum legal requirements.
During the test, brakes, tyres, suspension, lights, seat belts, emissions, and a list of other items are checked.
How do I check my MOT?
Simply enter your vehicle registration to check your MOT expiry date for free.
You can also view the full MOT & Mileage history of your vehicle as part of the MOT check.
Why is my MOT expiry date incorrect?
It can sometimes take up to 5 days for the MOT expiry date to be updated after you present your vehicle for testing.
After 5 days, you should find that the MOT expiry date updates, but if it doesn't you should contact the DVLA directly.
Can I drive my vehicle if it fails an MOT?
You can drive your vehicle if your current MOT certificate is still valid, providing that no 'dangerous' defects were found during the test.
More information is available from the GOV.UK Getting an MOT page.
How do I correct a mileage error on my MOT certificate?
If the MOT test was completed less than 28 days ago, ask the MOT test centre to check the mileage. They will be able to correct any errors and issue a replacement certificate.
If the test was more than 28 days ago, you'll need to report a mistake to the DVLA.
How do I report a vehicle with no MOT?
You should contact your local police to report a vehicle with no MOT. Only vehicles being used on the road should be reported.
Abandoned vehicles should be reported to your local council instead.
Is my vehicle exempt from an MOT?
Most vehicles only require an MOT at 3 years old. Vehicles over 40 years old are also exempt.
Other vehicles that don't require an MOT include goods vehicles powered by electricity (if registered before 1 March 2015), tractors and some classic vehicles.
Booking Your MOT Test
Most vehicles require an MOT 3 years after the original registration date.
For vehicles over 3 years old, you are required to present your vehicle for testing every year. There are some exceptions to this and it's important to check the MOT GOV fees table if you're not sure.
The maximum fine for driving without a valid MOT is £1,000.
If you're not sure when your current test certificate expires, use the MOT check service above to check the details held by the DVLA.
There are different requirements for vehicles registered in Northern Ireland. Visit the nidirect.gov.uk service for a full list of MOT requirements for vehicles registered in Northern Ireland.
Book Your MOTWhat's checked during the MOT test?
The DVLA has some helpful guidance that explains which parts of your vehicle are inspected during an MOT test.
For a full list of requirements for class 3, 4, 5 & 7 vehicles, check the MOT Inspection Manual.
Vehicles over 40 years old no longer require an MOT test provided they haven’t been modified significantly.
More information on the latest MOT developments is available from the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Get an MOT Check