Checking your MOT status online is one of the easiest ways to find out whether your vehicle currently has a valid MOT and when the certificate expires. It is also useful when buying a used car, because the MOT history can show previous test results, recorded mileage, defects and advisories.
The official GOV.UK service allows you to check a vehicle’s MOT status using its registration number. You can also view its previous MOT history through the government service.
In this guide, we explain how to check your MOT status and history, what information you can find, what to look for when buying a used vehicle, and what to do if your MOT has expired or your vehicle has failed its test.
What Is an MOT Check?
An MOT check lets you find out whether a vehicle has a valid MOT certificate and when the current MOT expires.
You normally only need the vehicle’s registration number to use the official GOV.UK service.
An MOT check can be useful for:
• Checking when your own MOT expires
• Making sure you do not miss your annual test
• Checking a vehicle before buying it
• Reviewing previous MOT results
• Looking for recurring defects or advisories
• Checking the mileage recorded during previous tests
The MOT status service and MOT history service are separate GOV.UK tools, so it is worth using both when you are researching a vehicle.
How to Check Your MOT Status Online
Checking your MOT status only takes a few steps.
Step 1: Open the Official GOV.UK MOT Checker
Visit the official GOV.UK MOT status checker:
This government service tells you whether the vehicle has an MOT certificate and when it expires. You will need the vehicle’s registration number.
Step 2: Enter the Registration Number
Enter the vehicle’s number plate exactly as it appears on the vehicle.
You do not normally need to enter your name, address or other personal information to check the MOT status.
Step 3: Check the MOT Expiry Date
The service will show whether the vehicle has an MOT certificate and the date it runs out.
If the MOT is approaching its expiry date, you can arrange the next test in advance.
Step 4: Review the MOT History
If you want more information, use the GOV.UK MOT history service:
The history can show previous test results, mileage and details of defects and advisories. For cars, motorcycles and vans in Great Britain, records are available for tests carried out from 2005 onwards.
What Information Can You See in an MOT Check?
An online MOT check gives you useful information about the vehicle’s current MOT position.
Depending on the service you use, you can find:
• Current MOT status
• MOT expiry date
• Previous MOT test results
• Pass and fail records
• Mileage recorded during tests
• Defects recorded during failed tests
• Advisory items
• Current and previous MOT certificates
For vehicles tested in England, Scotland or Wales, the MOT history service can also show where each test was carried out when the relevant information is available.
How to Check MOT History
An MOT history check is particularly useful when you are considering buying a used vehicle.
Visit the official GOV.UK MOT history checker:
You can then review previous MOT records and look for patterns over time.
Check the Previous MOT Results
Do not only look at whether the most recent test was a pass.
Look at several previous tests and consider:
• How often the vehicle has failed
• What caused previous failures
• Whether the same problem has appeared repeatedly
• Whether there are recurring advisories
• How the recorded mileage has changed between tests
A single advisory does not automatically mean that a vehicle is in poor condition. However, repeated problems in the same area may be worth investigating before buying the vehicle.
How Far Back Does MOT History Go?
For cars, motorcycles and vans, the GOV.UK MOT history service provides records for tests carried out from 2005 onwards in Great Britain.
For other vehicle categories, the available history can differ.
If you are checking a vehicle before buying it, reviewing the available history can help you understand how it has performed during previous MOT tests.
Why Check MOT History Before Buying a Used Car?
An MOT history check should be one part of your used-car research.
The government recommends checking the vehicle’s MOT status and history before buying a used vehicle.
Repeated MOT Failures
Several failures over a short period may indicate that the vehicle has had ongoing maintenance issues.
Recurring Advisories
An advisory does not necessarily mean the vehicle is unsafe, but repeated advisories can highlight components that may need attention.
Mileage Records
Compare the recorded mileage across different MOT tests.
Large or unusual changes may deserve further investigation before you buy the vehicle.
Recent Major Repairs
If the vehicle recently failed and then passed after repairs, look at what caused the original failure.
The MOT history can give you useful background, but it should not replace a proper vehicle inspection.
MOT Check vs Vehicle History Check
An MOT history check is not the same as a full vehicle history check.
An MOT Check Can Show
- MOT status
- MOT expiry date
- Previous MOT results
- Mileage recorded during tests
- Defects
- Advisories
- MOT certificates
A Separate Vehicle History Check May Show
Depending on the provider, a vehicle history report may include information such as:
• Outstanding finance
• Insurance write-offs
• Stolen vehicle records
• Previous ownership information
• Import or export history
If you are buying a used car, an MOT history check is useful, but you should consider the vehicle’s wider history, documentation and physical condition as well.
When Does a Vehicle Need an MOT?
Most vehicles need their first MOT by the third anniversary of their registration and then generally every year. Some vehicle types have different requirements.
You can check your vehicle’s MOT expiry date online through the official GOV.UK MOT status service:
https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-status
If your MOT is due soon, it is worth arranging the test before the current certificate expires.
Can You Drive Without a Valid MOT?
Generally, you cannot drive or park a vehicle on a public road if its MOT has expired.
There are limited exceptions, including travelling to a pre-arranged MOT test or to a place of repair, and the vehicle must still meet the required standards of roadworthiness.
GOV.UK states that you can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT. Always check the current government guidance if you are unsure whether you can legally drive the vehicle.
What Happens If a Vehicle Fails Its MOT?
If a vehicle fails its MOT, the test result will explain the defects identified.
Some defects may be classed as major or dangerous, while other items may be listed as minor defects or advisories.
If dangerous defects are recorded, you may not be allowed to drive the vehicle until the problems have been repaired. If the current MOT is still valid and there are no dangerous defects, there are circumstances where you can take the vehicle away, but it must remain roadworthy.
If your vehicle fails, the sensible next step is to understand exactly what failed and arrange the necessary repairs.
What Should You Check Before an MOT?
Although an MOT test is carried out by an authorised test centre, there are some basic things you can check beforehand.
Check Your Lights
Make sure headlights, brake lights, indicators and other exterior lights are working.
Check Your Tyres
Look for obvious damage and make sure the tyres are properly inflated. Check the tread and condition before the test.
Check Your Windscreen
Make sure your windscreen is clean and check for cracks or damage that could affect visibility.
Check Your Wipers and Washers
Wipers should work properly and washers should provide sufficient screen wash.
Check Warning Lights
If warning lights remain illuminated on the dashboard, have the underlying problem investigated rather than simply resetting the light.
Check Your Registration Plates
Make sure your registration plates are clean, secure and clearly readable.
These checks cannot guarantee a pass, but they can help you identify obvious problems before taking the vehicle for its MOT.
What Does an MOT Test Check?
An MOT checks important parts of a vehicle to make sure they meet legal safety and environmental standards.
Depending on the vehicle, the test covers areas such as:
• Brakes
• Steering
• Suspension
• Tyres and wheels
• Lights
• Seat belts
• Windscreen and visibility
• Exhaust and emissions
• Body and vehicle structure
The MOT is not a complete mechanical health check. For example, GOV.UK explains that the MOT does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.
This is important when buying a used vehicle: a valid MOT does not mean every mechanical component is in perfect condition.
What Is the Difference Between an MOT and a Service?
An MOT and a vehicle service have different purposes.
MOT
An MOT is a regulated test that checks whether the vehicle meets the required safety and environmental standards at the time of testing.
Vehicle Service
A service is maintenance designed to keep the vehicle operating reliably and to identify or prevent mechanical problems.
A vehicle can have a valid MOT and still require servicing or repairs.
For MOT testing, servicing and repairs in London and Surrey, visit:
https://22motors.co.uk/servicing-and-repairs/
What If Your MOT Has Expired?
If you discover that your MOT has expired, do not simply continue driving the vehicle as normal.
Check the current GOV.UK guidance and arrange the required MOT test.
If the vehicle needs repairs before or after the test, use a qualified repair provider to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
For MOT testing, pre-MOT checks and MOT-related repairs in London and Surrey, visit:
https://22motors.co.uk/dvsa-approved-mot-centre-london-surrey/
What Happens After an MOT Failure?
If your vehicle fails, you should review the defects listed on the MOT result.
Depending on the circumstances, the vehicle may need repairs before it can be safely driven.
Once the necessary repairs have been completed, the vehicle may need a retest. GOV.UK explains that retest arrangements and fees can depend on where the repairs are carried out and how quickly the vehicle is returned for testing.
If you disagree with an MOT result, there is also an official DVSA appeal process. GOV.UK advises discussing the result with the test centre before repairs are carried out if you intend to appeal.
How 22 MOTORS™ Can Help After an MOT Check
Checking your MOT status is only the first step if the vehicle needs attention.
If your MOT is due, your vehicle has failed its test, or you want to address problems before testing, 22 MOTORS™ provides MOT testing, servicing and vehicle repairs across London and Surrey.
Our services include:
• Class 4 MOT testing
• Class 5 MOT testing
• Class 7 MOT testing
• Pre-MOT checks
• MOT failure repairs
• Brake repairs
• Suspension repairs
• Exhaust and emissions repairs
• Vehicle servicing
• Diagnostics
Learn more about 22 MOTORS™ MOT testing:
MOT Status and History FAQs
How do I check my MOT status online?
Use the official GOV.UK MOT status checker:
Enter the vehicle registration number to see the current MOT status and expiry date.
Can I check my MOT history for free?
Yes. You can use the official GOV.UK MOT history service to view available previous MOT records:
https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history
What information do I need to check an MOT?
You normally need the vehicle’s registration number to check its MOT status or history.
How far back can I check MOT history?
For cars, motorcycles and vans in Great Britain, MOT records are available from 2005 onwards.
Can I check the MOT history before buying a used car?
Yes. Checking the MOT history is a useful step when researching a used vehicle. GOV.UK recommends checking the vehicle’s MOT status and history before buying.
Does a valid MOT mean the car is mechanically perfect?
No. An MOT checks specific safety and environmental requirements. It is not a full mechanical inspection or vehicle service. GOV.UK notes, for example, that the MOT does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.
What should I do if my vehicle fails its MOT?
Read the defects listed on the MOT result and arrange the necessary repairs. Depending on the defects and whether the existing MOT remains valid, you may or may not be able to drive the vehicle away from the test centre.
Can I drive if my MOT has expired?
Generally, no. There are limited exceptions, such as travelling to a pre-arranged MOT test or to a place of repair, subject to the vehicle meeting the required roadworthiness standards.
Can I get an MOT before the current one expires?
Yes. In most cases, you can get an MOT up to one month minus one day before the current MOT expires and keep the same renewal date.
Final Thoughts
Checking your MOT status regularly makes it easier to keep track of your vehicle’s MOT expiry date and avoid missing the annual test. The official GOV.UK services also allow you to review previous MOT results, mileage and recorded defects, making an MOT history check particularly useful when buying a used vehicle.
If your vehicle needs an MOT, pre-MOT inspection or repairs following a failure, 22 MOTORS™ can help with MOT testing, servicing and repairs across London and Surrey:
