How to check an MOT

To check an MOT in Great Britain you normally only need the vehicle registration number (number plate). You do not need the log book (V5C) for a basic status or history lookup, though you may need other documents if you are buying a car or arranging a test.

MOT testing rules and online services differ in Northern Ireland. This guide focuses on MOTs in England, Scotland and Wales unless stated otherwise. For NI, check the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) guidance on nidirect.gov.uk.

MOTCheckers is an independent service and is not affiliated with DVSA, DVLA or the UK government. We present MOT data to help you understand a vehicle’s test record; for legal requirements, rely on GOV.UK MOT guidance.

DVSA publishes MOT test data that drivers can access online. The official check MOT history service on GOV.UK lets you see whether a test is in date, the expiry date, and previous results where records exist.

Official checks are useful when you want a direct link to government-hosted information. Keep in mind that wording and layout may change when GOV.UK updates its services.

On MOTCheckers, enter the registration on the free MOT checker and open the vehicle report. The status section shows whether the MOT is valid or expired and highlights the expiry date when a certificate is in force.

Scroll the timeline for past tests. You can review passes and fails, MOT advisories, failures, and mileage recorded at each test. For a focused view, try the MOT status or MOT history check tools.

If you are comparing cars, run the same check for each registration and note expiry dates, recent fails, and advisory patterns. Our guide on checking MOT before buying a used car walks through what to look for.

If the MOT is valid, note the expiry date and plan ahead. You can usually book a new test up to one month before expiry while keeping the same renewal date — see how long an MOT lasts.

If the MOT has expired, do not assume you can drive as normal. Limited exceptions may apply (for example driving to a pre-booked test), but the rules are strict. Read what happens if an MOT expires and can you drive without an MOT before you take the car on the road.

If history shows failures or mileage that does not add up, treat that as a prompt for further checks — a garage inspection, questions to the seller, or additional history products beyond MOT records alone.