Free MOT status check

If your car doesn’t have a valid MOT, it cannot legally be driven, except:

• To an MOT testing centre for a re-test.
• To a garage, for essential MOT repairs.

Your car cannot be driven at all if the last MOT test highlighted any ‘dangerous faults’.

A car’s MOT history is the official record of MOT test results throughout its lifetime. This includes the dates of each test, whether it passed or failed, and any defects or advisories noted.

Please note: Many newer cars will not yet have an MOT history, as annual MOT testing only becomes compulsory once a vehicle reaches three years of age.

An MOT certificate is valid for one year from the test date.

Enter your registration into webuyanycar’s DVLA MOT check tool to find out when your current MOT expires.

If you have failed your MOT, you can continue to drive your vehicle as long as:

• Your previous MOT certificate is still in date.
• No ‘dangerous’ faults were highlighted during the failed test.
• If you do continue to drive after a failed MOT, the vehicle must still meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness.

If you are caught driving with a dangerous fault, you could be fined up to £2,500 and incur three penalty points on your licence – or even a driving ban.

Yes, you can drive your car until midnight on the date of expiry.

After this time, you cannot drive the vehicle unless you are driving directly to an approved MOT test centre for a pre-booked appointment, or to a garage for necessary repairs.

Remember, if your car has any ‘dangerous’ faults, it cannot be driven at all.

If your car has not yet been MOT tested (which is common for vehicles under three years old), there will be no MOT data to report.

Additionally, if your car has recently been MOT tested for the first time, it may take up to five days for the DVLA’s records to update.

Certain vehicles are eligible for MOT exemption, including:

• Vehicles under three years old: Annual MOT tests are only mandatory after the three-year mark.
• Classic cars over 40 years old: Many cars over 40 years old are also eligible for classic car tax exemption. However, this is not automatic, you must apply via the DVLA website.

During an MOT test, the mechanic will carry out a range of checks including:

• Electrical equipment.
• Steering.
• Tyres.
• Suspension.
• Brakes.
• Seat belts and seats.
• Exhausts and emissions.
• The mirrors, wipers, and windscreen.

• Clean the car and remove any debris and clutter.
• Clean the reg plate. (If it is not legible, your car could fail its MOT.)
• Check that all lights are working correctly.
• Check the tyre pressure.
• Ensure all fluids such as the screenwash, oil, and brake fluid are topped up.
• Test the horn.
• Ensure all mirrors are intact and secure.
• Check that the vehicle identification number (VIN) is visible on the car - and matches the VIN referenced in your V5C logbook.

Visit our full MOT checklist guide for a comprehensive list of pre-MOT checks.

An MOT usually takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete. However, it may take longer if additional repairs are required.

Yes, you can set up a text or email reminder for your next MOT via the DVLA website.

You cannot access this service if you live in Northern Ireland. Instead, you’ll receive a postal reminder seven weeks before your next MOT.

If you notice a mileage error on your MOT certificate and the test was completed less than 28 days ago, you should contact the relevant test centre.

They should be able to check the mileage, rectify any errors, and issue a replacement certificate.

However, if more than 28 days has elapsed, you need to report the issue to the DVLA by emailing motreplacement@dvsa.gov.uk.

• To get the recorded mileage amended, you’ll need to submit photographic evidence of the correct mileage, along with proof that the photo was taken on the day of the test.