In the UK, it’s a legal requirement for a vehicle to have a valid MOT certificate, yet many drivers on the road ignore this obligation. A DVLA MOT history check ensures a car is roadworthy and meets UK law’s minimum safety and environmental standards. A questionable MOT details of a vehicle can indicate that it may need costly repairs in the future, even if it currently has a valid MOT status. It’s worth noting that a car without an MOT cannot be taxed or insured by its owner.
Conducting a DVLA MOT check is crucial for purchasing a used car. It can give you an idea of the car’s overall condition and whether it’s been properly maintained by its previous keepers. A vehicle without a valid MOT certificate should not be considered roadworthy and may be unsafe to drive. Reviewing the MOT history can help you avoid potential safety issues and costly repairs, ensuring you make an informed and safe purchase.
What does our DVLA MOT history check report include?
Our free total car check provides a wealth of information to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a used car. In addition to providing details on road tax status and SORN, our free total car check also includes a comprehensive MOT history check.
With our MOT history check, you can find out the following:
- Whether the vehicle has passed or failed any MOT tests
- The precise mileage recorded at the time of each MOT test (based on Ministry of Transport data)
- The date of each test and the mileage between tests
- Which parts failed each MOT test, including minor mechanical issues
- Any advisory notes from the MOT test, which indicate car parts that were worn and due for replacement in the near future (usually within the next 12 months or at the time of the next vehicle check test)
Our MOT details Check service sources this information directly from the DVLA database. Our service provides detailed information on any car registered in the UK that has undergone an MOT test since 2005.
A healthy MOT history indicates that a car has been well cared for by its former keepers. However, a history of failed MOT tests and numerous advisory notes could suggest a higher risk of mechanical issues and expensive repairs down the line.
Why is it essential to check MOT details on a car?
Checking a vehicle’s MOT history is essential before making a purchase. The annual MOT test ensures a car meets UK law’s minimum safety and environmental standards. Reviewing the MOT history, you can identify any issues or failures and get a sense of the vehicle’s maintenance history.
A valid MOT certificate is required to drive a vehicle on public roads. By conducting an MOT registration check, you can confirm that the car you’re interested in has passed its tests and met the necessary safety and environmental standards. It can also help you avoid potential safety issues or costly repairs by revealing recurring problems or patterns that may indicate poor maintenance.
What do they check during an MOT?
An MOT testing is an annual inspection that ensures your vehicle meets all necessary road safety and environmental standards. During the test, which typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, your vehicle undergoes a series of checks and tests. If repairs are needed, the testing process will take longer. During the inspection of your vehicle, they will look at the following:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Lights, including headlights, indicators, brake lights and hazard lights
- Steering and suspension
- Windscreen, wipers and washer bottle
- Seats and seatbelts
- Fuel system
- Bodywork, doors and mirrors
- Wheels and tyres
- Brakes
What happens if your vehicle doesn’t have a valid MOT?
In the UK, it is a legal requirement for vehicles to have a valid MOT (Ministry of Transport) certificate to be driven on public roads. If a car is driven without a valid MOT, the driver could be fined up to £2,500 and receive penalty points on their driving license.
In addition, driving without a valid MOT can invalidate your car insurance, leaving you liable for any damage or injuries you cause in an accident. This could lead to much higher costs than paying for an MOT and keeping your vehicle roadworthy.
It is essential to schedule regular MOT tests and ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy to comply with legal requirements and ensure the safety of yourself and other road users.
FAQ
1.How do you book MOT?
To book an MOT test, you can do so online through our partner site, Book MOT. They offer a convenient and easy-to-use platform for scheduling your MOT test appointment at an approved testing center near you.
2.Can you check MOT history online?
To see all MOT tests a vehicle has had in its lifetime, simply enter your registration number in our free MOT checker tool. Our service provides you with all the recorded mileage readings, and any advisory or failure notices reported by the tester during the MOT tests.
3.Can I drive if my car fails an MOT?
If your car fails its MOT, you cannot drive it on public roads once the necessary repairs have been made and it has passed a new MOT test. Driving a vehicle that has failed its MOT is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £2,500 and penalty points on your driving license.
4.Is my car exempt from an MOT?
In the UK, most vehicles must have their first MOT test at 3 years old and annually after that. However, vehicles over 40 years old are exempt from MOT testing. Additionally, some other types of vehicles don’t require an MOT. These include goods vehicles powered by electricity, as long as they were registered before 1 March 2015. Tractors and some classic vehicles may also be exempt from MOT testing.
5.How do I find out when my MOT is due?
Use our ni MOT checker tool above to quickly discover your MOT due date, or you can check the government website or your old MOT certificates to find out when your MOT expires.