Independent MOT lookup tool — not affiliated with DVSA or gov.uk.
GB
MOTCHECKER Independent MOT Lookup & Info
MOT Lookup Pre-MOT Checklist Cost Estimator Guides Rules & Fines About Us Privacy Policy Terms of Service
Independent lookup tool — not affiliated with DVSA or gov.uk

Check UK Vehicle MOT Status & History

Look up MOT expiry dates, past test results and advisory items for any UK vehicle — all in one place.

GB

Free instant check for UK-registered cars, vans and motorcycles.

Pass First Time

Most Common MOT Failure Categories

Many MOT failures can be avoided with simple checks before you book.

Lamps, reflectors & electricals

Blown bulbs, cracked headlights or faulty number-plate lights are the most common reason cars fail.

Suspension & steering

Potholes frequently cause leaking shock absorbers or damaged coil springs. Listen for suspension noise before booking.

Tyres & tread depth

Legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters. Check with a 20p coin.

Estimate Only

Estimate Your Pre-MOT Cost

Tick any known symptoms to estimate likely repair costs.

(Estimates are approximate — actual prices vary by garage, vehicle and repair.)

Estimated Total £54.85

Standard MOT test fee (£54.85) + selected repairs

Pass likelihood: HIGH

Never forget your MOT expiry

Email reminder feature is currently in development.

(Coming Soon)

Reminders coming soon
MOT Guides

Helpful Reading Before Your Next Test

Short, plain-English guides to help you understand your MOT and keep your car road-legal.

Guide

Advisories vs Failures: What's the Difference?

An MOT certificate can carry two very different kinds of notes. A "failure" means a fault serious enough to stop your car passing outright, and it must be fixed before the car is legal to drive on the road again. An "advisory" flags something the tester noticed that isn't yet bad enough to fail the test — worn brake pads nearing their limit, for example, or a tyre with tread close to the legal minimum. Advisories are worth taking seriously because most of them become failures at the next test if left unattended.

More on MOT rules
Guide

Five Checks to Do at Home Before Booking

A handful of five-minute checks in your driveway can catch the faults that cause the most first-time fails. Walk around the car with the engine running and someone pressing the brake and indicator pedals so you can spot any bulb that's out. Check tyre tread with a 20p coin. Top up washer fluid and check the wipers clear the screen without smearing. Test the horn, and look underneath for any obvious fluid leaks. Together these checks account for a large share of avoidable failures every year.

See failure categories
Guide

Which Vehicles Are Exempt From an MOT?

Most cars, vans and motorcycles need an annual MOT once they turn three years old, but a small number of vehicles are exempt. Vehicles built or first registered more than 40 years ago are generally exempt from MOT testing, provided no "substantial changes" have been made to the chassis, body, axles or engine. Being exempt from the test doesn't remove the legal duty to keep the vehicle in a roadworthy condition at all times.

Check on gov.uk
Knowledge Base

UK MOT Rules, Fines & FAQs

Everything you need to know about Ministry of Transport testing standards.

In England, Scotland and Wales, a car needs its first MOT on the 3rd anniversary of registration. In Northern Ireland it's after 4 years. Ambulances, taxis and vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats need one after 1 year.

Driving without an MOT carries a fine of up to £1,000. Driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition can trigger a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points. Your insurance is also likely to be invalidated.

You can test up to a month (minus a day) before your current MOT expires and keep the same annual expiry date.

The maximum fee set for a standard car (Class 4) is £54.85. Garages often offer discounted online rates between £30–£45.

If your existing certificate is still valid and no 'dangerous' defects were logged, you can drive it to a repair facility. If 'dangerous' defects are recorded, driving it is illegal until repaired.

If you leave the car for repairs and it's re-tested within 10 working days, the re-test is free. If you take it away and return before the 10th working day, a partial re-test fee may apply.

Reminder: always check tyre load index before a test. Common failures include lighting issues and worn tyres. Vehicle data sourced via third-party MOT lookup API. Always verify records on the official gov.uk service. Reminder: always check tyre load index before a test. Common failures include lighting issues and worn tyres. Vehicle data sourced via third-party MOT lookup API. Always verify records on the official gov.uk service.