How to check your MOT status online

You can check whether your vehicle has a valid MOT by visiting the UK government's MOT checker at mot.service.gov.uk. You will need your registration number (the plate on your vehicle) and either your MOT test number or your vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is a 17-character code found on your registration document or on a plate under your bonnet.

The checker shows you the date your current MOT expires, what defects were recorded on your last test, and whether any advisories were noted. This takes about 30 seconds. If your MOT has expired, the checker will tell you that too — and you cannot legally drive the vehicle on a public road until you pass a new test, except to drive directly to a pre-booked MOT appointment.

If you cannot find your registration number or VIN, contact your local MOT testing station directly. They can look up your vehicle's history if you give them your name and address, though this may take a few days.

Key Takeaways

  • The government MOT checker at mot.service.gov.uk tells you your expiry date, defects, and whether your MOT is still valid using only your registration number.
  • An expired MOT means you cannot drive on public roads except to reach a pre-booked test appointment at an MOT station.
  • You can book an MOT test up to one month before your current certificate expires without losing time on your next renewal.
  • If your vehicle failed its last test, the checker shows which defects stopped it from passing, so you know what to fix before the next attempt.

What the MOT checker tells you about defects

When you look up your vehicle, the checker lists any defects found during your last test in three categories: dangerous, major, and minor. A dangerous defect means the vehicle failed the test when ready — you cannot drive it until that fault is fixed. A major defect also causes a fail, but the vehicle is roadworthy enough to drive to a garage for repair. A minor defect is noted for your information but does not cause a fail.

The checker also shows advisories — things that are not yet defects but are starting to wear. These are warnings to watch, not when ready problems. For example, an advisory might note that brake pads are getting thin, so you know to replace them soon.

If you see a dangerous or major defect listed, that is what you need to fix before your next test. Take the defect list to a garage and ask them to address those specific items. When you book your next MOT, mention that you have already had those faults repaired — the tester will pay particular attention to those areas.

When your MOT is about to expire

You can book a new MOT test up to one month before your current certificate runs out. Booking early does not lose you any time — your new certificate will still run for 12 months from the date your old one expired, not from the test date. This means if your MOT expires on 15 March and you test on 1 March, your next certificate will expire on 15 March the following year.

Most MOT stations let you book online or by phone. Search for "MOT test near me" or visit the government's MOT station finder at mot.service.gov.uk to see which stations are in your area and their availability. Booking a few weeks ahead usually gives you more choice of dates and times.

If you forget to book and your MOT expires, you must not drive the vehicle on a public road. The only exception is driving directly to a pre-booked MOT appointment. Driving an expired vehicle otherwise can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points on your licence.

What to do if your vehicle failed its last MOT

A failed MOT means your vehicle did not pass the test because of one or more dangerous or major defects. The test certificate will show exactly which defects caused the fail. You cannot drive the vehicle on a public road until those specific faults are fixed, except to drive it directly to a garage or MOT station for repair or retesting.

Once you have had the defects repaired, you can book a retest at the same MOT station or a different one. A retest usually costs less than a full test and focuses on the areas that failed. You do not have to wait any set time before retesting — you can do it the same day if the repairs are done and a slot is available.

If you are unsure whether a fault is serious enough to stop you driving to a garage, contact the MOT station that carried out the test. They can tell you whether the defect is dangerous (do not drive) or major (safe to drive to a repair shop).

Finding your MOT test number or VIN if you have lost it

If you do not have your MOT test number or VIN handy, you can find both on your vehicle registration document (the V5C). The VIN is a 17-character code listed under "Vehicle Identification Number". Your MOT test number appears on your MOT certificate itself.

If you have lost your MOT certificate, you do not need to replace it — the government's checker holds the record. You can look up your MOT status using just your registration number and VIN, or your registration number and test number. If you have lost all three pieces of information, contact your local MOT testing station with your name, address, and vehicle registration number, and they can retrieve your details from their records.

You can also contact the DVLA if you have lost your V5C registration document. They will send you a replacement, though this takes about a week.

Understanding MOT history and advisories

The MOT checker shows your vehicle's test history for the last four years. This is useful if you are buying a used car — you can see how many times it has been tested, whether it has failed tests, and what defects have been recorded over time. A pattern of the same defect appearing year after year suggests a recurring problem that may be expensive to fix.

Advisories are not failures, but they are worth taking seriously. If the same advisory appears on multiple years of tests — for example, "brake pad thickness approaching minimum" — it means that issue is getting worse and you should have it checked by a mechanic soon. Ignoring advisories can lead to major defects in the next test.

If you are selling your vehicle, the buyer can see this same history. A clean MOT record with no major defects and few advisories is a selling point. If your vehicle has a history of failures or recurring defects, be honest about it and have those faults fixed before selling if you want the best price.

What happens if the MOT checker shows no record

If you search for your vehicle and the checker finds no record, it usually means one of three things: the registration number is wrong, the vehicle has never been MOT tested, or the vehicle is exempt from MOT testing.

Most vehicles must have an MOT from three years old onwards. Some vehicles are exempt — for example, historic vehicles over 40 years old, some agricultural vehicles, and certain mobility aids. If your vehicle is exempt, you will not find it on the checker, but you can still drive it legally without an MOT (though you should still maintain it safely).

If your vehicle is three years old or older and should have an MOT but does not appear on the checker, double-check your registration number. If it is correct and still no record appears, contact your local MOT station — the vehicle may be in their system but not yet uploaded to the national database, which can take a few days after a test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my car if my MOT has expired?

No, except to drive directly to a pre-booked MOT appointment. Driving an expired vehicle on a public road otherwise is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points. If you are stopped by police, you must show proof of a booked appointment to avoid the penalty.

How far in advance can I book my next MOT?

You can book an MOT test up to one month before your current certificate expires. Testing early does not shorten your next certificate — it will still run for 12 months from your current expiry date, not from the test date.

What is the difference between a major and minor defect?

A major defect causes an MOT fail and means you cannot drive the vehicle on a public road until it is fixed, except to a garage or MOT station for repair. A minor defect does not cause a fail and does not stop you driving, but it should be monitored and fixed soon.

Do I need to keep my MOT certificate?

No. The government's MOT checker holds the official record, so you do not need to keep the paper certificate. However, keeping it can be useful for your own records or if you are selling the vehicle and want to show the buyer proof of the test date.

What if I lost my registration number?

Your registration number is on your vehicle's number plate and on your V5C registration document. If you have lost both, contact the DVLA and they will send you a replacement registration document. You can also contact your local MOT station with your name and address, and they can look up your vehicle's details.