Are you planning to buy a new car or recently purchased one? Well, the first thing you need to check MOT date. A valid MOT is a legal requirement that ensures the roadworthiness of your vehicle is always up to standard. Drivers must undertake a mandatory test annually to get their roadworthiness certificate.
As a driver, it’s essential to know how to check MOT test date so you don’t get slapped with a fine or, worse, have your car seized. In this article, we will guide you through how to check your MOT online.
MOT stands for Ministry of Transport. An MOT is an annual test conducted to assess vehicle safety, roadworthiness, and environmental standards.
Important: It is a legal requirement for most vehicles aged three years or older to undergo an MOT test.
During the MOT test, certified technicians examine various vehicle components, including brakes, lights, steering, suspension, tires, emissions, etc. The test aims to ensure that the vehicle meets the minimum safety and environmental impact standards set by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).
If a vehicle passes the MOT test, it receives a valid MOT certificate, usually good for one year from the test date.
The certificate confirms that the vehicle has met the necessary criteria during testing. Similarly, it assures that both the owner and potential buyers that the car is roadworthy and complies with the legal requirements.
It’s important to note that an MOT certificate does not guarantee the vehicle’s future condition or reliability. However, it only reflects the state of the car at the time of testing. Although, regular maintenance and servicing are still essential to ensure ongoing safety and performance.
RELATED: Sell My Car: DVLA Complete Guide
It is important to mention the legalities surrounding driving without an MOT if you are heading to a test centre with a booked appointment. In such cases, as long as you can provide proof of your appointment, you are generally allowed to drive your vehicle to the test centre.
However, this exception should not be used as an excuse to delay or ignore your MOT obligations. Getting your MOT done before it expires is always advisable to ensure legal compliance and prioritise road safety. Driving without a valid MOT certificate, even with a booking, can still result in penalties and compromise the safety of yourself and others on the road.
Failing to have a valid MOT certificate or driving a vehicle that does not meet the MOT standards can result in:
Therefore, it is crucial for vehicle owners to schedule and complete the annual MOT test to comply with the law, maintain road safety, and demonstrate responsible vehicle ownership.
Looking to upgrade your ride? Discover how much your vehicle is worth. It’s free and easy – and the cash offer will put a smile on your face!
Remember that checking your MOT online only provides information about the current MOT status of your vehicle. It does not provide details about the vehicle’s condition or any potential issues that may arise during the test. If you have concerns about your car’s roadworthiness, we recommend further testing or visiting a mechanic.
Checking your MOT status regularly is crucial, as driving without a valid MOT can lead to legal penalties and may affect your vehicle insurance. By staying up to date with your MOT, you demonstrate responsible vehicle ownership and ensure the safety and compliance of your car on the road.
The easiest way to check your MOT test date is online. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) provide an online portal where you can check my MOT status.
To check your MOT history, take note of the 11-digit reference number from your car’s V5C registration certificate.
Go to the DVSA’s MOT tool page and enter your reference and vehicle registration numbers. The site will then display information about your car’s MOT status, test centre details, and the date and mileage of your last MOT test.
Checking MOT online is a relatively simple process, saving you much time instead of visiting an MOT testing centre.
RELATED: What Happens if your Car Fails an MOT?
If you don’t have internet access, the next best way to check your MOT test date is by sending a simple text. All you need to do is send an SMS to 78888, with the message “MOT,” followed by a space and the vehicle registration number.
In response, you will receive a text message from the DVSA with your vehicle’s MOT status and the expiry date. The SMS method to check MOT history is quick, easy, and provides the required information on your car’s MOT status within seconds.
If you prefer to talk to a human being or don’t like sending text messages, you can call the MOT enquiry line on 0300 123 9000. To check MOT on car by phone, you will need to provide your vehicle registration number to the agent, and they will give you the MOT test date, MOT expiry date and provide you with more information about your vehicle’s MOT status.
If you need clarification about your vehicle’s MOT status and none of the above methods works, you can always check MOT on car in person at your local MOT testing centre.
The list of MOT testing centres is available on the DVSA’s website. Equaully important, it will be able to check your MOT test status and give you all the information you need about when your MOT date is due.
As a driver, it’s your responsibility to make sure your vehicle undergoes regular MOT testing. Failing to do so could result in a fine or even having your car seized. Checking your MOT status is a straightforward process which you can do online, via text, by phone or by visiting an MOT testing centre.
So, the next time you need to find out when your car’s MOT is due, use one of these methods and stay on the right side of the law.
Looking to upgrade your vehicle? Discover how much your car is worth. It’s free and easy – and the cash offer will put a smile on your face!
Most vehicles aged three years or older are required to have a valid MOT certificate. However, there are some exemptions for certain types of vehicles, such as electric vehicles and historic vehicles.
In general, vehicles need to undergo an MOT test once a year. The first MOT is required after three years of vehicle registration, and subsequent tests are required annually.
A: MOT tests can only be conducted at authorised MOT testing centres. As a rule, these centres have certified technicians and the necessary equipment to perform the inspection.
During the MOT test, various components and systems of the vehicle are examined, including brakes, lights, steering, suspension, tires, emissions, and more. The aim is to ensure the vehicle meets the minimum safety and environmental standards.
If your vehicle fails the MOT test, you will receive a VT30 certificate outlining the reasons for the failure. You must address the identified issues and rebook a new test to obtain a valid MOT certificate.
Your potential buyer expects at least 3 months before your MOT expires. Indeed, we recommend obtaining a fresh MOT certificate before selling your car.
It’s recommended that you request a fresh MOT done before agreeing to purchase a car. This best practice ensures your legal rights as an owner and the car’s roadworthiness.
Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate, if required, is illegal and can result in penalties, fines, and invalidation of insurance. Please note that having a valid MOT certificate is essential to comply with the law.
A valid MOT certificate has a validity period of one year from the test date. It signifies that the vehicle met the necessary standards during testing.
Yes, you can check the MOT status of a vehicle online. This allows you to verify the validity of the MOT certificate and review the test results.
No, an MOT certificate reflects the vehicle’s condition at the time of testing. However, it does not guarantee the future reliability or condition of the vehicle. Consequently, regular maintenance and servicing are still necessary to ensure ongoing safety and performance.
A car is a complex assembly of more than 30,000 parts. It is basically a maze of components, each with its own unique function. So, covering all car anatomy in a single blog post is impossible. What we’ll do today is try to understand the primary parts of a car you must recognise as a […]
Despite the increasing number of average speed cameras, many people still misunderstand how they operate. This has led to confusion and frustration among motorists who believe they’ve been unfairly fined. Let’s dispel these 8 myths about how do average speed cameras work. 1. Single Average Speed Camera Can Catch You Many believe that […]
Selling your car in the UK can involve some confusion, especially when it comes to the change of ownership. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process in 8 simple steps, whether you’re selling privately, to a dealer through Exchange My Car, or even scrapping your car. We’ll also cover the details of online […]
If you’re planning on driving in London’s Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) or Clean Air Zones (CAZ) in Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth, Sheffield, or Tyneside, you might need a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to avoid fees and fines. But what is a Certificate of Conformity? What does it show? How do you obtain a duplicate […]
Whether you’re upgrading to a newer model or simply looking to declutter your driveway, the process of car selling requires careful planning. Unfortunately, many sellers make the same old common mistakes when selling a car. This can lead to lost time and diminished profits. In this blog post, we’ll highlight 8 mistakes that car sellers […]
The national speed limit on a single-carriageway road, also known as a rural or country road, is between 50 and 60 mph for different types of vehicles. However, 60 mph is the highest you can go on a single road in any type of vehicle. Despite a lower speed limit than dual carriageway roads and […]
25% of all engine failures are attributed to negligence in changing engine coolant. Similarly, 95% of radiators fail due to old or contaminated coolant. This simple yet effective mixture of glycol and water is an integral fluid used to cool any internal combustion engine. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the reasons why your engine […]
According to a recent survey, one-third of all road deaths in the UK are caused by overspeeding. That’s where a speed limiter can play the role of a lifesaver. As per the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), the speed limiters would reduce accidents by 30%, saving around 25,000 lives in the next 15 years. But […]
A faulty alternator can damage other electrical components of your car. Plus, it’s a safety hazard as a failing alternator can dim the headlights of your car, leading to compromised visibility. Let’s discover the common signs of a faulty alternator and alternator replacement cost in this blog post. Along with that, we’ll also discuss why […]
The cost to replace a head gasket in the UK is between £284 and £2,946 with an average of £585. It’s one of the most expensive replacements and the most interesting one as well. The seal for the head gasket costs less than £100 in most cases. However, it is a labour-intensive replacement. So, the […]
A recent survey by Kwik Fit found that battery failure is the most common cause of car breakdown in the UK. More than 17% of all issues faced by car owners were battery-related. However, only 4% of them were worried about battery failure. So, by understanding how long do car batteries last, you can avoid […]
The ULEZ fine for all kinds of cars (petrol & diesel cars), vans, motorcycles, motor tricycles, mopeds, motor caravans, ambulances, and minibuses is £180 and comes with a 28-day payment deadline. If you pay the ULEZ fine within the first 14 days, it comes down to £90. But if you don’t pay it even until […]
Euro NCAP testing has saved more than 78,000 lives since its inception in 1997. Plus, its ratings have a huge impact on the sales and popularity of cars sold in the UK. But what do these ratings mean? And do they really carry weight? Plus, how these rating are going to shape a future with […]
AWD vs RWD vs FWD vs 4WD: the choice of transmission in your car can influence everything from fuel efficiency, driving experience, and handling to overall safety. It can be difficult to choose between these types of transmissions because most differences are so subtle that they are very hard to notice. In this guide, we’ll […]
With nearly 31% of British vehicles now equipped with dash cams, it’s clear these devices are becoming essential for many drivers. But how do dash cams work exactly? This comprehensive guide will delve into the world of dash cams, covering everything from their functionality to legal considerations and purchasing advice. Let’s get started! What […]
More than 70% of people in the UK still drive a manual car. Similarly, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) stats show that more people take their test in manual cars. So, if you’re new to manual transmissions or are usually used to driving an automatic car, don’t worry. Our guide offers a side-by-side comparison […]
The UK is experiencing a surge in electric vehicle adoption, with over 1.1 million electric cars on the road as of March 2024, according to DVSA. More people now drive an automatic car. While manual transmissions have historically been favoured in the UK, the shift towards EVs has introduced a new norm: automatic transmissions, as […]
People have some big misconceptions when it comes to a Motability car! One is that Motability cars have specific markings; the other is that all adapted cars are potentially leased through the Motability scheme. While these things might be true, they are not foolproof methods to suggest that a car is part of the Motability […]
Suzuki has long boasted a stellar reputation for reliability, consistently topping reliability indices and surveys. But are Suzuki cars reliable enough? How often do Suzuki cars actually break down? And which Suzuki models are the most dependable? You’ve come to the right place if these questions have crossed your mind. This blog post will answer […]
Cars in the UK need to pay an annual Vehicle Exercise Duty (VED), more commonly known as road tax, in order to legally circulate on the public road. The value of the fee depends on the car’s age, fuel type, tailpipe CO2 emissions, and engine capacity, with older or more polluting models typically being more […]